₦airaland Forum

The Southeast Development Commission, SEDC, has refuted allegations that it borrowed twenty-five billion Naira from a commercial bank without due process and statutory approvals. The loan, which was reported to have been borrowed in secret, was said to have an outrageous interest rate. Reacting to this report, SEDC dismissed it as false in entirety.

In a statement signed by the Commission’s management, the allegations were dismissed as false and misleading. “This claim is entirely false, misleading, and appears aimed at distracting the Commission’s mandate and early progress”, a part of the statement reads. The statement clarified that “SEDC has not obtained any loan facility from any financial institution.”

According to the statement signed by the SEDC management, the Commission is focused on building a formidable foundation and creating structures that would be useful for the Commission in the pursuit and fulfillment of its mandate. The Commission has also extensively engaged with Southeast stakeholders to enable a public buy-in into the Commission’s mandate. “SEDC has focused on laying a strong institutional foundation. Key priorities during this period include institutional building, deepening stakeholder engagement, strengthening collaboration with relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and advancing the design and planning of projects and programmes – all to ensure the Commission is fully prepared for effective and timely execution once implementation begins.”

The SEDC management further stressed that since the Board was inaugurated about three months ago, the Commission has been busy with “extensive stakeholder engagement.” The statement further assured that SEDC would continue to transparently explore funding options for “Quick Win” in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The funding option, the management hinted, includes “short-term bridge facility” and in that instance, such would be in full compliance with the law and oversight by relevant authorities like the Debt Management Office.

My Findings After Visiting JAMB Office Today - Chidoka.

According to Former Minister of Aviation , Chief Osita Chidoka, he said he was invited by JAMB's Registrar with other selected stakeholders. Chidoka explained that what he saw at JAMB office was encouraging

He wrote:" the Athena Centre has been inundated with messages and calls urging us to speak on the 2025 JAMB results.

"While we deeply appreciate the growing public confidence in our work, we believe that commentary—especially on such a sensitive national issue—must be based on evidence, not emotion or speculation.

"To this end, we refrained from making public statements until we had verified information.

"Today, at the invitation of the JAMB Registrar, Prof Oloyede, I had the privilege of joining other selected stakeholders, Commissioners for Education, Vice Chancellors, the Parents Teachers Association, the Computer Professionals Association of Nigeria, and Chief External Examiners, at the JAMB headquarters for a comprehensive review of the 2025 examination process.

"What I witnessed left me encouraged.

"JAMB has embraced transparency, rigour, and accountability in the face of serious public concern. I am proud of the open and honest process they instituted to address the technical issues that affected results in Lagos and the South East. This is the hallmark of institutional integrity and responsibility.

"We observed the physical re-marking of randomly selected scripts—a painstaking but necessary process. It showed a commitment to truth over convenience.

"We have filed a Freedom of Information request at the Athena Centre through the Arthur Nwankwo Institute. We are reviewing 10 years of past results for comparative analysis with the 2025 results.

"So far, I am impressed with the review process and call on all affected candidates to remain calm and await formal communication from JAMB in the coming days.

"Our country will grow when public institutions are accountable, citizens are active, and organisations remain vigilant.

"I also want to thank Alex Onyia, CEO of Educare, for his consistent advocacy in the education sector and for standing firmly on the side of students and fairness.

"Let us build a nation where truth, not speculation, shapes our response to failure and where integrity is the foundation of reform".

Anambra School Gets Sanctioned for Selling Prefect Position.

The Anambra Ministry of Education has imposed a one-month sanction on Blossom Fount School, located in Awka, following allegations that the school demanded money from pupils vying for the position of head prefect. This development was made public in a statement released on Saturday by the Commissioner for Education, Professor Ngozi Chuma-Udeh.

According to the commissioner, the school allegedly asked each pupil aspiring to become the head prefect in the primary section to pay a fee of N5,000. She described the practice as a deeply troubling attempt to commercialise student leadership and exploit children’s ambitions for financial gain.

