Tag: Anambra State

By Ovat Abeng

The transition committee chairman of Onitsha South local government area of the Anambra State, Hon. Emeka Joseph Orji has emerged the winner of the 2023 Nigerian Local Government Merit Award – LOGMA as one of the best performing local government chairmen in Nigeria for surpassing his counterpart all over the federation in quality leadership through service delivery and accountability.

Hon Orji was bestowed with the prestigious award while receiveing his certificate as the winner of LOGMA 2023 alongside twenty-one other council chairmen in Nigeria by the Landmark Magazine at the at the conferment ceremony which  took place at Nigeria National Merit Award House, Maitama Abuja recently.

Speaking during the presentation of the awards, the  Board Chairman, Landmark Magazine, Chief Bayode Ojo stated that the award was designed to showcase the achievements of the Councils’ helmsmen and reward excellence in grassroots governance.

He congratulated all the award winners for making the final list after rigorous scrutiny through spot-checking of some of their executed projects to ascertain the veracity of their claims and went further to urge the awardees to continue to be the exceptional examples of sustainable growth at the grassroots and the country at large.

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He called on the federal government to initiate process that could lead to granting of financial autonomy to the local governments in the country to enable the leaders at the third tiers to deliver better on their mandates.

In his goodwill message at the well-attended event, the Honorable Minister of Special Duties & Inter-Governmental Affairs, Rt. Hon. Zaphaniah Bitrus Jisalo represented by Mrs Ehujoh Patience lauded the Councils’ Chairmen for the steadfast commitment to the advancement of their various communities.

He noted that the event was not only a celebration of the dedicated leaders who have tirelessly served the local governments, but also a testament to the enduring spirit of excellence and selfless commitment to public service that has defined our great nation.

The Minister called on the Councils helmsmen to be re-committed to the principle of good governance, accountability and service to the people, stating that through the principles, brighter future could be built for our beloved country.

Speaking after being conferred with the prestigious award, Hon. Emeka Orji applauded the organizer for recognizing his administration’s commitment following the remarkable strides recorded in localizing good governance and outstanding leadership role in helping to build a sustainable livable and prosperous smart council area amidst other numerous people-oriented programmes and projects in Onitsha South local government area.

While dedicating the award to his people of Onitsha South Council Area, Hon. Emeka expressed his happiness and satisfaction with the recognition but noted that he will feel more fulfill and accomplished when Onitsha South local government area is totally positively transformed and emphasized that the award would further only spur him to work harder in pursuing people-centred programmes.

Hon. Emeka reiterated his renewed commitment to work harder in delivering democracy dividends to the people of his council area and lauded the Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Soludo for giving the transition committee chairmen the opportunity and the necessary support and encouragement to work in the state thereby making it possible for him to qualify for the receive of the coveted award. He urged the Onitsha South residents to continue to support him and the governor to serve Ndi Anambra better.

By Ovat Abeng

Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo has flagged off for construction Chief Benito Ozigbo Drive-Umuezu Awovu-Uruokwe Village road, off old Enugu/Onitsha expressway, Enugwu Ukwu in Njikoka Local Government Area of the State.

The road flag off was preceded by an inspection tour as work has long commenced on it by the Contractor handling the project.

Performing the flag off ceremony, the Governor, reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to providing infrastructure across the state.

Soludo who was represented by the  Njikoka Local Government, Transition Committee, Chairman, Chief Clems Aguiyi, hailed private sector involvement and partnership with government in road construction across the six communities that make up the local government area.

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While pointing out that about 7 kilometres of road had been constructed so far under the arrangement, he expressed optimism that more of such projects would be completed in the nearest future.

He noted that the state government would continue to partner private sector to develop internal/rural roads, even as he called for concerted effort to beef up security to further attract projects.

The Traditional Ruler of Enugwu Ukwu, Igwe Ralph Ekpe, commended the state government for considering it worthy to embark on the project for public good and urged the contractor to adhere to work specifications.

