₦airaland Forum

Anambra as Attractive Investment Destination

As bargain hunters comb the length and breadth of the global financial market for fertile ground amid dynamics of competing economies, African countries continue to receive the attention due a region of strong potential.

The trend has lifted some countries and their sub-nationals to a spotlight of accelerated economic growth as investors probe virtually all the sectors. One of these sub-nationals is Anambra State.



Anambra is ranked among Nigeria’s major foreign investment destinations according to report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The statistics bureau in its 2018 second quarter (Q2 2018) report released recently had shown Anambra among top 10 Nigerian states, including Abuja, was preferred by foreign investors during the review period.

The others were Abuja, Lagos, Abia, Ogun, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Bauchi, Delta and Ogun states.

Anambra has increasingly attracted foreign investment since October 2017 when a total of $3,771,000 was recorded (in Q1 2017), which represented the total capital inflow for the year. Accelerated investment inflow was recorded in Q1 2018 when capital importation of $5,000,000 in March dimmed $4,975 that trickled in earlier in January, bringing the total inflow for Q1 2018 to $5,004,975.

In what appears investors’ increased confidence in Anambra, capital inflow amounting $5,000,000 was recorded in April 2018, bringing the total foreign investment in the state for 2018 to $10,004,975. Overall inflow for 18 months (January 2017 – June 2018) was $13,775,975.00, according to data mined from NBS website. The increase in investment inflow to Anambra contradicts the trend in overall capital importation in Nigeria during the period.

The NBS report showed that Nigeria recorded a decline of $790 million in foreign investment in the second quarter of 2018 (Q2 2018) as a total of $5.51 billion was received during the period compared to $6.3 in the preceding quarter. This represents a drop of 12.5 per cent (quarter-on-quarter) against the preceding period (Q1 2018).

However, this represents a whopping 207.62 per cent increase compared to the corresponding quarter of 2017 (Q2 2017) when $1.79 billion was recorded. The NBS attributed the drop-in investment inflow in Q2 2018 to decline in ‘Portfolio and Other Investment’ categories which dropped by 9.76 per cent and 24.07 per cent respectively.

Analysis of capital inflow received through Portfolio investment showed a total of $4.11 billion representing 74.7 per cent of total inflow during the period. (Q2 2017 was $770.51 million.) This is followed by $1.13 billion in the Other Investment category accounting for 20.5 per cent of total Q2 2018 capital inflow. ($747.47 million was received in Q2 2017.)

Inflow recorded in the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) category (mainly equities, equipment, machinery) was $261.4 million or 4.7 per cent of total inflow for the quarter under review. (Q2 2017 figure was $274.37 million.)

“Capital Importation in the form of Money Market Instrument stood at $2,670.93 million in the second quarter, which was a 24.29% decrease over the previous quarter. Investments in both Equity and Bonds (under Portfolio Investments) reported steady quarter-on-quarter growth, with 49.43% and 19.13% respectively.

“It is worth noting that investments in bonds under this capital importation type has been steadily increasing since Q2, 2017, and in Q2 2018, it accounted for 9.71% of total portfolio investment,” the report explained.

Governor Willie Obiano had intensified industrialisation and agricultural development in the state which attracts huge foreign investment inflow. Anambra has queued-in into the Nigerian government diversification agenda by expanding the frontiers of non-oil sectors in the two areas thereby creating thousands of jobs in various capacities.

For instance, the state’s agro-allied export scheme initiated by the Obiano’s administration attracted foreign investors’ attention that moved in to participate in the project when it was launched in 2016.

This led to the construction of a $150 million export processing facility in Ogidi – a suburb of Onitsha, the state’s commercial nerve centre, meant for conditioning and processing of export-oriented food items to Europe.

When ABX World which had agreed to partner with Anambra in executing the project reneged, Obiano moved to seek a replacement immediately to avoid the initiative relapsing into oblivion.

“Anambra’s recent emergence among the league of topmost capital importation destinations in Nigeria is not a surprise because Obiano has maintained the tempo of industrialisation and agricultural development in the state.