Professor Chuma-Udeh strongly condemned the act, stating that it amounted to “selling the psyche of the children to the highest bidder from the cradle.” She reiterated that such conduct is not tolerated under the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, which is committed to upholding integrity and fairness within the education system.

She further disclosed that a thorough investigation has been launched into the school’s broader management practices. Depending on the findings, additional sanctions may be applied to ensure accountability and deter similar incidents across the state’s schools.

The Best Piece of Advice I've Ever Received As an Entrepreneur — Zoffany Homes Boss, Shares Life Story


By Izunna Okafor, Awka


The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zoffany Homes and Associates Limited, Barr. Dr. Richard Chibuikem Ezechukwuma, has revealed that the best piece of advice he has ever received as an entrepreneur is to prioritize his health and personal wellbeing above the quest for wealth and achievements.

Chief Ezechukwuma revealed this while speaking in an exclusive interview with this reporter, in which he also narrated his inspiring entrepreneurial journey, shared the challenges he has faced so far, and reflected on the lessons he has learnt while building the thriving conglomerate.

According to him, the advice came from an Abuja-based investor he was once prospecting, who, after observing his hunger for success, warned him to start taking care of himself early enough before his “evening” comes.

“He told me I was too ambitious and wanted to achieve many things at once. But he said, ‘Take care of yourself, evening is coming.’ I asked him what he meant, and he explained that I was currently in my afternoon, and when I get to my old age — which is my evening — I should try not to fall sick. He also said there will be a time when my wife will be going for one ọmụgwọ after another, and there may be no one to look after me. That advice stuck with me,” he recounted.

Speaking further, the young and dynamic entrepreneur, who hails from Anaku in Ayamelum Local Government Area of Anambra State, said that his passion for real estate and business was inspired by personal experiences and circumstances — especially the influence of his late father who was a builder and his stint as an apprentice in both construction and interior design.

He recalled how, as a young boy, his father would wake him up in the middle of the night to draft building plans for his projects, inspect and correct them in the morning, and take him along to construction sites to carry out calculations and tasks until his accuracy improved.

“Later, my father became ill and I couldn’t continue my education immediately, so I went into apprenticeship with the owner of Y2K Furniture in Abuja, where I learnt interior decoration and finishing. After four years, my father, who had recovered, asked me to return home and continue school. That was how I studied Law — it was his idea, based on his business experiences. Unfortunately, I lost him in a ghastly motor accident in 2012 while I was in my third year in school,” he narrated.

He explained that although he eventually completed his Law degree and went for NYSC, his passion shifted after his father’s death, as he no longer found fulfilment in law practice. According to him, the memory of his late father reignited his passion for building, which birthed Zoffany Homes in 2021.

“The knowledge I gained from my father now drives the construction aspect of my business; my apprenticeship experience handles the interior finishing; and my legal background helps with land acquisition and sales,” he explained.

Dr. Ezechukwuma, whose company recently ventured into agriculture and launched the ‘Zoffany Premium Rice’ brand, revealed plans to go fully into agro-business, beginning with rice and palm oil production, leveraging the large arable lands in his hometown, Anaku, which also hosts the famous Coscharis Farms.

On the most challenging aspect of entrepreneurship, he said it’s not capital, as many believe, but rather the building of a reputable brand and credible name that people can trust.

“In real estate, if you have all the money and you don’t have a name, you won’t sell. I had to consciously build my name and integrity — a name that cannot be faulted. People may not say anything initially, but they’re observing you. Eventually, it all adds up and begins to speak for you,” he said.

He also noted that another challenge is building a strong clientele base, which he overcame by humbling himself to learn under industry leaders like Chukky of GSS and Arnold — two real estate moguls he still holds in high regard.

“I carved my niche from there, and now I don’t just sell empty lands. I prefer to develop the land and then sell. That’s our unique approach,” he added.

