By Izunna Okafor, Awka

A stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State, Hon. Paul Ezeobi has lost his mother, Lady Sophia Ogonna Ezeobi, to the cold hand of death.

Hon. Ezeobi, a grassroots politician and prominent figure within APC in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, announced this in a statement obtained by this reporter over the weekend.

According to him, deceased,. popularly known as Lolo Ezidika passed on at the age of 68 after a brief illness.

Hon. Ezeobi, who could not hide his feelings for the loss, further solicited the prayers of the public to endure and overcome this trying time, while also wishing his mother's soul peaceful rest in the Lord.

It would be recalled that Hon. Ezeobi, who is a former House of Assembly candidate in Anambra State and Vice President of a charity-based organization — Friends of the Poor — has carried out many philanthropic and empowerment programs in honour of his beloved mother when she was alive, and through which many lives have been positively affected and many hope restored.

According to him, the family will announce the burial arrangements at the right time.

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

The Anambra State has reiterated her call on hotel proprietors and owners of hospitality industries who are operating in the state without registration, to kindly register their facilities with the state government and obtain or renew their operational licences.

The State Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, Leisure and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji, made this known in an interview with this reporter, Izunna Okafor, over the weekend, and in which he also highlighted the need for such registration and its symbiotic benefits to the facility owners and the state government.

The Commissioner recalled that the registration notice and directive had long been given to the hotel proprietors and owners of hospitality industries in the state, regretting that many of them are yet to comply, despite the government having given them enough time to do so.

“Before now, most hotels in the state, since three years now, have been given demand notices to go and register their hotels and be given operational licenses, but many of them are yet to comply,” he said.

According to him, registration and licensing of hotels in the state is very important, as it will enable the government to know about the existence, locations and operations of the hotels in the state, have necessary data for policy formulation and also boost revenue generation in the state, while also offering hotel owners the benefits of enhanced credibility, financial access, marketing support, and protection, among other benefits, which will all result in a high-quality, safe, standard, and thriving tourism and hospitality industry in the state. This, he said, also applies to bars and other leisure centres owners and operators in the state.

The Commissioner explained that another key essence of the registration and government's issuance of the operational licenses is to is to regulate the hospitality industry, adding that this is also a global practice. He noted that such regulations in states in Nigeria and other countries of the world help to improve the tourism sector of that state or country, further hinting that the hospitality sector is a professional industry, which necessitates that the operators in the industry do so with license

“The tourism industry is professionalized, because all hotels are supposed to maintain international standards in terms of their services and other areas, such as fair service management system, neatness of the environment, the kitchen, what they give people, and, of course, security, and other services.

“It also provides principles through which the state government will improve the tourism industry, so as to make practitioners and stakeholders benefit in their businesses,” the Commissioner said.

While attesting that tourism and investments are currently booming in Anambra State, which he attributed to the massive infrastructural development being championed in different parts of the state by Governor Chukwuma Soludo's administration, as well the provision of adequate security and the maintenance of environmental cleanliness by his government; Commissioner Onyenji also noted that these have shot up and continued to augment the number of people and tourists coming into the state.

He, however, explained that these tourists, whether coming from the state, outside the state, or any part of the world for one reason or the other in the state, deserve to be given best standard of services, and which some hospitality industry practitioners may not, if they don't have operational license that authorizes or regulates their operations.

“If we must have, as the Governor wants to do, a smart mega city, where people can come to invest, relax and enjoy; it means that the hotels and allied organizations should also exhibit good and acceptable international services while attending to our people (our tourists),” he said.

“And so, this is why hotels must be registered with the state so that state will know where they are operating, their levels, and also intervene when there is need in terms of attending to their services, because hotels and allied services also at certain times need government's assistance. So this is a symbiotic relationship,” the Commissioner added.

While noting that his Ministry recently had another interaction with the leadership of Hotel Owners Association in the state regarding the way forward in the registration and obtaining of operational license; the Commissioner, who said the law regarding the registration and licensing took effect from 2016; also revealed that a team from the Ministry and the Anambra Internal Revenue Service (AIRS) have begun visiting hotels in the state to enforce the law, after having given enough grace to the defaulters.

This, he said, has resulted in sealing off some hotels, bars and leisure centres in the state because of their owners' refusal to obey the law and do the needful.

“Many of them have not registered since decades they were established. The mobile court has been giving court summons to hotels, and those who refuse to attend to the court summons stand to pay fines and possibly get sealed off until they comply with the law.

“We must maintain the best environment for ourselves, for the Anambra diaspora, and for our visitors, if we must make Anambra great,” he said.