“The state’s agricultural development programme has resulted in Anambra being a net exporter of locally produced rice and expanding the frontier of economic diversification. Foreign investors know where to put their money; when it is right, they know it.

The National Bureau of Statistics report on capital investment that goes to Anambra is encouraging”, said Peter Obiefuna, a stockbroker.

Of particular notice is that Obiano is pursuing domestic-oriented development and emphasising on efficient management of resources. It is on record that Anambra, unlike most states, did not collect the bailout fund extended to states by the Federal Government in 2015 to enable them to pay salaries, a “gesture” that increased the debt profile of the recipient states.

The debt has a repayment tenor of 20 years. “This is capable of crippling development efforts of the states, no matter the improvement in their revenue profile”, Obiefuna said.

With recent developments in the state, Anambra will record significant investment inflow in 2018 to consolidate the giant stride in industrialization and agricultural development. “It is commendable that the state is not lagging behind in the rapid industrialization that will happen in the South-East soon because the signs are already here”, Kenneth Okoye, an Onitsha-based businessman said.

FG sites Police Academy in Anambra

…aims to fight unemployment, Insecurity in S’East
The federal government has sited police Academy in Anambra state, saying the aim is to fight insecurity and unemployment in the Southeast

Federal government’s delegation led by Arc Okey Johnson Imoatu, visited the site at Umuchukwu, in Orumba south local government area of the state at the weekend.

The donor of the recently approved Police College and Academy in Anambra State, Dr Godwin Maduka, said it was a good development for Southeast.

He said the federal government would use institutions to create employment for young people in the south east region.

Maduka, a United State’s medical doctor and pain manager, said it would help youths and other school leavers who had no meaningful employment to enroll and sharpen their skills that would help them to be absorbed in the police force.

Read Also: Police arrest 5 kidnappers, rescue 5 victims in Anambra
Maduka, said the academy would also help to phase out crime through the use of modern crime fighting techniques.

According to him, “I decided to attract this project to Umuchukwu as a way of helping youths gain employment and also fight corruption in our society”

“The project would be sitting on 50 hectares of land which I have already procured as you see, and from the inspection which we have undertaken today with members of the police service commission, you can see that they are pleased with the arrangement so far,” Maduka said.

The leader of the Federal government delegation of the police service commission, Arc Okey Johnson Imoatu ,said it was a project both the state and local government could not initiate.

Imoatu, who is the chief consultant of the commission expressed happiness at the project.

According to him , “What the state and local government could not do, Dr Maduka has single handedly done.”

He described it as a worthy project that would help in intelligence gathering and also enhance the work of the police force in carrying out their jobs efficiently


https://www.google.com.ng/amp/thenationonlineng.net/fg-sites-police-academy-in-anambra/amp/

FG Approves Establishment Of Police Academy In Anambra
31 AUGUST 2018

The federal Government has approved the establishment of Police College and Police Academy in Anambra state.

The Consultant Police Service Commission Abuja, Architect Johnson Imah gave the confirmation shortly after inspecting the site for the proposed academy at Umuchukwu, Orumba South council area.

The proposed Police College and Police Academy were the brain child of an Umuchukwu son based in America Professor Godwin Mmaduka, who acquired fifty hectares of land and attracted the attention of the federal government to the development.

Speaking to newsmen after inspecting the site, the Consultant, Architect Imah said that the idea of sitng Police Academy in the area will expose youths of the state to the opportunity of being employed in the Police Force on graduation, thereby reducing unemployment in this part of the country.

He said said that in the history of the country and Africa at large, no individual has taken up the task of sitting such project, noting that apart from the Police College in South Africa and Jos, Nigeria, none of the colleges would beat that of Anambra state when completed.

He appreciated Professor Mmaduka who is a Professor of Surgery and Pain Management and the owner of Pain Institute Las Vegas, in the United States of America for his vision which he said is unique, urging him not to relent in his zeal to better the lots of his people.

On his part, a former Majority Leader in the State House of Assembly Mr. Humphrey Nsofor who applauded the move by Professor Mmaduka, thanked the federal government for giving approval to the project which he said is the result of the Aku luo uno clarion call by Governor Willie Obiano.