Speaking on the viability of real estate in Anambra State, the Zoffany boss described it as highly profitable, particularly before the recent wave of insecurity in the region. He noted that Awka is a major attraction for investors and indigenes alike due to its centrality and urban development.

His words: “It is very viable not until the advent of insecurity but before then, it was a viable business.

“Anambra is a place where everyone wants to own a property no matter where you are based. Awka is like a melting pot. So, if you are from Ekwulobia, you would still want to own a property in Awka so when you come back for the festive and holiday season, you can spend some time in your home town and sometime in Awka too, before returning to your base. That made the rent in Awka to be on the high side.”

Describing the most beautiful part of entrepreneurship, he said it lies in the freedom it gives to plan one’s time, develop oneself, and be creative. He cited his advice to his younger brother who got a job recently, encouraging him to instead pursue his creative passion in arts and consider building the first art exhibition center in the state.

“I told him that job will kill his creativity. Entrepreneurship will help him grow, manage his time, and think outside the box. That’s how I operate. I don’t want to work for anyone; I want to manage my time and unleash my potential,” he added.

On where he sees his company in the next five years, he confidently stated that Zoffany Homes is working towards becoming a top-tier brand, drawing inspiration from Sujimoto — a leading name in Nigeria’s real estate space whom he considers a role model.

“By 2030, we want to be building iconic skyscrapers. We’ve already designed a 25-storey twin tower — the first of its kind in Anambra — and we’re looking forward to executing such landmark projects soon, both here and in Abuja,” he revealed.

According to him, among the numerous projects the company has undertaken include the ‘Express City’ estate along the expressway in Awka, ‘Silver Land’, 40% of ‘Pleasant Homes’, and several other projects in Nkwelle Ezunaka, Urum, and other parts of the state.

Sharing a word of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, the Zoffany Homes boss emphasized the importance of character, patience, and the culture of service.

“Many young people want quick money and forget that real wealth is built on integrity. You must be patient, build trust, and never let the fault come from your end in any money matter. Also, people should learn to serve — that's how I learnt what I know today. Even Christ taught us that it is in service that blessings come,” he advised.

When asked how he felt about his recent nomination in the AMTY Awards, he expressed deep gratitude and described it as a form of encouragement and validation of his work.

“I feel very happy, and I appreciate Barr. Amaka Ezenwa who informed me about it. The AMTY ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ nomination shows that people are watching and are pleased with what we’re doing. It means a lot to us,” he concluded.

Billionaire Swiss Metro Group CEO, Dr Ibeh Ezekiel Buries Father- in-Law in Style.

It was a grand display of love and respect, as Dr. Ezekiel Ibeh (Eze Ugwumba Ihiala),MD/CEO Swiss Metro Group brought Igbo billionaires together for the funeral ceremony of his Father in-law ,Late Mr John Chinaezenjo Ojiawu.

The funeral ceremony, which took place in Okwuege Akabor in Oguta LGA, Imo State, attested to the strong family bonds that Dr. Ibeh shares with his wife's family.

The event was well attended by prominent igbo Business leaders including the President of De Imperial Philanthropic Family,High Chief Dr Darlington Nwabunike, High Chief Ken Ifekudu (OFR), Chief Ugonna Orabuchi (Panteka), Chief Dr Chika Emenike (Ojichukwu Nnewi,Tummy-Tummy),High Chief Johnbosco Onunkwo (Onwa Umuchu)
High Chief Abraham Otti (Mighty-Mighty), Chief Engr. John Ezeobi of Zobis Engineering, Chief Dr Charles Mbah of CDV Estate Lagos, Eze Ugwumba Ojoto(President, F-15 Club), Owobuisije na Okija,Odinanwa na Oko, Chief Ishmael Udenka, Egbe Igwe Nsukka among others.

The reception featured a range of traditional Igbo delicacies, music, and dance, as guests paid their last respects to the deceased.

In his tribute,Dr Ezekiel Ibeh described his father in-law as a great man who led a very simple life and made impact in his community.

