Paradise News

Tag: Anambra State

  • Failed leadership: Soludo is to Anambra what Buhari was to Nigeria

    Failed leadership: Soludo is to Anambra what Buhari was to Nigeria

    By Uloka Chibuike

    It’s now obvious that, in search of a solution, Anambra met with a problem in Charles Soludo.

    Just like Buhari, Charles Soludo, a loud professor, had been speaking for a decade about his desire to transform Anambra State into Dubia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. However, today, Anambra, under Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has returned to the dark era.

    Half of Anambra’s local government areas are under the command and control of non-state actors, which Soludo has long abandoned. The roads leading to other areas are collapsing fast, and there is no interest in maintaining them.

    No community in Anambra State can point to one completed project by Charles Soludo in his 19 months in office. He seems more interested in enriching his family, while Dubia-Taiwan and Hong-Kong are vague and nebulous.

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    Following the fight and resignation of former Finance Commissioner Ifeatu Onejeme over who would control the state’s finances between him and Soludo’s in-law, who is the de facto governor, Soludo appointed his nephew, Okafor Moses, as the new commissioner for finance. This decision went against his own public statement that he would not appoint a commissioner from his Aguata, talk more of his own community, and kindred. (Perhaps if it had been Tinubu, Soludo supporters would have ripped him apart, but for a Soludo, it’s not nepotism.)

    Again, through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Soludo’s daughter Adaora gets sixty million naira (60,000,000) every year for her lackluster fashion expo. This does not contribute any economic value to the state; instead, it is a channel through which money is shipped overseas and siphoned.

    For the last 19 months, many have been looking for the solution that Soludo promised, but all they have seen are problems and Soludo family interest.

    Charles Soludo’s knee is on the neck of ndị Anambra; we can’t breathe.

    Uloka Chibuike is a Public Policy Analyst based in Awka, Anambra State Capital.

  • Police arrest 2 land fraudsters in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    Police detectives from zone 13 Ukpo, led by SP. Ben Eke has arrested two fraudsters in Awka, Anambra State Capital, following the receipt of a complaint against the fraudsters.

    The victim, a 42-year-old woman, Mrs Ogechukwu Mbonu, unsuspectingly paid the sum of One million, five-hundred and fifty thousand (N1,550,000) naira for the purchase of a piece of land in Awka to the suspects.

    According to the zonal police public relations officer, SP Ihunwo Josephine, who disclosed this in a statement, said the suspects fraudulently posed themselves as the agent, owner, and vendor of land in Awka and deceived the victim into buying the said plot of land and the suspects went as far as forging and preparing a land Deed of Conveyance that they issued to the victim.

    “The two suspects, Rapuluchukwu Kachi ‘m’ aged 45, met with Okwudili Akuriene ‘m’ aged 54 and asked him to present himself as the owner of a piece of land that he wanted to sell to the victim because the victim had approached him sometime in February, 2023 and informed him of her need to buy land to build a house and also bury her late mother if she died since she was having a terminal sickness. Upon a detailed investigation, it was discovered that the duo conspired and sold a piece of land, not belonging to either of them to the victim.

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    “The true owner of the land came to make use of his land, only to discover that a grave was on his land and that the land had been used without his prior knowledge and permission. He brought the complaint to the attention of the AIG Zone 13 Ukpo, who directed that a full investigation be carried out on the case. Police detectives swung into action, and the two suspects were apprehended.

    “The AIG in charge of Zone 13 Ukpo, AIG Tony Adejoh Olofu has directed that the suspects be paraded before the press to serve as a deterrent to others, thereafter, they should be arraigned in court for prosecution,” the ZPPRO noted.

  • Soludo swear in new finance commissioner

    Soludo swear in new finance commissioner

     

    By Ovat Abeng

    Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, has sworn-in Mr. Izuchukwu Okafor as the new Commissioner for Finance.

    Governor Soludo performed the function at the State Executive Chamber, Government House, Awka, on Wednesday.

    The Governor asked him to prioritize the objectives of fiscal discipline, revenue expansion, investment attraction, accountability and transparency, and reminded him that his actions in the role will not only affect the present, but the also the future.

    He tasked him on being committed to delivering on the objectives and leaving a positive legacy for the state.