Commissioner Onyenji also advised hotel owners in the state to always watch out for criminal elements, and ensure they don't use their facilities as hideouts to harbour criminals, as government is very determined to reduce and possibly wipe out criminality in the state. He warned that any hotel whose facility is used as hideout for criminals will not only be sealed, by will also face the full weight of the law.

“Hospitality industry drives development. So, I advise the proprietors and the practitioners in the state to always do the needful expected of them and desist from anything that is capable of sabotaging these progressive efforts of the Solution Government to make Anambra a livable and prosperous homeland,” Onyenji concluded.

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, the Spiritual Leader of Igbo Nation has lashed out at Engr. David Umahi, the Minister of Works over his comment that Mr Peter Obi was inciting Igbo against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party and leading opposition leader had criticised the decision of the Federal Government to construct a coastal highway from Lagos to Calabar when most existing internal roads in the country were in bad state and needed reconstruction.

But in a response, Umahi instead of responding to Issues raised by Obi alleged that he was misleading Igbo and inciting them against the Federal Government.

Ezeonwuka said Umahi should not sacrifice the Igbo Nation in his quest to be sent as a loyal servant of the President and sustain his political relevance warning that those who tried in the past all had sad and shameful end.

He said he had no problems with Umahi trying to service the ego of his master but it must not be at the risk of the collective destiny of Igbo people.

Ezeonwuka who is the founder of the Ogilisi Igbo Foundation, an Igbo Socio Cultural organisation, said Tinubu had received the greatest support from Igbo people when they refused to join the nationwide protest against harsh policies which would have not only bring his government to its knees but throw the country into crisis.

He said the Coastal highway had been condemned by many including Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of PDP as misplaced priority and waste of money and wondered why Umahi should single out Obi for blackmail

“I condemn the blackmail of Mr Peter Obi by Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works and warn him to stop forthwith, he should not try to use Igbo to service his selfish political interest because, nobody who did what he is doing in the past survived it, he should check history.

“He cannot set the Igbo against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, good friends in Igbo land and Peter has good friends across Nigeria, so, his allegation against Obi is not only false but idiotic and should be withdrawn immediately.

“Umahi can enjoy his spoil of politics but must not do that with the blackmail of Peter or Igbo, I therefore call on Igbo stakeholders to condemn.this rascality against Igbo by Umahi and call him to order, Igbo have had enough of this madness,’’ he said

Ezeonwuka said Umahi should concentrate on his ministerial work and avoid sabotaging and jeopardising the interest of Igbo describing Igbo as a deputy which nobody tries to rubbish with serious consequences.

By Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD

Today is May 4th, 2024. It's Chief Ikechukwu Abraham Otti's birthday. Chief Otti fondly known as 'Mighty Mighty' and revered as the 'Ikenga of Umuchu, is celebrating his birthday today.

In a world often overshadowed by tales of adversity and struggle, there emerges a figure whose unwavering commitment to community upliftment shines like a guiding light. Chief Ikechukwu Abraham Otti, fondly known as 'Mighty Mighty' and revered as the 'Ikenga of Umuchu,' epitomizes the essence of service, compassion, and dedication.

Chief Otti's journey is a shining example of how one person's dedication and compassion can make a real difference in the world. His remarkable achievements and countless acts of kindness serve as a testimony to the profound impact that individuals can have on their communities. Through his selfless actions, Chief Otti has not only transformed the lives of those around him but has also inspired others to join in his efforts.

His commitment to making the world a better place serves as a powerful reminder that each of us has the ability to create positive change, no matter how small our actions may seem. Chief Otti's legacy will continue to inspire generations to come to make a difference in their own communities.

Chief Ikechukwu Abraham Otti, born on May 4th, 1973, hails from Umuchu in Aguata LGA, Anambra State. His life story is woven with threads of dedication, vision, and service, both to his community and his beloved family.

An astute business tycoon, with a wealth of experience in oil and gas servicing companies, Chief Otti exemplifies excellence in strategic planning, business execution, and fostering robust industry relationships. His entrepreneurial spirit and exceptional communication skills have propelled him to success in various business ventures, including directorship roles in ALLIED VICTORY NIG LTD and Cifaco Construction Limited.

Allied Victory NIG Ltd is indigenous company that boasts a team of multi-disciplinary experts dedicated to providing efficient, tailored solutions. Its commitment to integrity and professionalism is evident in their meticulous policies, crafted to meet each client's unique needs. It excel in exceeding international standards, ensuring utmost value for customers. It's services span general supply, construction, and oil & gas, aimed at maximizing customer benefits. From procurement to maintenance, they are driven by a passion for excellence, building enduring relationships and delivering top-notch products and services, both onshore and offshore.