High point of the occasion was the grand entry of members of the De Imperial Philanthropic Family and F-15 Club who accompanied Dr Ibeh to pay condolence to the children and kins of the deceased.
Friends and well-wishers doled out huge sums of money including foreign currencies to appreciate Dr Ezekiel Ibeh and Wife.

Dr Ezekiel Ifeyi Ibeh is the MD/CEO of Swiss Metro Group ,a company with vast interest in Roofing, building materials, spare parts real estate.

They're also the owners of Dutchland Bonded Terminal.

Jolly-Jolly Noodles Boss,Ikenna Ifejiofor Meets Ethiopian Ambassador to Nigeria.

Consumate Industrialist and CEO of Ike God Foods Industries Ltd(Makers of Jolly-Jolly Noodles and Bread) Dr Ikenna Ifejiofor has met with the Ethiopian Ambassador to Nigeria to discuss business and investment opportunities in his country as part of the company's expansion drive in other African countries.

The meeting between the Ethiopian Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Legesse Geremew Haile and the CEO of Jolly Jolly Noodles, Dr. Ikenna Ifejiofor held at the Ethiopian Embassy in Abuja.


The conversation, aimed to explore ways to strengthen trade and economic cooperation between the two countries, aligned with the United Nations' Agenda 2030 for sustainable development.

During the discussion,Ambassador Ambassador Legesse Geremew Haile, the Ethiopian Ambassador expressed his country's keen interest in attracting Nigerian investments, particularly in the areas of agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing. He assured the CEO of Jolly Jolly Noodles that Ethiopia offers a conducive business environment and attractive incentives for foreign investors. "Ethiopia is committed to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, and partnerships with major economies like Nigeria are crucial in this regard," he stated.


On his part, Dr. Ikenna Ifejiofor, The CEO of Jolly Jolly Noodles and Jolly Jolly Bread expressed enthusiasm about the prospects of expanding his company's operations into the Ethiopian market. "As a leading noodles producer in Nigeria, we see tremendous potential for our products in Ethiopia and other East African markets," he said. "We look forward to working with the Ethiopian government to explore investment opportunities that can create value for both our countries."


During the meeting, the parties discussed various options for cooperation, including the possibility of Jolly Jolly Noodles establishing a manufacturing facility in Ethiopia to cater to the local market and nearby countries. They also touched upon potential areas for collaboration in agriculture, particularly in the production and processing of raw materials for food manufacturing.


The meeting concluded with a commitment from both sides to maintain regular communication and explore further avenues for cooperation. The parties expressed optimism about the prospects of a successful partnership and the potential for joint ventures that could boost economic growth and development in both Nigeria and Ethiopia.

This high-level business meeting demonstrates the growing recognition of the untapped potential for economic collaboration between African nations. As countries strive to achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, such partnerships will be instrumental in driving growth, reducing poverty, and promoting stability across the continent .

Dr Ikenna Ifejiofor is a respected Industrialist in Anambra State and was honoured in 2023 as Anambra Industrialist of the Year for his giant strides in food processing.

How a mere picture changed my destiny from a village boy to oil mogul - Nwibe


A renowned engineer and oil magnate, Mr. Barth Nwibe, has recounted his journey from humble beginnings in a quiet Anambra village to establishing what he described as Nigeria’s most independent oilfield servicing firm, SEGOFS Energy, even as he prepares to unveil a ₦3 billion AI-powered diagnostic centre in Awka, Anambra State, as part of his effort to give back to society and transform the state’s healthcare system.

Speaking in an interview,the Aguata-born entrepreneur narrated how his childhood experience, defined by modesty and educational discipline, shaped his worldview and built the foundation for his later accomplishments.

“I grew up like every normal person born in the 60s. My father was a tradesman and my mother was a businesswoman. We were not rich, but they believed in education, and they sent me to school,” he said.