Mr. Nsofor added that such development would not have been possible, but for the good security network put in place by the Governor expressing pride that Anambra is one of the fastest growing economy in the country.

Addressing Journalist, Professor Mmaduka said his motive was to give the youths of the state ample opportunity to better their lives, pointing out that when completed, the College will give jobs to most of the students who want to work in the Police Force, while those who want to further their education will quickly enroll into the Academy for a higher degree and position in the Police Force.

While charging federal government to quickly take up the survey designing and other plans, Professor Mmaduka said, work will commence as soon as he receives necessary approvals.

The team had earlier inspected the state High Court and Judges Quarters also built by Professor Mmaduka where they called on state government to post personnel to the facility so that it would be put to use immediately

Keeping an eye on the goal...

The commissioner for works Hon Engr Marcel Ifejiofor inspecting the construction of Isu-Aniocha junction to the college of Agriculture gate, Mbakwu. Contractor - Golden Fingers Supreme Construction Ltd.

Agro - Industries In Anambra Asked To Register With State Ministry Of Agriculture's E-Agric Control Center
21 AUGUST 2018

All Micro, Small and Medium agro processors and fabricators of agricultural commodities in the State have been advised to register at the Ministry of
Agriculture’s E-agric control centre located at the Headquarters of the Ministry at the Akwata-junction, ADP building Awka.

A release signed by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mechanization, Processing and Export, Mr Afam Mbanefo says that the exercise is to enable the State government’s agricultural export desk develop and build linkages with agro off-takers, investors and financial institutions for necessary interventions including the upcoming Central Bank of Nigeria Funds for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

The release maintained that the registration exercise which commenced yesterday between nine o’clock in the morning and four o’clock in the evening is free and on first come first served basis.

LAP Urges Ndi Anambra To Embrace Think Home Philosophy
21 AUGUST 2018


Ndi Anambra has been urged to embrace think home philosophy and invest at home, in order to maintain a sustainable development in the state.
Members of League of Anambra Professionals, LAP, gave the advice while speaking on ABS Phone -in -programme, 'Issues" in Awka.

The League of Anambra Professional, LAP is an association brings Anambra Professionals in every field of endeavors together, including Doctors, Mechanics, Lawyers and many others in order to harness human capital effectively to provided development in the state as well as create progressive socio-cultural environment that will provide massive wealth and job opportunities.

Speaking during the programme, the Past President of LAP and a Geologist, Mr, Chike Nwegbe, underscored the need for investors from the state developing other parts of the country to bring home their wealth to ensure even and robust development.

While describing Anambarians as industrious and resilient people, Mr. Nwegbe lauded the efforts of Governor Willie Obiano for his quality good governance in all sectors including ensuring adequate security and fast elevating the state to higher level.

Also speaking on the programme, the Public Relations Officer of the Association, Mrs Kasie Abone, noted that the Association provides atmosphere for skillful persons to come together as one body and make Anambra champion among other states and reiterated the importance of reorientating the people on core value system .

A caller to the programme, Mr. Chidi from Ogbunike, supported their initiative and charged Ndi Anambra to embrace the Philosophy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6mfykL12bc




Gold Winning Technovation World Pitch Girls Arrive Nigeria.
20 AUGUST 2018

The victorious Nigerian Team that won Gold at the 2018 Technovation World Pitch in California, U.S.A (Junior category) arrived Lagos tonight aboard a KLM flight.
The wining team, all resident in Anambra State and made up of students of Regina Pacis Model Secondary School, Onitsha had won with their app which will help detect fake drugs.

Speaking exclusively to Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), the team comprising Rev. Fr. Vincent Ezeaka, the principal, Regina Pacis Model Secondary school, Onitsha, Uchenna Onwuamaegbu Ugwu (Team Leader, Coach, Mentor and Founder of edufuntechnik.com), Adaeze Onuigbo (15), Vivan Okoye (14), Promise Nnalue (14), Nwabuaku Ossai (14), Jessica Osita (14) and Miracle Igboke (16) said they will be traveling back to Anambra State immediately to celebrate with their families.

