Tag: Anambra State

By Ovat Abeng

Anambra State Police Command has promised to wade into the land grabbing crisis currently rocking the Nimo Community in Njikoka Local Government Area of the State, as situation appears to be getting messier by the day.

The State Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of operation, DCP Ibrahim Ezekiel, disclosed this while addressing about 800 Nimo women who stormed the State Police Command Headquarters Amawbia, on Friday, in protest, seeking for Justice.

The Paradise gathered that the community, seems to be currently divided over a land tussle the women claims to have been fraudulent taken over by the Traditional rulers of the community, Igwe Maxi Ike Iliobi, the President General of the town, Mr. Ekenenna Okafor-Omabor and some members of the Igwe’s cabinet.

Speaking further on the development, the DCP while thanking the women who appears in black attires for conducting themselves in a peaceful manner, assured that the Command under CP Adeoye Aderemi will waded into the crisis to resolved it once and for all.

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According to him, we will wade into  the land and other leadership crisis currently rocking the community to see how we can help resolved the unrest once and for all. Justice will take it curse. You will have your peace by the grace of God. You will cry no more.

The Command will invite you and other faction for mediation in no distance time, he noted.

Mrs. Ebele Okochi, the women spokelady While speaking to Journalists shortly after summiting their protest letter to the Police authority, said they were at the Command Headquarters to sake protection from the Nigeria Police as they couldn’t longer sleep in their houses with their two eyes closed for fear of the unknown.

According to Mrs Okochi, the community is presently embroiled in crisis and the cause of the crisis are mult-tentacle but stem largely from; administrative incompetence of the President General, Mr. Ekenenna Okafor-Omabor, sale of Nimo land by the PG and the Traditional ruler, Igwe Maxi Ike Iliobi, high-handedness and trampling of the fundamental right of the town folks among several others.

“Our people are being arrested and torture on daily basis while in handcuffs.

“Vigilante operatives are used as a private army of the Igwe to harass, seize properties of individual. Our people are being arrested for the flimsiest excuses and handed over to the police where they they spend money to bail themselves.

“The Igwe purportedly negotiated with our neighbouring town of Eziowelle Community and ceded about 264 plots of land owned by individuals without the consent and knowledge of the land owners. The Igwe did this because he believes that as the Igwe, he can take over people’s land and do whatever he pleases with it. This to our view, is high-handedness and an abuse of trust by the Monarch.

“As a result of the illegal land transactions, the youths of Nimo Community whose families depend on these lands for their survival and sustenance are highly provoked. This has largely been the cause of the crisis in Nimo, which has not abated since January 2023.

“The crisis is getting worse because rather than retrace their steps and stop selling of the land, both the PG and Igwe have resorted to writing frivolous petitions against those who opposed sales of the land. The frame people as kidnappers, cultists, arsonist, confusionist, etc.

“We don’t longer go to the farm because all boundaries land has sold off. The little farm lands we are farming, the Igwe and his faction has forcefully collected it from us again. We are no longer allow to go to our farms. This year, we did not get corn, cassava, palm oil because he has seize all the community land to himself. That man (Igwe) has sold more 200 plots land at the rate of 3.1 million each.

“In the past four months, we have joined the growing number of those campaigning about the sales of the land by the Monarch and the President General.

“To further consolidate their sales of the land, the PG issue a written public notice to the effect that people are not allowed to go to their farms. The directive, which seeks to stop farming activities is a breach of people fundamental  right. Sir, if we continue to tell you what has been happening in Nimo in the past three years, you will think that we are telling fairy stories from some strange story books, yet the atrocities and impunities by the leadership of Nimo doesn’t seems to get better as the days go by.

“No individual had the right and power to claim ownership of such asset because he is the Traditional ruler of the town.

“We want the Police to stop coming to Nimo to arrest our innocent people. Let us have pass in Nimo.

“It is for the above, among several others that we plead that you use your good office to wade and stop the Igwe of Nimo, HRH Maxi Ike Iliobi the PG, Mr. Ekenenna Okafor-Omabor from further throwing Nimo Community to avoidable crisis, the spokelady concluded.

The protester carry placards with various inscription such as; “Soludo Nimo needs your help please save us, all manner of impunities most stop in Nimo, Igwe, PG and Nimo Royal cabinet have no respect for Nimo Constitution, Igwe Maxi Ike Iliobi is bastardizing Nimo Culture and Traditions, Nimo PG is incapacitated by the Igwe of Nimo, Nigeria Police Anambra Command please give us Justice, save our souls governor Soludo, among others.

By Ovat Abeng

Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has reiterated the promise of rebuilding public school infrastructure and provide access to qualitative education for children of the poor.