Nwibe’s academic journey began at Ifite Primary School, Igbo-Ukwu, and progressed to Christ the King College (CKC) Onitsha — one of the premier secondary schools in Eastern Nigeria at the time — before he proceeded to the University of Nigeria Nsukka, where he graduated with a Second Class Upper degree in Civil Engineering. According to him, it was a photo of a Black engineer he saw in Ebony Magazine, dressed in work gear and affiliated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), that inspired his decision to pursue engineering instead of medicine, which was the initial expectation from his family and teachers.

His preference for mathematics and physics only strengthened his resolve to study engineering, despite the popularity of Medicine as the “elite” course of the time.

“I chose Civil Engineering and Physics as single honour in my JAMB,” he noted. That singular decision marked the beginning of a journey that would later revolutionize his life and industry.

His professional career took off in Rivers State during his National Youth Service, where he was also given an Award of Commendation for his excellence. He later secured employment with Wog Allied Services, an indigenous oil firm founded by the late Chief Gable Oformah, whom he described as one of his earliest mentors. From there, he moved through top global companies like Sperry Sun Drilling Services (a division of Halliburton), Baker Hughes, Schlumberger, and Shell, gathering deep expertise across the oil and gas value chain.

While describing the seamless nature of his career growth, Nwibe attributed it not just to merit but also to preparation, vision, and divine providence. “That’s what happens when preparation meets opportunity,” he said. He also emphasized that many of the roles he secured were as a result of consistency, training, and staying open to learning, adding that his professional development included advanced training in leadership, energy, and management at the McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University.

In 2006, spurred by Nigeria’s Local Content Policy, Nwibe launched SEGOFS Energy, which he said has since distinguished itself as Nigeria’s only indigenous oilfield services firm operating independently of the three global giants—Schlumberger, Halliburton, and Baker Hughes.

“We are the only independent. Almost 75% of what those majors can do, we can now do in-house. We select our own technologies, design our systems, and deliver the services without being an agency to any foreign brand,” he stated.

He revealed that SEGOFS operates within the highly technical upstream segment of the oil and gas sector, offering services such as directional drilling, measurement-while-drilling, logging, and borehole surveys—services previously monopolized by the big three international oilfield firms. According to him, being able to meet those standards with Nigerian ingenuity is our biggest achievement.

He identified knowledge, finance, and regulatory constraints as the biggest challenges he faced in building the firm. “Getting funding was a big challenge. The business is capital intensive. At the early stage, we had some investors who later pulled out. We had to pay a huge amount to take full control and restructure the company to reflect our original vision,” he disclosed. He also recalled how government policies, economic stagnation, and logistics issues—such as being unable to export equipment during a contract with a South African firm in Ghana—crippled some expansion efforts.

Aside from capital, he said Nigeria’s unpredictable policy environment and insecurity have posed severe threats to business continuity. He noted that during the height of the Niger Delta crisis, SEGOFS had to spend heavily on logistics and protection, including deploying mobile policemen to escort equipment and field teams. “Insecurity remains a significant cost burden for businesses in Nigeria,” he lamented.

According to him, despite these hurdles, SEGOFS has remained active in training and developing young Nigerian engineers, employing them at entry level and equipping them with in-house skills. “We are 100% indigenous. We train, we build professionals, and many of our alumni now work in key positions across the industry,” he said, emphasizing that this deliberate mentoring and capacity-building strategy remains one of the firm’s proudest achievements.

As part of his growing legacy beyond oil, Nwibe is investing in healthcare through a ₦3 billion artificial intelligence-backed diagnostic centre in Awka, expected to commence operation by July this year, 2025. He said the project was inspired by the loss of his mother, whose stroke diagnosis came late due to the absence of appropriate facilities in Anambra.

“We rushed her to Enugu, and after a CT scan at Memphis Clinic, they told us that if we had come earlier, they could have drilled a hole and saved her brain from bleeding. That experience opened my eyes to the deficiency in our system,” he recalled.