They thanked Nigerians for celebrating them over their win, especially His Excellency, Chief Willie Obiano, Governor of Anambra State for his moral and financial support to the team.

The team said they were not downcast that there were no fun-fair or federal government delegation to receive them at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and said that “If people did not come to receive us, we will cheer ourselves up. At least we have made Nigerians happy. If Nigerians want to appreciate the team in any way, they are welcome”


http://www.absradiotv.com/12507-gold-winning-technovation-world-pitch-girls-arrive-lagos#.W3pOLQmQUQc.facebook

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6mfykL12bc




Gold Winning Technovation World Pitch Girls Arrive Nigeria
20 AUGUST 2018

The victorious Nigerian Team that won Gold at the 2018 Technovation World Pitch in California, U.S.A (Junior category) arrived Lagos tonight aboard a KLM flight.
The wining team, all resident in Anambra State and made up of students of Regina Pacis Model Secondary School, Onitsha had won with their app which will help detect fake drugs.

Speaking exclusively to Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), the team comprising Rev. Fr. Vincent Ezeaka, the principal, Regina Pacis Model Secondary school, Onitsha, Uchenna Onwuamaegbu Ugwu (Team Leader, Coach, Mentor and Founder of edufuntechnik.com), Adaeze Onuigbo (15), Vivan Okoye (14), Promise Nnalue (14), Nwabuaku Ossai (14), Jessica Osita (14) and Miracle Igboke (16) said they will be traveling back to Anambra State immediately to celebrate with their families.

They thanked Nigerians for celebrating them over their win, especially His Excellency, Chief Willie Obiano, Governor of Anambra State for his moral and financial support to the team.

The team said they were not downcast that there were no fun-fair or federal government delegation to receive them at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and said that “If people did not come to receive us, we will cheer ourselves up. At least we have made Nigerians happy. If Nigerians want to appreciate the team in any way, they are welcome”


http://www.absradiotv.com/12507-gold-winning-technovation-world-pitch-girls-arrive-lagos#.W3pOLQmQUQc.facebook

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6mfykL12bc




Gold Winning Technovation World Pitch Girls Arrive Nigeria
20 AUGUST 2018

The victorious Nigerian Team that won Gold at the 2018 Technovation World Pitch in California, U.S.A (Junior category) arrived Lagos tonight aboard a KLM flight.
The wining team, all resident in Anambra State and made up of students of Regina Pacis Model Secondary School, Onitsha had won with their app which will help detect fake drugs.

Speaking exclusively to Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), the team comprising Rev. Fr. Vincent Ezeaka, the principal, Regina Pacis Model Secondary school, Onitsha, Uchenna Onwuamaegbu Ugwu (Team Leader, Coach, Mentor and Founder of edufuntechnik.com), Adaeze Onuigbo (15), Vivan Okoye (14), Promise Nnalue (14), Nwabuaku Ossai (14), Jessica Osita (14) and Miracle Igboke (16) said they will be traveling back to Anambra State immediately to celebrate with their families.

They thanked Nigerians for celebrating them over their win, especially His Excellency, Chief Willie Obiano, Governor of Anambra State for his moral and financial support to the team.

The team said they were not downcast that there were no fun-fair or federal government delegation to receive them at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and said that “If people did not come to receive us, we will cheer ourselves up. At least we have made Nigerians happy. If Nigerians want to appreciate the team in any way, they are welcome”


http://www.absradiotv.com/12507-gold-winning-technovation-world-pitch-girls-arrive-lagos#.W3pOLQmQUQc.facebook

Illegal Marine Settlement in Onitsha cleared as the fight against crime in Anambra continues


The illegal marine settlement in Onitsha has been cleared by the Anambra state government. The operation was led by the combined team of the Anambra State Physical Planning Board, Ministries of Land, Transportation, Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra and others.

Before the operation on the 1st day of August, 2018, the illegal occupiers were duly served quit notices by ANSPPB.
The illegal settlement which has existed for more than thirty years served as haven for all manner of criminals that terrorize the state.

He further declared that, other places that harbour illegal settlements like the former demolished illegal marine settlement will soon be visited by the Taskforce.