Governor Soludo stated this during the celebration of the 2023 World Teachers Day Celebration held at Anambra Teachers’ House, Awka, on Thursday.

The Governor described teachers as the greatest in the world and said that everyone is a product of their hard work, diligence, and commitment.

He said that the government will work in partnership with communities to rebuild basic infrastructure in public schools.

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Governor Soludo revealed that the next batch of recruited teachers will be specifically posted to public schools as his administration is ending the era of PTA teachers.

He also disclosed that the state government will equip public schools’ libraries with basic textbooks so that students can easily have access to them for free, pointing out that teaching is not a job but a calling and that the state government is committed to improving the condition of teachers.

Speaking earlier, the State Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, Comrade Chika Chukwudozie, enumerated the challenges of the Union, seeking assistance from Governor Soludo in providing security for schools, providing more teachers in public schools, implementing the new requirement age for teachers, implementing the promotion of teachers, and assisting in providing transportation buses.

The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, Chairman PPSSC, Prof. Nkechi Ikediugwu, Chairman ASUBEB, Mrs. Vera Nwadinobi, Chairman of the Occasion, Dr. Chike Obienyem among others attended the event.

By Ovat Abeng

Anambra State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, has elected a six member executive to pilot its affairs in the state for the next three years.

The election which was held at Mich-Royal Hotel Awka, on Tuesday, under the supervision of the National Secretary of the Association, Mr. Ikenna Okonkwo witnessed the emergence of Comrade Patrick Chemezie Anaso.of the Correspondent chapel as Chairman.

Others include: Vice Chairman – Pamela Eboh, Secretary, Ikenna Nwaokedi, Assistant Secretary, Uche Ndeke, Marvelous Ezenwa, Treasurer and Emmanuel Awam as Financial Secretary

While inaugurating the newly elected officials, the SWAN National Secretary, Mr. Okonkwo, charged the members to live above board by re-positioning the association in the state as no excuses would be given for non-performance.

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He further urged them to be creative and look inward with a view to discovering and showcasing the abundant sports talents existing in Anambra state.

He also appealed to them not to apply personnel interest in moving the association forward.

He described the process as peaceful.

The State Electoral Committee of the election, Ikem Asika, speaking to Journalist shortly after the exercise, remarked that the event signaled a new beginning in the state chapter of the association and urged the elected members to work hard to take the association to the greater heights.

The newly elected chairman, Comrade Anaso, in his brief acceptance speech, promised to carrying every member along in the scheme of things.

He assured that the new leadership under his watch, will collaborate with the Anambra State Government to promote community sport development.

The Public Relations Officer of National Olympic Committee, Mr. Tony Nezianya, South East Vice President of SWAN, Mr. Frank Omokhua, the Police and the media were also present during the process.

By Ovat Abeng

Graylincs Security Services (GSS), has emerged as the Security brand of the year 2023 at the Southern Awards ceremony in Lagos.

According to Mr. Chinedu Okafor, one of the company’s spokespersons who disclosed this in a statement, in Awka, on Tuesday, said the prestigious award recognizes excellence, professionalism, and outstanding contribution to the society.

He said the award has been greeted with excitement and enthusiasm, not only by the staff and management of GSS Security but also by stakeholders in the security industry in Nigeria.

“The Chairman of the GSS, Architect Chukwudi Ezenwa, has been commended for his uncommon strides in taking the company to enviable heights. The award is a recognition of his leadership, vision, and strategic direction, which has positioned GSS Security as a leading player in the security industry across the country.

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“Under the leadership of Architect Ezenwa, GSS Security has undergone significant transformation, resulting in an expansion of its services, increased revenue, and improved operational efficiency.

“The company has also been able to establish itself as a trusted brand in the security industry, offering a wide range of services to clients across various sectors. With its headquarters in Awka, Anambra State Capital.

“The company has fully established branches in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu and Imo respectively.

“The Security brand of the year award has further solidified GSS Security’s position in the security industry in Nigeria. The award is a reflection of the company’s relentless pursuit of excellence, professionalism, and innovation. It is also a testament to the company’s commitment to providing top-notch security services to clients, which has earned it the trust and loyalty of a wide range of clients across various sectors.

“The company has won several awards, including the Best Security Company in Nigeria in 2018 and 2019. The company has shown remarkable growth and expansion, extending its services from Anambra state where its headquarters is situated to Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu and Imo states and providing security services for major events in Nigeria.

“The Chairman of the Southern Awards, Mr Kachi Kachikwu, in his presentation, commended GSS Security for its commitment to providing quality security services to clients. He noted that the award was well-deserved and a recognition of the company’s contribution to the security industry in the country. He also praised Architect Ezenwa for his leadership and vision, which has transformed GSS Security into a leading security brand in Nigeria.