    Read Also: International Day of the Girl’s Child: Soludo’s wife to distribute sanitary pads to over 400 secondary schools in Anambra

    Swearing-in proper and official induction into the Executive Council formed the highpoint of the brief ceremony.

    Recall that last week, following the Governor’s nomination, the Anambra State House of Assembly confirmed Mr. Izuchukwu Okafor as Commissioner-designate for Finance.

    Mr. Okafor is a seasoned financial expert with many years of experience in the banking and finance industry.

    He has worked with some of the most prestigious financial institutions in the country and has also held key positions in the state government including as former Senior Special Assistant to Governor Soludo on Finance and Audit since July, 2022.

    Mr. Okafor was also a Deputy Manager of Financial Operations and Audit, at Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from July 2020 to June 2022.

    The Paradise News gathered that Mr. Okafor took over from Mr Ifeatu Onejeme, whom according to information within the Government house resigned the position on personal and family reasons.

  • International Day of the Girl’s Child: Soludo’s wife to distribute sanitary pads to over 400 secondary schools in Anambra

    International Day of the Girl’s Child: Soludo’s wife to distribute sanitary pads to over 400 secondary schools in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    Wife of the Governor of Anambra State and founder of Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo, has promised to provide sanitary pads to over four hundred secondary schools across the state.

    The Anambra first lady made the promised at the governor’s lodge Amawbia, on Wednesday, to mark this year’s 2023 International Day of the Girl Child in the state.

    She noted that the distributions will be done at the beginning of each academic term, with enough supplies to last throughout a particular academic calendar.

    According to Mrs. Soludo, this year’s Day of the girl child recognizes the need to celebrate all achievements, the womenfolk have made under the umbrella of the United Nations since the Beijing Declaration and Action Plan, and the Convention on Rights of the Child in 1990.

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    In her words, “We are celebrating this year’s International Day of the Girl Child with a clear understanding of the challenges before our girls in their pursuits of safe and great future.

    “We are also looking at the possibilities out there for the girls and how they can take hold of them. But the truth is that these opportunities are limited, and distorted largely because of so many household obstacles.

    “Every girl has the fundamental right to live and succeed. Once we deny them these rights, we have taken a backward step that will ultimately have damaging effects on our society.

    “One of the significant goals of our Crusade in Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo is to explore smart avenues and rekindle the consciousness of self-belief and knowledge of individual potentials of our girls.

    “We are also teaching them the rules of hygiene, nutrition and self development. Nutrition and personal hygiene are, of course, two of the five pillars of our Crusade.

    “We see them as an important process for child development. In the area of hygiene, we are also looking at menstrual hygiene and the overall health education of women and girls, especially those in the low income class.

    “Recognizing these fundamental facts, I’m glad to announce today that Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo has taken a step further to promote menstrual hygiene in secondary schools where Healthy Living Clubs are domiciled.

    “We have concluded arrangements to provide Sanitary Pad Banks (Pad Banks) in over four hundred secondary schools across Anambra State where our clubs are  currently operating.

    “Accessibility to primary hygiene needs like sanitary pads remains a major concern in rural homes. It gets even worse when menstrual emergencies break out in schools. Therefore, we want to intervene where it matters the most.

    “Today, we will be distributing over one thousand sanitary pads to our schools to kick off the campaign.

    “By opening the shelves and lockers where these sanitary pads would be kept, we wish to restore girl child confidence and beat down stigmas arising from menstrual emergencies.

    “We also want to create a perfect environment for every girl child to grow happily in without having to be scared of what will happen next.

    “Our Pad Banks will give equal opportunities to girls from every social class, and build a hygiene bond that will last beyond the school walls. It is, however, worthy to note that every girl child – in her menstrual age – attending a school where these Pad Banks are  accessible, can equally access them. Our commitment is universal, and we want to keep it so.

    “The statistics of girls and women in their reproductive age brackets with access to basic menstrual requirements are begging for better attention. This is our own way of paying attention.

    “We want to ensure that every school girl can reach her dreams without being afraid of her environment and the people who make it unhealthy to grow in.

    “Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo is committed to promoting and protecting the fundamental objectives of right health. I prefer to say that “Health is the Greatest Wealth” to give a clearer illustration of what a system that lacks good health looks like.

    “About our goals, results and compassion. At the end of the day, we want to achieve a society that opens up a platform of equal aspirations for every gender,” she noted.