Chief Otti's dedication to community service extends far beyond his business endeavours. Through transformative projects like installing modern street lights and constructing new roads in Umuchu, Chief Otti demonstrates his unwavering commitment to enhancing community welfare and infrastructure. These initiatives not only bring tangible improvements but his involvement in various clubs and associations, including the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt and the Port Harcourt Polo Club, underscores his deep-rooted commitment to community development. By leveraging his resources and influence, Chief Otti leaves an indelible mark on the fabric of society, striving to create a better future for all.

With steadfast dedication to the progress of the town, Mighty Mighty Umuchu has undertaken a bold initiative to construct multiple kilometres of roads. He took on the task of constructing the 3-km-long road that stretches from Ibubu to Umualoma, ensuring smoother and safer travel for residents.

His recent endeavours, of illuminating Umuchu with modern street lights, is heartwarming. He illuminated the road from Ibubu junction to every corner of Achalla Village by installing solar-powered street lights, enhancing visibility and security for all.

Chief Otti's commitment to education is also exemplary. He paid the school fees for one session for all the nursery and primary school students at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Achalla, Umuchu and promised to continue covering them annually, ensuring that every child has access to education.

Last December, he empowered some youths in his community by gifting them motorcycles for their entrepreneurial endeavorurs, enabling them to generate income.

As a tradition, every December, he generously distributes bags of rice to each household in Achalla Village, spreading warmth and joy during the festive season. Chief Otti's heartwarming gesture of distributing over 500 bags of rice to widows and women in Umuchu epitomized the spirit of Christmas -touching the lives of the most vulnerable members of society with acts of kindness and compassion.

Chief Otti, embarked on a heartfelt mission to provide homes for those in need. In a remarkable display of kindness, he oversaw the construction and furnishing of ten homes, which he then gifted to10 indigent widows. His dedication to this project was evident, as he personally ensured that every detail was taken care of to provide comfortable and safe living spaces for the recipients.

For the families who received these homes, it was life-changing. It offered them a fresh start and the opportunity to build brighter futures for themselves and their loved ones. His act of kindness will be remembered for years to come as a shining example of the difference one person can make when they choose to lend a helping hand to those in need.

But Chief Otti's benevolence did not end there. In a demonstration of his deep empathy, he presented each widow with a substantial sum of N600,000 in cash, recognizing their ongoing needs and striving to alleviate their financial burdens. This act of kindness not only provided immediate relief but also bestowed a sense of dignity and empowerment upon each recipient, affirming their worth and value within the community.

In a remarkable act of generosity and dedication to Umuchu, Chief Ikechukwu Otti, also known as Mighty Mighty Umuchu, took on the entire task of building and outfitting the Holy Trinity Church (Anglican Communion). He didn't just provide financial support; he invested his time, energy, and resources to ensure the church stood as a symbol of faith and hope for the community.

Chief Otti's commitment to this project went beyond words; it was a tangible demonstration of his belief in the power of faith to uplift and unite the people of Umuchu. Through his singular effort, he has left a lasting legacy of compassion and community spirit for generations to come.

As Chief Otti continues to spearhead transformative projects and inspire positive change, his legacy of service and compassion reverberates throughout Umuchu and beyond. Through his company, ALLIED VICTORY NIG LTD, he not only delivers quality services but also strives to improve lives and build a better future for generations to come. His vision for becoming a leading and reliable oil and gas company, while upholding the highest standards of compliance, embodies his unwavering commitment to excellence.

In Chief Otti Ikechukwu Abraham, we find not just a leader or a businessman, but a beacon of hope, a champion of compassion, and a symbol of inspiration. On Chief Otti’s birthday today, his story reminds us that amidst life's challenges, there exists the power to make a difference, to uplift others, and to create a legacy of love and service that transcends time.

As Umuchu basks in the glow of Mighty Mighty's benevolence, let us all be inspired to follow his example and make our own mark on the world, one act of kindness at a time. Happy birthday "Mighty Mighty". Happy birthday Ikenga Umuchu. Happy birthday Chief Otti Ikechukwu Abraham. May your days be long!


[i]Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu PhD is a Media and Strategic Communications Consultant based in Awka, Anambra State.
08060750240[/i]

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

It was a moment of hope restoration and tears of joy for 10 prison inmates at Onitsha and Awka correctional service centres in Anambra State, as they regained their freedom, as was secured and facilitated by a philanthropist in the State to give his birthday a more symbolic and impactful look.