“GSS Security has been a trailblazer in the security industry in Nigeria, offering innovative services and delivering quality security solutions to clients. The Security brand of the year award is a well-deserved recognition of the company’s commitment and dedication to providing top-notch security services to clients.

“We congratulate Architect Ezenwa and his team for their outstanding achievement,” Mr Kachikwu stated.

By Ovat Abeng

Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has said that running the affairs of government will no longer be business as usual in Anambra State.

Soludo disclosed this through the State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs Chiamaka Nnaka, while declaring a two-days end of the year 2023 Inter-agency review/planning meeting open in Awka, on Monday.

She said the focus of the present administration would be centred on human capital development which would be carried out mostly, under three defined sectors of education, health and economic empowerment.

She said the government, starting from 2024 would not disbursed funds to any Ministry, Department, Agency, Civil Society Organisations and Individual Companies, that wish to partner the state in business without proper scrutiny and financial commitment of says organisation.

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According to her, any organisation that wish to operate in partnership with Anambra government, such organisation must first of all commit financially to prove her serious. The government, starting 2024 would no longer be business as usual.

The government will do partnership differently with the intending partners starting from next year, where we will tell them our plan and they will tell us how they will support the plan. You can not just jump on us in between the year with whatever agenda you have. The idea is that the Soludo led – government want to be better organized, better coordinated so that the resources in our disposal can be rechannel to other areas that needed government attention, she added.

The Commissioner noted that the two-days event is a partnership coordinating meeting usually organized half-yearly by the State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to hear from the partners what they have been doing across MDAs, the lapses government will support and to know whether the partners are coordinating among them in the state.

She said the meeting was also to access the performance and interventions by all Development Partners and to ensure they finished well.

“The meeting was an occasion to reflect on Governor Soludo’s desire for a new Anambra and to take stock of progress on ground as well as create an environment conducive for partnership support.

She charged the project coordinators of the programs to ensure they are providing social services to the people in moving the state forward.

Representatives of UNDP, WHO and UNICEF also participated in the programme.

By Ovat Abeng

Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW), Anambra State Chapter, has commended Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo for renaming Anambra State International Cargo and Passenger Airport, Umueri, after late Prof. Chinua Achebe.

The commendation was contained in a statement signed and made available to Journalists in Awka on Monday, by Mr. Izunna Okafor, coordinator, Society of Young Nigerian Writers, Anambra State Chapter.

The statement reads in part;

“We, the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW), Anambra State Chapter, joyfully commend and celebrate the esteemed Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, for his extraordinary decision to immortalize the late Nigerian literary icon, Prof. Chinua Achebe. This historic act was unveiled on Sunday, October 1, during the 2023 Independence Day celebration at the Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, the capital of Anambra State.

“The news of renaming the Anambra State International Cargo and Passenger Airport, Umueri, after Prof. Chinua Achebe filled our hearts with boundless joy. It is an affirmation of the value and significance of literature in our society.

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“As young writers, we have consistently championed the call for the immortalization of Chinua Achebe through our annual program, the Chinua Achebe Literary Festival and Memorial Lecture. This initiative, which we initiated in 2016, serves as a platform to honor Achebe’s enduring legacy. We hold this event at the Anambra State Central E-Library, Awka, where we also unveil an international poetry/essay anthology (Chinua Achebe Poetry/Essay Anthology) annually in his honor. Writers from across the globe participate in this initiative, and we are excited to announce that the 8th edition of the anthology will be released this year, coinciding with the 2023 Chinua Achebe Literary Festival and Memorial Lecture.

“Each year during the festival, we passionately reiterated our call for the government to immortalize Achebe, emphasizing the injustice of neglecting such a world-class intellectual. We lamented the demoralizing effect this had on upcoming writers and the youth. We observed that while politicians and moneybags were celebrated and immortalized, literary champions like Achebe had not received the recognition they deserved.

“In recent editions of the event, we re-echoed this same call, urging the Anambra State Government to rename the Anambra State International Cargo and Passenger Airport, Umueri, after Achebe, and to establish an International Writers Residency in his honour, since there are just two (even privately-owned) writers residencies in Nigeria, and given that Anambra, being a home and cradle of many world-class writers, ought to have, at least, one writers residency.

“Despite our persistent appeals, our pleas fell on deaf ears until the conclusion of the immediate-past administration of Chief Willie Obiano. However, we remained unwavering in our quest, even during the tenure of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo.

“Today, we express our deepest gratitude to Governor Soludo for heeding our call and fulfilling one of our requests to immortalize Achebe. This act is not only a precious and best Independence Day gift to Anambra writers, but to writers nationwide and beyond. By granting this request he has won our hearts and support as young writers here in Anambra State. We cannot thank him enough for this profound gesture.