    Mrs Soludo commended the conscious programmes of the Anambra State Government aimed at protecting the girl child.

    She also restated the commitment of her NGO, Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health to help spread the word, be an ambassador of a healthy lifestyle in your community.

    She used the celebration to called on parents and Ndi Anambra to give priority attention to education of the girl-child in order to inspire her to break boundaries and take charge of her future.

    The Paradise News gathered that the theme for this year’s celebration, is “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being,”

  • Unizik to promote agriculture to next level

    Unizik to promote agriculture to next level

    By Ovat Abeng 

    The Faculty of Agriculture Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, has taken the quest to promote Agriculture to the next level through its maiden exquisite banquet and exhibition.

    Declaring the event open in Awka, on Monday, the Vice Chancellor of the university Prof.Charles Esimone noted that any country that supports Agriculture can never go hungry.

    The vice chancellor regretted that Nigeria has neglected Agriculture and paying the consequences.

    He pledged to support the faculty in its quest to enhance food production in the society.

    In her address,the dean faculty of Agriculture Prof.Cordelia Ebenebe commended the VC for his interest in developing the faculty and used the forum to present the faculty’s challenges of accommodation for students and staff quarters at its annex at Ifite Ogwari.

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    Prof. Ebenebe urged all well wishers of the faculty to support the faculty by installing income generating equipment purchased by the VC namely, giant oven,oil palm press,feed mill equipment and many laboratory equipment.

    Speaking on the theme of the conference, “Repositioning the faculty of Agriculture for greatness and productivity’ the chairman of the occasion and the Senator representing the Anambra Central Senatorial Zone Senator Victor Umeh described Agriculture as the mainstay of any economy, noting that Agriculture should not fail in Nigeria because God has endowed it with vast mineral resources to make it work.

    Senator Umeh who doubles as member Senate committee on Agriculture called on Nigerians to take Agriculture serious and encourage agro based industries to create employment opportunities.

    The Senator representing the Anambra North Senatorial Zone Dr.Tony Nwoye thanked the Vice Chancellor of the university Prof Esimone for his attention to the faculty  and promised to support the faculty in his own capacity.

    On his part, the representative of the President General of Ifite Ogwari Rev.Father Basil Ekwunife also commended the VC Prof.Esimone for supporting the Agriculture faculty, while expecting that governments at all levels will be more serious with Agriculture.

    Reverend Father Ekwunife used the forum to commend Governor Chukwuma Soludo for aptly renaming the Umueri international airport after the late Prof. Chinua Achebe.

  • Paul Varsity Honours Anambra Monarch, AGN Boss, Others With Doctorate Degrees

    Paul Varsity Honours Anambra Monarch, AGN Boss, Others With Doctorate Degrees

    By Ovat Abeng

    Paul University Awka, has honoured the traditional ruler of Umueri Community in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State, Igwe Benneth Izuchukwu Emeka with an honorary doctorate degree in Business Administration.

    The Monarch was honoured alongside other prominent Nigerians including the President, Actors Guild Of Nigeria, Ejezie Emeka Rollas, Barrister Mike Epelle and others during the 4th convocation ceremony of the University, held recently in Awka, Anambra State Capital.

    In a citation while conferring the award on the traditional ruler, the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria ( Anglican Communion ) and Chancellor, Paul University, Awka, His Grace, The Most Revd. Henry C. Ndukuba, described Igwe Emeka, as a noble man and philanthropist who has continued to make salient contributions towards advancing knowledge and humanity.

    He said the Governing Council, Management and Staff of Paul University, believe HRM Igwe Sir Dr. Ben Izuchukwu Emeka, is well deserving of the honour in recognition of his immense contributions to the overall development of education, including his service to God.

    According to the Archbishop, Igwe Emeka, had single handedly build, equipped and donated St Gabriel Anglican Church, Umueri, now the Cathedral Of Niger West as well as the completion of Emmanuel Anglican Church. He also built and donated many classroom blocks to the Umueri Community and many others.

    “The delighted Honorary awardee was full of appreciation and gratitude to the University for the honour done to him and reaffirmed his commitment to partner the institution to further improve on its human and physical infrastructural development.