He said "I have provided a token to the former occupants to allow them take their properties home. Everywhere in Anambra today is an urban or semi-urban area. Anambra has the best inter-community roads in Nigeria which has engendered drastic urbanization. One could actually be living in his home town while trading in Onitsha instead of living in shanties as previously obtained here".

Speaking during the demolition, the Chairman, Anambra State Physical Planning Board, Barr. Chike Maduekwe observed that in keeping with the visions of the Willie Obiano led government, all illegal structures in the state must be pulled down as they constitute threats to the environment and endanger lives of both the inhabitants and the neighbors. He said "About five different notices were extended to the former occupants of these structures but as you can see, almost all of them did not comply.

On his part, the Commissioner for Transport in the State, Sir Uchenna Okafor observed that the demolition exercise was in line with the land/shores reclamation agenda of the state government to provide for better views of the rivers in the state. Hon. Okafor who said, the blueprint for Water Transportation in the state is being worked out, observed that owners of illegal structures along river banks in the state should remove them or lose them to the Taskforce. "Soon, the state government will be embarking on construction of jetties and leisure parks along the banks and shores of the rivers in the state, which is in keeping with the visions of Governor Obiano in exploring the state's potentials on water transportation,tourism and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of our waterways to the visitors".

Anambra Speaker Maduagwu Calls For Improved Welfare Of Oil Producing Communities
19 AUGUST 2018


The Speaker, State House of Assembly, Barrier Rita Maduagwu has assured the Oil and Gas Producing Areas Landlords Association that the House will partner them to realize their vision for the state.
Barrister Maduagwu gave the assurance when the Anambra State Chapter of the nongovernmental organization paid her a courtesy visit at the State House of Assembly.

The Speaker represented by the Majority Leader, Chief Victor Okoye commended the organization for being at the mainstream of ensuring stability, progress and development of oil and gas producing areas.

Barrister Maduagwu charged the organization to ensure that the indigenes of oil and gas producing communities are giving priority in terms of employment and welfare, as it will give them a sense of belonging and save government facilities from theft.

She assured that the House would give them every support they need to succeed in Anambra state.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Oil and Gas Producing Areas Landlords Association, Anambra State Chapter, Chief Edwin Uyaemezina explained that the Association is championing the course to ensure that Oil and Gas Producing areas create and develop the middle manpower to drive the development of the areas.

According to him, the organization commenced a three month certification programme for some selected artisans at Anambra State Polytechnic, Mgbakwu and in the end they will be certified to work in the Oil and Gas Sector which he noted would discourage quackery and encourage professionalism

ABS Moves Closer To Digital Transmission Switch Over As NBC Engineer Inspects Facilities
16 AUGUST 2018


The National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, has gone another step further in the processes of certifying the Anambra Broadcasting Service, ABS, ready for digital transmission switch over.
This is confirmed with the visit of the Director of Engineering and Technology in the Commission, Engineer Friday Ojena-Ukwela to the television Studios of ABS in Awka.



The NBC Director of Engineering, Mr Ojena-Ukwela is in the state to assess the facility-readiness of the ABS as the final process of switching over television broadcasting from analogue to digital transmission in Anambra.



Speaking to newsmen, Mr Ojena-Ukwela said that so far five states and the Federal Capital territory have successfully been switched and assured that with the quality of high tech equipment, manpower, and contents in ABS, the organization is ready to blaze the trail when the switch over comes to Anambra.



He expressed satisfaction with the effort the present government and the management of ABS is putting in place to meet international standards and surpass their contemporaries.

On what the National Broadcasting Commission is doing to ensure that viewers easily access the digital signals, Mr Ojena-Ukwela assured that NBC has certified thirteen companies to manufacture the set up boxes in the country so as to make it easier and cheaper for viewers to acquire, confirming a seamless transmission when the policy is finally implemented in the state.



On his part, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr C-Don Adinuba stated that the State government will continue to give her support in ensuring the best of broadcasting, considering the level of massive investments she had made to ensure the ABS is digitally ready.