It was gathered that the inmates have long been placed on bail but were retained at the correctional centres because they had nobody to perfect their bail conditions.

The philanthropist, Chief Maduaburochukwu Attah, perfected the release conditions of the inmates to mark his birthday and thank God for adding another year to his age.

On why he embarked on the intervention, Chief Attah who owns the famous ABU Charity Foundation, said he has no particular reason but just to put smiles on people’s faces.

According to him, “First, today is my birthday and I felt like celebrating with our brothers at the correctional centers. It gives me joy when I help people in need.

“The intervention was to give them another chance to correct the mistakes they made in the past as well as avail them opportunity to contribute their quota to societal progress.

Chief Attah, who also handed over international passports to five Awka youths and empowered over 40 persons with disabilities same day, assured that his foundation would train the freed inmates to become better citizens of the country.

Reacting, Deputy Controller of Onitsha Custodial Correctional Centre, Sunday Igwe, and his Awka counterpart, Solomon Ubah, commended Attah’s gesture and intervention, describing it as rare achievement in todays society.

“I’m very happy. Chief Attah and his NGO have done what we have been yearning for. He perfected the release of five inmates in my Onitsha center as part of his birthday celebration which is something symbolic.

“At the centre, we are about 1,000 but now we would be 995. Also, the population at Awka center will reduce because he promised to do the same there today.

“We have been asking members of the public to always partner with us because some of the inmates have been here for a good number of years simply because they could not meet their bail terms,” Igwe said.

They advised the freed inmates to abstain from crime and embrace a good lifestyle as payback for freedom. They also urged other inmates to leverage various skill acquisition training at the centers while in detention to add value to themselves and to be useful when they regain freedom.

In separate interviews, seven of the freed inmates thanked Maduaburochukwu for the gesture and pledged to turn a new leaf when they get back into society.

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

Veteran Nigerian actor, Sir Dr. Bob-Manuel Udokwu, has lamented that many people in the Nollywood industry make society happy but regrettably go home sad.

The Anambra-born actor disclosed this in an exclusive interview with this reporter, Izunna Okafor, over the week in Awka, the Anambra State capital, during which he also mourned and expressed his sadness over the recent deaths of some Nollywood stars, including Mr. John Okafor (Mr. Ibu), Amaechi Muonagor, Jonh Odonwodo (Junior Pope), Zulu Adigwe, and others.

While recounting his relationships with these movie stars, he described their deaths as painful and touching, especially considering the situations that resulted to the deaths and the circumstances surrounding them. The actor, though, opined that the trend of deaths is not peculiar to the Nollywood industry alone, adding that people die everyday, only that the deaths of Nollywood stars appear to ring bell and attract much attention and public reactions, because of their celebrity status.

“I really commiserate with their family members. But the industry can really do nothing.

“Seriously, the industry can't do much for them, except probably raise funds and all that. That's why it's always painful to me that when our people fall sick, or when certain misfortunes come, we go to the public to beg for funds. It shouldn't be that way. It shouldn't be,” said Hon. Udokwu, who is also the Special Adviser on Entertainment, Leisure and Tourism to Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

Reflecting on the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate deaths of many Nollywood stars in recent times, which he said depict a society where nothing works; the veteran actor also regretted that many entertainers, especially people in the Nollywood industry, make the society happy but go home sad.

“Why do the public think that there's so much money in Nollywood, yet most times when our people fall sick, you see people raising funds for them on social media? Are they that well-remunerated? It's a question. It's something to ponder about,” he said.

According to him, although many people in the Nollywood live fanciful and ostentatious life (probably because of societal expectation on them), they also suffer the same hardship many other Nigerians suffer and are also affected by the general economic in the country.

“In fact, the pain everybody goes through, we even go through more, because people make countless requests of us simply because they us as film actors. Are we paid differently from every other person? No. Or, are we paid in foreign currency? Of course not,” he said.

While noting that the pay of an A-list Nollywood actor for a major role in a movie cannot even buy a coffee for an actor of the same level in America, Sir Udokwu, who also also recounted his experience few weeks ago in London and Manchester where Nigerians over there celebrated his birthday for him, further regretted that Nigerian actors are usually relegated by the government and not regarded in their country, compared to other countries where they are seen as great ambassadors.

“They see us as ambassadors over there, because everything that people know about Nigeria comes from Nollywood and football...,” he said.

He further called for government's intervention and attention on Nollywood industry to work out ways to assist the practitioners in the industry, to, at least, to live above board.