Contributing,the Facilitator of the project, Chief Benito Ozigbo, represented by Nze Romanus Obeleagu, described the project as a dream come true after many years of routine palliative measures and praised the state government for its prompt intervention.

On their part, the Members representing Njikoka 1 and 2 State Constituencies, Hon Chidi Ibemeka and Jude Akpua, underscored the importance of unity of purpose in any society and called for more of such projects.

While the Chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) Njikoka Local Government Area, Chinedu Aniekwe, highlighted the state government’s call for public community private partnership and think home philosophy.

Deputy Chief of Staff, Chinedu Nwoye, also lent his voice to the state government’s policy of extending projects to every community in the state. The Managing Director, Regency And Gold Ltd, Chief Clems Nwafor, assured to give the point seven kilometre road the best of the standard.

While pledging to re construct structures affected in course of constructing the road, he assured of timely completion of the project before 25th December, 2023 to contribute to ease traffic congestion.

Some of the residents of the community including the Councillor, Enugwu Ukwu, Ward 3, Hon Ugezu Chidozie, noted that the project would open up the area for development and check erosion, urging the contractor to uphold high standard.

…Vows to end sexual harassment, extortion of students

By Ovat Abeng

Today, 5 December 2023, all roads led to the administration block of Chukwuemeka Odomegwu Ojukwu (COOU), Igbariam, Anambra State for the inauguration and thanksgiving service of the acting Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha, who officially resumed duty.

Among the attendees at the service were her son, Dr. Nelson Obinna Omenugha, who is also the Special Adviser to the State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, the State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-udeh, represented by Barrister Maxwell Udechukwu, National President of Anambra State Association of Town Union (ASATU), Barrister Titus Akpudo, Clergymen, lawmaker representing Anambra East at the State Assembly, Hon. Obi Nweke, member representing Idemili south state constituency, Hon. Ebuka Igwe, principal officers and staff of the institution and students.

In his handover remark, the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Prof. Greg Nwakoby, charged his successor not to depend solely on government subvention alone but to always reach out to blessed organizations and individuals for any form of assistance.

He said that the major challenge the institution is currently facing is the lack of adequate funds to settle workers salaries.

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Nwakoby, however, said what he is leaving financially behind will sustain the university for at least one year.

He said “I didn’t handover Ojukwu University to you. I only handover documents to you to continue from where I stopped. I wish to remind you that the interest of the University supercedes personal interest. I have no rift with any principal officers and staff of the institution throughout my reign in this institution.

“Today, I am leaving, I am not dying. I have returned back to my lecturing duty at the Faculty of Law, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka. Every leader is an agent of God and the essence of leadership is to convert raw materials to finished products and not to destroy.

“So I urged you to be courageous so as to move the University higher than the level it is.”

Prof Nwakoby, equally charged all the members of the university to work with the new acting VC cooperatively for the sake of peace and unity.

In her acceptance speech, Prof. Omenugha said her first major assignment is to end intimidation, extortion and sexual harassment of students, especially, the females by lecturers and other principal officers of the University.

She added that her administration will not welcome any form of gossiping and back-biting among staff of the institution.

She said that her time as Vice Chancellor will be marked by increased visibility and viability of the university.

The newly acting vice chancellor who also emphasized building a new moral code for students of the university and youths generally, also vowed to hit the ground running with her key reforms that are geared towards achieving a university of international best practice.

“There are challenges, but my vision is anchored on visibility and viability of the university and we are determined to take every step to ensure that Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu University experience remarkable increase in visibility and viability.

“I am going to run all-inclusive administration where everyone would be given equal opportunity and treatment without fear or favour,” she declared.

While promising not to disappoint the people of Anambra State on the appointment, Prof. Omenugha thanked the state governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo for finding her worthy of the position.

In his brief goodwill message, the Chairman of GSS Group, Mr. Ezenwa Chukwudi, said it was an excitement to have Prof. Omenugha as the acting VC of COOU, adding “We expect nothing less than excellent because she has displayed a high level of excellence in other positions she had occupied before and we have seen the passion she posses for this particular opportunity and I assure you all that she is going to make very good used of it for the benefit of Ndi-Anambra,”

The Paradise News reports that Prof. Omenugha is the first female to be appointed as acting VC of the University since it was established in 2000 under Anambra State law No. 13.