    While acknowledging the special recognition accorded him, the traditional ruler said that though he had received several awards from many organisations, he was particularly excited by the Honorary doctorate degree bestowed on him by Paul University, Awka,  because according to him it is special, more so as it came unsolicited and from an institution of repute owned by a Christian domination, the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion.

    He announced a cash donation of ten million naira to the University.

    The Monarch has sits as board Chairman of many companies, including New Idea Construction Company Limited, Caterpillar Masters West Africa Limited and Hilton Leisure Resorts and Hotels Awka.

    Among prominent personalities present during the ceremony were the presidential candidate of Labour Party in 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi,  the Convocation lecturer, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo, the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria ( Anglican Communion ) and Chancellor, Paul University; The Proprietor, His Grace, The Most Revd Prof. Emmanuel O. Chukwuma, Archbishop Province of the Niger and Bishop Diocese of Awka, His Grace, The Most Revd. Alexander Ibezim,The Wife of Bishop, Diocese of Niger West ( Anglican Communion ) Dr. Mrs Ekwe; and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Paul University, Awka, His Excellency, Alabo Dr. Gabriel T. G Toby among others.

  • Police arrests 128 over insurgency, robbery, kidnapping, cultism in Anambra

    Police arrests 128 over insurgency, robbery, kidnapping, cultism in Anambra

    …Recovers 119 arms and ammunition

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Anambra State Police Command has arrested 128 suspects over their alleged involvement in various crimes across the state.

    Parading some of the suspects at the command’s Headquarters Amawbia, on Monday, shortly after updating the media on his three months achievement in office, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Adeoye Aderemi, said, “Out of the 128 suspects, 30 were arrested for insurgency, 38 were arrested for cultism,  armed robbery 39 and 22 for kidnapping and a total of 119 arms and ammunition were recovered from the suspects within the period under review.

    The 6 suspects and their receivers who were earlier arrested for vandalizing the second Niger Bridge armored cable and one other who specializes in stealing News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) properties in Awka were among those paraded.

    The Commissioner listed the items recovered from the suspects to include a pump action guns, locally made cut-to-size guns, pistol and cartridges, fake police uniforms, Biafra flags, assorted charms, one roll armored cable and 16 iron grill stolen from the 2nd Niger Bridge Onitsha, others are 14 tricycles, 9 cars and 7 motorcycle.

    Read Also: We are not surprised of your appointment, NANS congratulates minister of state, youth development

    He noted that 6 kidnapped victims we also rescued by the operatives and they have been reunited with their families.

    CP Adeoye, while revealing that arms and ammunition are being trade in Onitsha, the commercial city of the State, assured that the operation would continue under his watch, until Anambra is pronounced a free crime state in Nigeria.

    He said all the suspects will be charged to Court as so as investigation is concluded.

    The State Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of Operation, DCP Ibrahim Ezekiel and the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, we also present during the media update.

  • We are not surprised of your appointment, NANS congratulates minister of state, youth development

    We are not surprised of your appointment, NANS congratulates minister of state, youth development

    By Ovat Abeng

    The National Association of Nigerian students(NANS), on Sunday, congratulated the newly appointed Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Youths Development, Honourable Ayodele Olawanda and urged him to harness the residual talent in youths across the country.

    The Students body said that his appointment is coming at a time, Nigeria youths needed him the most.

    In a statement signed by Ex-Officio NANS National, Comrade Obinta Juliet, and made available to journalists in Awka, on Sunday, the Association expressed happiness that youth as the leaders of tomorrow would be supervised by a youth.

    They noted that they were not surprised of Hon Olawanda’s appointment as Minister of State, Youth Development.

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    According to Comrade Juliet, behalf of the National Association of Nigerian students(NANS), we offer you our warmest and wholesome congratulations on your appointment as the minister of State, Youth Development  by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “We were not surprised about your appointment, because over the years you have distinguished yourself as a very positive, progressive and impactful youth leader.

    “As a youth leader in the All Progressive Congress (APC), your track records has always been evergreen and indelible in the history of APC and the teeming Nigerian Youths.

    “Honourable minister, we strongly believe that the future of the youths has come. And we are very glad in advance for your well thought out and realist agenda for the good of the youths.

    “We equally pray, that your administration will make tremendous impact on the Nigerian youth.