Earlier on arrival, The NBC Engineer was received by Commissioner Adinuba the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Oby Umeadi, some Members of management led by the Managing Director, Nze Uche Nworah represented by the Director of News and Current Affairs Department, Mr Gab Okpalaeze, Head of Engineering, Mr. Paul Okoye, Head of Technical Services, Mr Ugochukwu Afoekelu and others and had a tour of facilities in the studios

ANSG, Rotary Club Plant More Trees In Awka
14 AUGUST 2018

WRITTEN BY OGOCHUKWU OKEKE
The Rotary Club of Awka Central in partnership with Anambra State Ministry of Environment,
Beautification and Ecology have taken a giant leap in the battle against degradation and erosion by planting up open spaces in strategic parts of Awka with trees.



The tree planting project which started from Arroma junction through the access road leading to Dr Alex Ekwueme Square attracted many Rotarians.

Speaking to ABS after the exercise, the President, Rotary Club of Awka Central, District 9142 Nigeria, Rotarian Joan Emegoakor, said that Rotary Clubs all over the world were mandated to embark on tree planting campaign in their various states to enhance sustainability of the planet.



Mrs Emegoakor highlighted importance of trees to human lives as well as ways to improve tree planting in the state.



The President Elect Rotary Club of Awka Central, District 9142 Nigeria, Dr Tochukwu Mbachi, urged Ndi Anambra to key into the exercise to check erosion and restore the ecosystem as well as protect the ozone layer.



The Managing Director, Leisure Park and Street Beautification, Lady Ify Atogwu, explained that the State Government gave Rotary Club approval to sponsor the tree planting, protect and maintain it for eight months.

She said horticulturists in the Ministry would source for certified plants, supervise and take over from them after the eight months

Entries For Hero's Kick-start Programme Commences
14 AUGUST 2018

International Breweries PLC has commenced the third edition of its Hero's Foundation Kickstart Programme.
Calling for entries into the entrepreneurship programme which runs from August 13th to September 30th,the establishment reassures of commttiment towards contributing its quota in depopulating unemployment in the countryside and creating entrepreneurial value chain.

The Hero's Foundation Kickstart Programme is a corporate social investment initiative aimed at empowering and inspiring budding entrepreneurs to develop business ideas into sustainable businesses.

The Foundation inaugurated in 2016 for youths residing in 5 core South East states of Abia,Anambra,Enugu,Ebonyi and Imo has expanded its frontiers to include Benue,Delta, Edo and Rivers and was meant to instill the culture of entrepreneurship among the youths and reduce unemployment rate in the country.

According to the company Secretary, Mr.Muyiwa Ayojimi who highlighted the modalities for entries, said applications for 2018 edition of the programme are open to youths between 18 to 35 years residing and having business in the participating states .

He said successful applicants will undergo a one week intensive business training session with experts from Nnamdi Azikiwe Business School,after which they will be required to develop and submit their business proposals.

He encouraged interested applicants to visit the foundations website 'www.hero kick start foundation.org", to fill the form and upload their proposal or pickup hard copies from designated centres across the states for a chance to participate, restating the readiness of the company and continued efforts in making heros out of the youths.

One of Directors Professor Ikeme in his remarks underscored the impact of the programme and observed that the beneficiaries of previous editions have become employers of labour, stressing the need for proper utilization of the rare opportunity.

In a remark, a stakeholders, Ofumba Michael Daramola disclosed that about one hundred and thirty two million naira each has been expended on enterprising entrepreneurs with sustainable business ideas.

Speaking to ABS,a Board member, Prof.Chinyere Okunna said the programme is a measure to cushion the effect of unemployment rate in the country, urging youths to subscribe.

Some of the beneficiaries of the last editions of the programme, including Mr.Chukwuemeka Omata ,Ifeoma Eze, Nonso Aluchoro,David Ekwueme and Sandra Ndulue who described the Programme as a laudable initiative to address the challenges of unemployment, encouraged other industries to key into the lofty idea.

In honour of a friend, brother and colleague, Randy J.