Omenugha was the Head of Mass Communication Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka before taking appointment as Commissioner for Education under the immediate past governor of the state, Chief Willie Obiano.

By Ovat Abeng

The protests in Nsugbe community in Anambra East Council Area of Anambra State on Monday over the killing of two of their youths on Monday took a new twist, with women of the communities saying they have identified the murderer of their children.

Hundreds of women of Nsugbe under the aegis of Umuada Nsugbe early the morning took to the streets of Nsugbe, to show solidarity with the families of two of their youths murdered by youths of their neighbouring Umueri community.

The two youths, Chukwurah Nweze and Chigozie Anyansi, were killed on the 22nd of November, in a violence that ensued between youths of both communities, which also resulted in gunshot injuries to five Umueri youths.

In the early hours of Monday, the Umuada Nsugbe, including the aged and the young converged in their numbers, on Monastery Junction, Ugwu-Enugwu, the exact spot where the youths were slain, to demonstrate their anger over the unfortunate incident.

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The women dressed in black, bore placards with various inscriptions such as ‘Say To No Injustice’, ‘Those Pursuing Nsugbe Should Be Warned’, ‘Enough is Enough Peace is the Option’, ‘Nsugbe is a Peace-loving Community’, ‘We are Known for Peace Not War’, ‘Government Intervene in Our Matter’, among others.

Chanting protest songs, the women lit candles and went in procession, first to Ilo Amagu Centre before proceeding to St John Catholic Church, Nsugbe, where they said prayers for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for God’s intervention in the matter.

Speaking after the protest, the Convener, Umuada Nsugbe, Hon. Eucharia Chinyere Attah, explained that they protested because they were in agony over the death of their two sons.

According to her, the Nsugbe are not known for war and as such are praying to God for intervention and to the government for justice.

“We are praying to God to help us and intervene in our plight and the oppression of our enemies. The termination of these two young blood is a crime too many. We, Nsugbe Umuada are asking the government to give the parents of these slain youths justice.

“Let all who love peace to join their voices to call on the appropriate authorities to ensure that our people get justice and that the death of these young men is not in vain,” she said.

Hon. Attah prayed that the death of the young men will bring about peace for Nsugbe community and wreck vengeance on all enemies of the community, who are bent on destroying their peace-loving community.

She said; “They have boasted that they are more powerful than us because they know that we are not warriors. We are not fighters, we are a peace-loving community and the most civil in this entire area. Maybe that’s why they are treating us like this.”

On her part, the President General of the Women Wing of Nsugbe Development Union, NDU, Lady Ngozi Emechetta, regretted that the crisis between Nsugbe and Umueri leading to the killing of their children, ought not to have been as they are like brothers and sisters.

She went down memory lane to recall how Nsugbe provided people of Umueri shelter and succour when they were attacked by neighbouring community, expressing regret that they would repay them with bloodshed.

“Most of us, our mothers are from Umueri, same as so many of them. Through mixed marriage, we are now interwoven.

“Even if it is a land issue, everyone should come to the table and iron it out because if we continue to fight, we may get to the point that we would be killing ourselves. The person that even killed our sons is married to one of our daughters. He is our in-law! So, you see why we are insisting that our neighbours should borrow a leaf from Nsugbe and maintain peace,” she said.

She maintained that by the protest, the Umuada Nsugbe are also appealing to their youths to be calm and allow peace to reign.

“With time, everything will come to normal, as long as government intervenes and does the needful. That’s why we are praying as Umuada Nsugbe, because we have no other to fight for us except God and we know he will rise on our behalf.

“We are only trying to show the government that we are not happy, so that they can expedite actions towards getting justice for our children,” Emechetta stressed.