According to him, the new diagnostic centre will provide early, world-class diagnosis for various ailments, making life-saving interventions possible in the state. He noted that all equipment has been ordered, the building is at roofing stage, and training has already commenced for personnel, including radiographers drawn from Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital and NAUTH, Nnewi.

“Whatever test you can do in the U.S. or India, you’ll be able to do right here in Awka. That’s our mission,” he said.

The facility is being constructed in partnership with Apex Hospital, which he said already has one of the largest operating theatres in the state. Nwibe expressed confidence that the centre, once operational, will curb medical tourism, save lives, and serve as a benchmark for future private sector-led healthcare investments in the region.

In addition to his business exploits, Nwibe runs the Ugo-Igboukwu Foundation, which he said is driven by his passion to make education accessible to indigent but brilliant children. The foundation has supported students in Aguata and beyond with scholarships and sponsorships, including seminarians and religious aspirants.

“Whatever I am today is because of the opportunities I had through education. So, I believe that everyone who is intelligent should be able to go to school,” he said.

He acknowledged that the foundation faced political misinterpretations at some point, with critics linking its philanthropic work to electoral ambitions, forcing the team to scale back some of its outreach programmes. “Nonetheless, we’ve continued supporting young people within the limits of our resources,” he affirmed, adding that the foundation will be further institutionalized in future.

Nwibe, who recently clinched the “Oil and Gas Person of the Year” award at the Anambra Man of the Year (AMTY) ceremony 2025, also spoke extensively on politics and national development. He lamented what he described as the visionless and transactional nature of Nigeria’s political system, which he said is dominated by individuals without ideas or development agenda.

“Politics in Nigeria is crude. You go to meetings and there is no agenda, no minutes, no direction. It’s all about capturing power,” he stated, while lamenting how people with genuine ideas are often sidelined.

Although his recent governorship ambition under the Labour Party was thwarted by what he called “shenanigans,” Nwibe affirmed that his political interest remains alive. “It is not over until it is completely over. There are still alignments and legal issues underway. I believe when the people are ready for real leadership, things will change,” he said.

He also called for the active involvement of the business class in politics, warning that until the likes of Dangote, Otedola, Elumelu, and other well-meaning elites take a stand for competent leadership, the country may remain in crisis. He particularly advocated for the strategic development of Anambra’s gas reserves, especially in the Orient Petroleum axis, noting that the state has the potential to generate electricity, power industries, and attract investors if it properly harnesses its energy resources.

“If we develop the gas in Anambra State and take it to Nnewi, Onitsha and other industrial areas, the state will change overnight. We will create jobs, reduce crime, and attract investment. But the government has to be strategic. Enough of cosmetic projects,” he warned.

He stressed that no amount of security spending or armored vehicles would solve insecurity without job creation, adding that many young people turn to crime due to unemployment and frustration. He expressed belief that industries powered by locally-sourced gas would lift the economic burden off the state and redirect its youths toward productivity.

Asked about his ability to balance business and politics if elected, Nwibe responded, “Every successful business should have a succession plan. If I go into government, someone will run the business. Government is more impactful than anything I can do in private capacity.”

He further advised young people to shun shortcuts and work hard. “There’s no money ritual anywhere. It’s all fantasy. Nothing comes easy or cheap. You must go through training, build trust, and earn success,” he advised.

Looking forward to the future, Nwibe said his aspiration is to see SEGOFS become a global brand, to invest in manufacturing, and to build institutions that outlive him. “For Anambra, once we can create wealth, get our youths employed, and build lasting structures, I will be fulfilled,” he concluded.

With his multifaceted efforts spanning oil, healthcare, philanthropy, and politics, Nwibe expressed interest to continue writing a story of vision, resilience, and responsibility that echoes beyond borders.