Written by Uche Nworah

Perhaps I should start with the good times on the job, the camaraderie spirit exhibited, the unending deadlines met, the production collaborations, and of course the many moments when we, the members of Governor Willie Obiano's media team threw our feet up, kicked back, relaxed and knocked back a few.

In our fast paced line of work, with the emergent 24/7 breaking news culture, and the craving by the citizens for new, refreshing and informative content about the number 1 citizen of the State and the activities of the government, 'chillaxing' has become a highly essential component of our working lives. It offers us a wonderful and convivial opportunity to bond, to review our various projects, share information, exchange perspectives and connect with one another on a personal level.

Our most recent outing was on Tuesday, July 31, 2018 when Chido Obidiegwu, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) Events to Governor Obiano celebrated his birthday. Everybody was there including Randie and it was just like the old times.

Randie Chima or Randie J as I called him, mimicking Randy Jackson of the Jackson family was one of the boys in every sense of the word. Genial, passionate, compassionate and a true professional in his chosen trade. Through his video camera lenses, he has been documenting the Willie Obiano administration from day one, first as CEO of Quodron Company, his production company and later as a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Audio - Visual Productions.

I remember the hectic days of the 2017 Anambra gubernatorial elections and even the periods leading up to that, the various collaborations with Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), and the late nights to push the Obiano message out there, on terrestrial channels, cable TV and online.

Many in the Obiano government will remember his creativity and can-do spirit. The various MDAs through their Commissioners and MDs sought after Randie to help tell their stories to Ndi Anambra and to the world. Randie's personal and collaborative effort with others in the team played a contributory role in the resounding 21/21 APGA victory in the 2017 Anambra gubernatorial elections.

As a seasoned documentary and film maker trained in the United Kingdom, I benefited immensely from Randie's depth of knowledge and experience. After His Excellency, Governor Willie Obiano commissioned the ABS brand new digital television in November 2017, saddled with home grown crew confronting digital TV equipment and broadcasting for the first time, Randie did come to our help when ever we called on him, at no cost.

I remember how he will hail me in his soft-spoken voice, 'Uuch', and I will hail him back, 'Randy J'. We will cap it with our special greeting, only known to us. Chido Obidiegwu will join in if he happens to be nearby. The special greeting involves each one of us raising his right hand, and then placing the left hand by the right hand elbow followed by side to side movement or swinging of the raised hand. The greeting has some history and was originated by His Excellency, Governor Willie Obiano unintentionally.

While Randy was still a consultant to Anambra State government, he had once submitted a production invoice through James Eze, now the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor. It happened that on that day, I had gone in with James for a meeting with His Excellency. In the course of the meeting, James presented Randie's bill and His Excellency jokingly screamed and said, "For what? Just to carry camera like this?". As His Excellency said this, he raised his right hand, placed the left hand by the right had elbow and swung the raised hand from side to side. It was so funny. From that day I started teasing Randie with the greeting and he will respond and do the same, such a good sport he was.

As in life and with every human being, there may be people Randie didn't get along with for whatever reasons but I found him very amiable, will tease him always and we will have a laugh.

Randie was an ardent sports fan, he loved his Arsenal FC and kept visitors on his Facebook page updated on their travails and triumphs. I wonder what he would have said about Arsenal losing to Manchester City today (2/0) in their 2018/2019 Premier league curtain raiser match. I am sure he would have given them a serious bashing.

I saw Randie from a distance on Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, the day Governor Obiano flagged off this year's International youth week. I sat in the stands while he was walking about in the open area tending to his production, as always. Perhaps I should have gone over to him, raise my hand and swing it side to side.

I was shocked when Emeka Ozumba called me late on Saturday, August 11, 2018 to inform me that our beloved Randie had died in his sleep same day. We are all still in shock and saddened by Randie's demise.

At a time like this, the words of John Donne the poet rings true and comes to mind; "Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind; And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee".

Rest In Peace my brother, Randy J.

Friends of Randie Chima have set up a support group to provide financial support to his family in the interim. The group will also play some role during his burial. To join, please send a message to this Whatsapp number 08060983636.

See how she's imparting knowledge in Anambra school children.

She tours even riverhine areas of Anambra to reach schools and spread knowledge.