It is now exactly 14 days since the murder of the two youths happened and our correspondent reports that there has been no news of any arrests made, although the State Government through the Office of the Deputy Governor, Dr Ifeanyichukwu Ibezim, has begun engagements with the leadership of both communities, towards finding lasting peace.

By Ovat Abeng

Amidst growing concern over the current outbreak of diphtheria across several Nigerian states, which has seen over 11,000 suspected cases, the Anambra State Government has commence a two-days residential training for it Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNO), to prevent a wide spread of diphtheria and other communicable diseases in the State.

Officers in charge (OIC), of Federal, State and Mission Health facilities in the State are also participants in the training.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike addressing journalists shortly after declaring the training open in Awka on Monday, emphasized the government’s steadfast response to the diphtheria outbreaks occurring in various states in Nigeria.

He said the Health Surveillance Officers are draw from the 21 local government areas of the State.

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According to the Commissioner, the training is to equipped them with preventive skill techniques on how they can go about to prevent a sudden outbreak of disease in their various council areas.

“Their responsibilities is to collect sample of any outbreak in their respective areas and notified the relevant ministry or agency for prompt action, especially, at this harmattan period, where some respiratory track infections could be high.

“This is the structure we used in fighting, when the State witnessed monkey pox, Lassa fever, yellow fever and measle. We used the measure to identify diseases sometimes and have it treated. It is a training of trainers (TOT) Programme. At the end of the workshop, the trainees will go down to their various council areas to trained others.

“So I urged them to make used of the training for the good of Ndi-Anambra,” Obidike solicited.

The State Epidemiologists, Dr. Emembolu Chuma, in his welcome address, said this is the first time such training can be held in Anambra State and the South East region at large.

“This is the first time such health preventive programme in the South East region will be organized, whereby a sitting governor will release fund to prevent a disease outbreak.

“We are training the DSNO and other health care providers due to the current outbreak of diphtheria in Nigeria. If you can recall, Nigeria recorded the first case in 2022 December in Kano State. Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo been a people-oriented governor, dim it fit to release fund for us to prepare for the diphtheria outbreak in case it comes into Anambra State. So we are grateful for the kind support.”

Dr Chuma who is also the convener of the programme, noted that the training was solely sponsored by the state government without any support from any health partners in Nigeria and beyond.

In their separate remarks, Obinwa Ngozi, a surveillance officer at the State Ministry of Health, Awka and Comrade Agbo Ifeanyi, from Idemili North Local Government Area of the State while commending governor Soludo for remembering their efforts at the rural areas, said it was the first time since the return of democracy in Nigeria, Anambra Government would be organizing such training for DSNO across the 21 LGAs in the State.

By Ovat Abeng

The 2023 Annual Conference of Nigeria Library Association (NLA) has ended with a call for increased collaboration across sectors in Nigeria to align with emerging global trends.

Experts made the call at the just concluded 2-day conference held at Professor Kenneth Dike State Central E-Library, Awka, Anambra State over the weekend.

It was gathered the event was themed, “Let Us Collaborate: Working Together on Global Trends and Technological Advances.”

Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Njide Phina Onyekwelu, emphasized the vital role librarians play in knowledge sharing, describing them as “architects of knowledge dissemination and guiding lights to information.”

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She stressed the importance of libraries in providing resources for skill enhancement, creativity, innovation, and research.

In her keynote presentation, Dr. Vera Nwadinobi, the Executive Chairman of Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), linked the conference theme to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 and 17.

Dr. Nwadinobi, who also bag award of excellence during the conference, called for collaboration among librarians, educators, and international partners to address challenges and foster efficiency.

Dr. Ngozi Perpetua Osuchukwu, the Chairman of NLA Anambra State, highlighted the significance of collaboration, stating that they believe in information sharing and engagement.

She emphasized the association’s commitment to partnering with various organisations to achieve common goals.

Dr. Osuchukwu is also the President of Wikimedia User Group, Anambra Network.