In line with the Homeland Security Law passed recently by the Anambra State House of Assembly, Enugwu-Agidi community has begun the enforcement of the Anambra Homeland Security law to tackle rising insecurity issues in the State.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35ie_pU-S98?feature=shared

Yesterday, the President General of Enugwu-Agidi, Hon Chukwuebuka Onuorah, along with the EBU-NIG-NEC, held a crucial meeting with Native Doctors(ndi Dibia and Ndi Ezenwanyi) on the importance of compliance with the law's provisions (Clause 18 - 1,2,3,4,5).

The President General conducted inspections at various hotels and hospitality centers to enlighten them on the need for proper documentation of guests before check- in and equally to ensure installation of CCTV cameras for enhanced security.

One of the establishments visited, MERRY CHALLETE in Ifite, was sealed off pending clarification of its activities.

Similarly, the President General issued ultimatum to all illicit drug dealers and users to vacate the community within 24 hours, with strict consequences for non-compliance.

Tenants both indigenes and non-indigenes in Enugwu-Agidi were instructed to register their details with the EBU-NIG secretariat within 48 hours or their landlords would face indefinite closure of the premises .

Clause 14 of the Anambra Homeland Security law mandates landlords and hotel owners to collect and verify detailed personal information from tenants and guests, and to install surveillance cameras.

Clause 18 of the law makes it a crime to make supernatural claims.

The Homeland Security Law of 2025 was passed by Anambra State House of Assembly to address fraud, ritual killings, and insecurity in the state.

Most Inspiring Anambra Persons in 2024

These individuals serve as a source of inspiration and exemplify the talent,excellence and drive ndi Anambra are known for. Their achievements inspired ndi Anambra in 2024

John Ezeobi: CEO Zobis Electrical Wires and Cable ltd.

Achievements: Driving a powerful conglomerate at a very young age, the John Zobis Group. The company has interest in construction, cable manufacturing, oil and gas, real estate and trade. He is an inspiration to younger Industrialists.

Mrs. Dorothy Ukachukwu- Principal of Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Abuloma, Rivers State.

Honored with the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in School Leadership.

Engr. Ada Chukwudozie- Chairman, Keystone Bank.

Achievements : The first Igbo woman to become Chairman of a commercial bank in Nigeria,Keystone Bank. and the first female Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi Zone).

Adaora Umeoji-GMD Zenith Bank.

Achievements: the first woman to hold the position of Managing Director at Zenith Bank, one of Nigeria's leading financial institutions:

Dr. Stanley Uzochukwu - President, Stanel Group.

Achievements: Nigeria's leading figure in hospitality industry in 2024 with the launch of the Delbourogh.

Afam Osigwe -32nd Nigerian Bar Association President
Achievement: Elected in a keenly contested election, providing exemplary leadership to the organization.

John Onuigbo - Co-founder, Foris Labs

Achievement:First African to win the Stanford Longevity Design Challenge Prize. Featured in HolonIQ’s Africa Edtech 50 and Shifters 100. Mentored Anambra students to win Global 1st Place at the World Affairs Challenge, Malaysia-Nigeria Debate and National Girls in ICT Competition.

Chidiebube Ifechukwu Esomnofu

Achievement: Winner of the Maltina Teacher of The Year Competition.
Mastery of mathematics and innovative pedagogic methodology benefiting students.

Joseph Afamefuna Nwosu

Achievement: Won the 2024 Presidential Prize for Basic and Secondary Schools in Nigeria.
Awarded the Hyundai Accent car as the STAR prize for being the overall best teacher.

Nwajagu Chinemerem Samuel
Crowned Mister International Nigeria 2024. First African to win the competition.

Stanley Anigbogu - Founder ,Light Ed.
Anambra Tech Guru
Achievement : Won Dh 500,000 Sharjah International Award in UAE.
Foundation converts plastic and e-waste to provide light to refugee communities in Africa.

Dr. Peter O. Nwosu
Inaugurated as the 11th President of State University of New York at Oswego
First Black President in the university's 163-year history.
Represents Nigerian excellence on the global stage, inspiring many.