“While thanking the Governor for fulfilling one part of our request, we respectfully appeal to him to consider fulfilling the second part of our request — establishing the Chinua Achebe International Writers Residency in Anambra State. This residency would be of immense importance and impact. Many of us have been fortunate to participate in writers’ residencies across Nigeria and worldwide, and we long for such a prestigious institution in our beloved state. As we prepare for the 2023 Chinua Achebe Literary Festival and Memorial Lecture scheduled for November 16th this year, this additional announcement from our dear Governor would be a dream come true.

“In conclusion, Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s decision to immortalize our role model, Prof. Chinua Achebe, demonstrates that being an intellectual is a noble virtue deserving of recognition. He has broken the jinx and inspired us to follow in Achebe’s footsteps. By solving and granting this our age-old request, the Governor has proved to us again that Solution is here. This legacy is already etched in the sands of time, and posterity will forever remember him for such historic act.”

By Ovat Abeng

About 400 indigenes and non-indigenes widows residing in Anambra have appealed to the State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, to assist them with funds to start up business for themselves.

They say the assistance would help keep their bodies and souls together instead of going other way around to sought for funds for family upkeep.

“We don’t want to mess around, the governor should assist us with any token, we will appreciate it so much.”

The appealed was made by Mrs. Eucharia Nzewe, who spoke on behalf of the widows during the official Inauguration of State/Zonal/Council Area Executive Working Team of Royal Ambassadors Charity Home, a non-governmental and non-profit organisation, Anambra State Chapter on Saturday in Awka.

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Nzewe, who is also the state coordinator for the NGO, explained that over 80 percent of widows in Anambra are in serious financial crisis due to the inhuman treatment they received from the hands of their respective late husbands family members.

“We want to be part of Soludo’s vision of making Anambra a livable and prosperous state in Nigeria.

“We would continue to support the governor in prayers to enable him actualized all his administrative plans for the state. So, we are begging him (the governor) to help us, no matter how small the money may be, we will appreciate it. We don’t want to disrespect our late husbands by moving around with men for financial assistance. We need just little money for self-reliance,” Nzewe stressed.

She commended the Royal Ambassadors Charity Home, for remembering them in time like this, assuring that the newly Inaugurated executive under her watch, will mobilize more members for the NGO across the 21 local government area of the State.

While performing the inauguration, the Executive Director of Royal Ambassadors Charity Home, Amb. Jonathan David Okwudiri, said the NGO has empowered no fewer than 2,000 widows, orphans, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), destitute children in 27 states across Nigeria.

Jonathan, who said that the NGO was also out to assist the poor and persons with special needs, said the organization under his watch had made tremendous impact in the lives of Nigerians through its members’ efforts as well as philanthropists and public-spirited donors.

According to him: “I got the vision and established this organisation 12 years ago; and I envisioned not only helping widows, orphans, PWD, destitute children, the poor and persons with special needs but building homes that will shelter them.”

He said that the NGO had expanded its feasible reach to all regions of Nigeria and 34 countries of the World where Royal Ambassadors Charity Home members’ presence are currently making impact with voluntary humanitarian services and direct assistance.

“It is important we look at how far we have come and think about how farther we can go. We have come a long way but the road ahead is still far,” he said.

The executive director said the management of the organisation had discovered that in Nigeria widows are neglected, victimized, intimidated and humiliated just because they lost their husbands to the hands of the invisible dreaded “Mr Death.”

“Our culture and society are not favourable to them at all, the worst of it all is that when any widow does not have a male child, the relatives of her late husband will be giving her trouble by trying to possess what their late brother acquired before his death.

“In view of this development, a team of advocates and human rights activists in this organisation have commenced advocating for the widows’ fundamental rights, protection and welfare in the National Assembly as well as in our neighborhoods.

“We are very much aware there is no specific law in Nigeria that protects the widow’s rights unlike the PWD’S and children that have laws passed as a bill on their behalf for their protection in Nigeria.

“We are also appealing to the  Government of Anambra State,  Local Government Authorities, other NGO’s, Individuals and group of persons to kindly assist, help, support, donate, partner and sponsor Royal Ambassadors Charity Home to fulfilling of her aims and objectives to the society in the state.

“I reaffirm the commitment of my administration to prompt and regular empowerment scheme programs, skill acquisition trainings and free medical healthcare services to the people of the state based on the resources made available to us per time as our focus will be on the orphans, widows, persons with disabilities, unemployed youths and needy in the society.”

For the newly inaugurated executives, Jonathan directed them to join in the onerous task of serving God and humanity in Anambra State by being a blessing to the society along the path that guarantees superior outcomes.

“I made it clear that it would no longer be business as usual and all hands must be on deck to ensure that people benefit from this organisation,” he concluded.