Goodwill messages from the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko Engr. Dr Francisca Nwafulugo (represented by her Deputy, Dr. Stephen Ezekwe), Sir Paul Nwosu, the State Commissioner for Information, the State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh (represented by Mr. Nnaemeka Egwuonwu) and Mr. Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency,  underscored the need for collaboration across sectors for societal growth.

The conference concluded with awards presented to outstanding individuals, including Sir Benjamin Okwuchukwu Uduji, Pastor Mrs Ifeoma Abayol, Dr. Njide Phina Onyekwelu, Lady Obiageli Nnabugwu, Dr. Ezemba Nwabu, Dr. Uchechukwu Enweani, and Prof. Norbert Amaechi Agbanu.

The event also celebrated doctoral degree holders within the Association from 2020 to 2023.

By Ovat Abeng

Registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, has been appointed to deliver lecture at the 17th Convocation ceremony of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik), Awka, Anambra State.

The convocation lecture on the topic, “Mainstreaming Uncertainty,” will hold on Wednesday, 6th December 2023 by 9am at the University Auditorium.

The appointment was contained in the Convocation programme of event made available to the media by the Public Relations Unit of the institution.

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According to the programme list, the activities for the 17th Convocation ceremony will kickoff on Monday, 4th December 2023.

“The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone, will have a University wide broadcast on the achievement thus far scheduled to hold from 10am on the University Radio Station, UNIZIK 94.1 FM Radio, this would be closely followed by an Interdenominational Service by 12noon at the University Auditorium.

“There will be a Pioneer University Hall-of-Fame Honour and Award Ceremony scheduled to hold at the University Auditorium by 10am on Tuesday, 5th December 2023 closely followed by Presentation of Prizes to the Best Graduating Student of the institution by 12noon.

“A convocation lecture on the topic, “Mainstreaming Uncertainty,” will hold on Wednesday, 6th December 2023 by 9am at the University Auditorium to be delivered by the Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, CON, under the Chairmanship of Prof. Chinedu Nebo, Vice-Chancellor, University of the Niger, Umunya, Anambra State.

“On Thursday, 7th of December 2023, the Vice-Chancellor will commission completed projects at Nnewi, Neni and Agulu from 8am while Award of First Degrees to the Graduands will commence by 11am at the Convocation Arena of the Awka Campus. The VC will commission completed projects at Awka Campus on Friday, 8th December 2023 from 8am while Awards of Higher Degree, Honorary Degree and Installation of Emeritus Professors is expected to hold at the Convocation Arena from 11am to climax events and activities of the 17th convocation ceremony.

By Ovat Abeng

The Solution Promoters’ Forum (SPF), have thrown weight behind the seedling policy of the Governor Chukwuma Soludo-led administration in Anambra State.

The Group which is committed to engendering good governance and shaping governance, explores ways to aid government achieve tangible results that will benefit the citizens on a sustainable basis.

Recall that since inception, the present government has distributed over one million palm and coconut seedlings, among other agricultural policies.

To support this initiative and to further give impetus to the policy, the group is advocating introduction of Songai farming to the state, a holistic sustainable approach to farming that integrates crop cultivation, fish farming, and animal husbandry.

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The Songhai farm system involves using natural inputs such as organic fertilizer, compost, and livestock manure to boost soil fertility and increase crop yields. It also incorporates the use of renewable energy sources such as solar power and biogas to power irrigation systems and livestock feed mills.

The group proposes that if the Songhai farming is institutionalized in the state, its main objectives of generating income, proving food security and creating employment opportunities for local communities while promoting sustainable agricultural practices that protect the environment, will be achieved.

The visionary founder and director of Songhai Centre, Prof. Fr. Godfrey Nzamujo, is expected as guest speaker at the Forum’s annual Congress, later today.

The title of his presentation is; “Zero Poverty, Zero Hunger Initiatives in Songhai Agriculture: Aligning with Governor Soludo’s Agricultural Policies.

If eventually domesticated in Anambra State, Songhai Centres will be established within the three senatorial zones of the State which will potentially serve as hubs of agricultural innovation, providing needed training and resources to farmers, with particular reference to unemployed graduates.