Clara Chizoba Kroborg
Youtuber and social media entrepreneur.
Achievements:Guiness world record for the longest interviewing marathon with a time of 55 hours 24 seconds.

Chinonso Eche
13 year old Football Freestyler.
Achievements: 4 times Guinness record Holder.

Prof Ifeoma Ulasi :
Professor of Medicine UNN.

Achievements: Her outstanding discovery through Research that potentially makes way for targeted treatment and interventions in individuals with Kidney Diseases.

Anambra Billionaire, Zenco Spends Over 1billion Naira on Casket, Tent,Others at Mother's Burial(Video/Pix).

As Billionaire zenco Mother's burial begins, Anambra people magazine has gathered that the real estate mogul, Cletus Oragwa has vowed not to spare any cost in giving late Mum, Mrs Margaret Oragwa a befitting burial. He's spending nothing less than a billion naira on tent ,hearse,casket and other ancillary services.

A reliable source confirmed to our correspondent that the tent which was imported from Israel costs over #560 million naira. Though some social media platforms and influencers have pegged the price at #350m naira,the source confirmed that the price was worth more than that. The installation of the tent started 15th December, 2024 and was still going on as at 8th January.

The source also confirmed that some of the services that will be provided by the foremost funeral brand in Nigeria, Apams, are going to cost over #500million naira and this include a unique silver casket, a newly imported white Rolls Royce Carriage by Apams specifically for the burial, arrays of posh hearse and other ancillary services.

The burial alone is estimated to cost about 5 billion naira or more. Zenco is one of the most successful young businessmen from Anambra State with interest in real estate,telecommunication,mining and trading.

A-list celebrities including Davido,Flavour,Mr Macaroni, are expected to grace the burial.

The one week burial at Ukpor ,Nnewi South LGA of Anambra State is believed will be a total
shutdown .

Meanwhile, Cubana Chief Priest has presented 47 cows to Zenco in Support of Mother's burial as against 46 cows he gave obi Cubana during Mother's burial in Oba.

Anambra Billionaire,Mighty-Mighty Builds 20 Houses for the Poor,Gifts them 1m each. (Pic/video)

Anambra Billionaire Oil man, Chief Abraham Ikechukwu Otti, (Ikenga Umuchu, Mighty-Mighty), has built 20 houses for 20 households from different communities in Aguata Local Government Area (LGA), Anambra state and Ideato North LGA, Imo state.

Apart from the building, Chief Otti fully furnished the houses, presented each and every house hold with food items that will last more than 3 months and extra 1million naira cash each to start new businesses.
Some of the beneficiaries also got mini-buses during the empowerment program.

Chief Otti also commissioned a 6-kilometer road from Umuchu in Anambra to Amanasaa in Imo State.

The benefactor, represented by the Chairman, Achalla Village, Umuchu, Nze Chimezie Ikeh, said the gesture was aimed at alleviating the suffering of people while eradicating poverty in the society.

He charged the beneficiaries to find solace in their new homes, make judicious use of the money to upgrade their lives, and become more functional members of the society.

Also speaking, the traditional ruler of Umuchu, Igwe Godson Ezechukwu, represented by the Palace Secretary, Prof. Echezona Ifejirika, noted that the kind gestures would not only make life more meaningful to recipients but also take the youths out of the streets.

Speaking in separate interviews, some of the beneficiaries, Mrs Alice Okeke, from Umuchu and Mrs Esther Obiagwu who hails from Akokwa (Imo state) expressed happiness over the magnanimity extended to them, and prayed God’s blessings upon the benefactor.

Recall Chief Otti had last year built 10 houses for 10 households in his community, Umuchu and presented 600,000 naira to each household. This year,he increased it to 20 houses in several other communities and 1 million naira per household.

For his great philanthropic works Otti was honored last year with a Heart of Gold Award by Champion newspaper. He was equally named Anambra Philanthropist of the Year.