    “With utmost humility and appreciation, the Nigeria students and youths appreciates His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finding our very own youthful leader worthy to serve under his cabinet as the youngest minister in this ministry, while also not forgetting the good effort of Mr. Seyi Tinubu for acting as a bridge for the realization of this goal.

    “We believe in your sincere efforts  to transform the ministry in the immediate and set standards that will subsequently be followed.

    “Congratulations once again my dear leader and Honourable Minister,” the statement read.

  • Soludo kicks-off Anambra community shield football competition

    Soludo kicks-off Anambra community shield football competition

    By Ovat Abeng

    Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, has kicked-off the Solution Community Shield Football Championship in the state.

    The Governor performed the ceremony at the Awka Township Stadium on Sunday, flanked by his Deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim.

    The championship kicked off with a flag-off ceremony, drawing a large crowd of fans from the 21 local government areas of the state.

    The large crowd of spectators were treated to an array of music and dance performances, with local artists showcasing their talents to the delight of the crowd.

    Read Also: NGO to award scholarship to 250 indigent students in Southeast

    179 teams will battle it out for the coveted title.

    Speaking shortly before the kick-off, the Governor expressed optimism that the healthy competition will get the youths busy and help to foster inter-community unity and progress.

    He recalled that his administration already flagged-off the sports economy in the state, saying that football is part of efforts to guarantee a healthy nation.

    The National President, Anambra State Association of Town Unions, ASATU, Barr. Titus Akpudo said that the community football championship promises to be an exciting tournament with a lot of memorable moments, assuring that fans and supporters can expect to witness some thrilling encounters and see some of the community’s most talented young footballers in action.

    He noted that the ASATU is ready to execute the Governor’s directives, expressing optimism that from participants, members of the “Solution Football Team”, will be selected.

    In their seperate interview with Newsmen, the State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftancy and Community Development, Hon Tony Collins Nwabunewanne, the State President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Emeka Odudeme and the Transition Committee Chairman of Idemili South LGA, Mrs Amaka Obi, applauded the initiative which they said will entrench peace and progress in Anambra Communities.

    The event was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, Deputy Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Okoye, Chairman Anambra State Sports Development Commission, Mr Patrick Onyedum, representatives of Nigeria Football Federation, among others.

    It featured official kick-off by the Governor, march past by participating Local Government areas as well as a kick-off match between Awka and Ogidi communities.

  • NGO to award scholarship to 250 indigent students in Southeast

    NGO to award scholarship to 250 indigent students in Southeast

    By Ovat Abeng

    No less than 250 indigent students from Southeast Nigeria are to benefits from a scholarship scheme of De Imperial Philanthropic Family Initiative.

    The Initiative, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) will give the scholarship awards to the indigents but intelligent students in JSS 1 from public secondary schools across the five eastern states of Nigeria, comprising; Anambra, Abia, Enugu, Imo and Ebonyi respectively.

    The Education Committee Chairman of the Initiative, Mr Chikezie Okonkwo, who disclosed this in a statement in Awka, on Sunday, noted that the Initiative is committed to creating opportunities for the less privileged to have access to quality education.

    He said that the gesture is open to all the junior secondary school students residing in the region.

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    According to Okonkwo, the Initiative is planning a tuition-free education inclusive of other fees, levies, school uniforms, textbooks and other educational materials, WAEC fees (Junior and Senior), JAMB fee to indigent junior secondary school students with exceptional academic records.

    “We have contracted BEST BRAIN CONTEST, an Education Consulting Firm to Organize and select the beneficiaries and the total number of students to be given scholarships are 250 students.

    “Frank Igbojindu CEO Best Brain Contest while acknowledging the contracted assignment, said the Examination where the beneficiaries will be selected is slated for November, 2023 in Awka, Owerri, Umuahia, Enugu Town and Abakaliki respectively. Dates and Venues will be announced soonest.

    “Many brilliant and intelligent children are on the street today hawking, some are into some illegal activities due to financial crisis. It is in that junction that the De Imperial Philanthropic Family, as a Non-Governmental Organisation deem it fit to support the south eastern states Governors to make education become easy for the less privileged ones in the society by assisting students towards achieving their set goals in life.

    “The President of De Imperial Philanthropic Family, Chief Dr Darlington Nwabunike, noted that the offer has no political, ethic and religion affiliation, it is open only for all Public Secondary School Students (JSS 1 only) residing in the south east zone.”