“I may be saying this to indict some people in terms of leadership and governance, and control about things that we do in terms of work. Nollywood is an industry that came out of virtually nothing, when we did Living in Bondage, which was released in 1992, which effectively started what we know today as Nollywood.

“You know, it's still a work-in-progress. But I think it is high time government took more interest in what is happening in Nollywood. I'm not advocating for government takeover, because if government takes over Nollywood... They will bring quota systems. And entertainment and sports are not where you do quota systems. They are purely driven by talent,” he said.

Asked how government should come in, the veteran actor said, “There should be some level of government interest and control administratively. We can work with government on this. We have practitioners in the entertainment industry who studied various other things.

“So it's not a question of bringing in outsiders to come and regulate the entertainment industry. No, our people can work with government to put things in place, checks and balances, things that ought to be done so that we don't, in one fell swoop, lose like six people, avoidable deaths, you know,” he said.

He described President Bola Tinubu as a lover of entertainment, while also calling on him to do something concrete for Nollywood.

“Please, Mr. President, do something concrete for the entertainment industry,” he appealed.

Continuing, he said, “Sometimes, we hear in the pages of newspapers about monies, voting, certain banks where you can access loans. How many of us access those loans? You want to give creative industry works on creativity, you don't need to ask them to bring an arm and a leg as collateral. Their collateral is their creativity.

“So, there needs to be a system where creative people can access funds, public funds from government, and be able to do their work, earn their keep, and then pay taxes and also return government money; and the economy progresses while living standard improves.

“This can be worked out if government is serious about the entertainment industry. It should be done before everybody runs away. Although, as for me, I'm not going to run away. We'll be here. We'll be here.”

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

Veteran Nigerian actor, Sir Dr. Bob-Manuel Udokwu, has lamented that many people in the Nollywood industry make society happy but regrettably go home sad.

The Anambra-born actor disclosed this in an exclusive interview with this reporter, Izunna Okafor, over the week in Awka, the Anambra State capital, during which he also mourned and expressed his sadness over the recent deaths of some Nollywood stars, including Mr. John Okafor (Mr. Ibu), Amaechi Muonagor, Jonh Odonwodo (Junior Pope), Zulu Adigwe, and others.

While recounting his relationships with these movie stars, he described their deaths as painful and touching, especially considering the situations that resulted to the deaths and the circumstances surrounding them. The actor, though, opined that the trend of deaths is not peculiar to the Nollywood industry alone, adding that people die everyday, only that the deaths of Nollywood stars appear to ring bell and attract much attention and public reactions, because of their celebrity status.

“I really commiserate with their family members. But the industry can really do nothing.

“Seriously, the industry can't do much for them, except probably raise funds and all that. That's why it's always painful to me that when our people fall sick, or when certain misfortunes come, we go to the public to beg for funds. It shouldn't be that way. It shouldn't be,” said Hon. Udokwu, who is also the Special Adviser on Entertainment, Leisure and Tourism to Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

Reflecting on the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate deaths of many Nollywood stars in recent times, which he said depict a society where nothing works; the veteran actor also regretted that many entertainers, especially people in the Nollywood industry, make the society happy but go home sad.

“Why do the public think that there's so much money in Nollywood, yet most times when our people fall sick, you see people raising funds for them on social media? Are they that well-remunerated? It's a question. It's something to ponder about,” he said.

According to him, although many people in the Nollywood live fanciful and ostentatious life (probably because of societal expectation on them), they also suffer the same hardship many other Nigerians suffer and are also affected by the general economic in the country.

“In fact, the pain everybody goes through, we even go through more, because people make countless requests of us simply because they us as film actors. Are we paid differently from every other person? No. Or, are we paid in foreign currency? Of course not,” he said.

While noting that the pay of an A-list Nollywood actor for a major role in a movie cannot even buy a coffee for an actor of the same level in America, Sir Udokwu, who also also recounted his experience few weeks ago in London and Manchester where Nigerians over there celebrated his birthday for him, further regretted that Nigerian actors are usually relegated by the government and not regarded in their country, compared to other countries where they are seen as great ambassadors.

“They see us as ambassadors over there, because everything that people know about Nigeria comes from Nollywood and football...,” he said.

He further called for government's intervention and attention on Nollywood industry to work out ways to assist the practitioners in the industry, to, at least, to live above board.

“I may be saying this to indict some people in terms of leadership and governance, and control about things that we do in terms of work. Nollywood is an industry that came out of virtually nothing, when we did Living in Bondage, which was released in 1992, which effectively started what we know today as Nollywood.

“You know, it's still a work-in-progress. But I think it is high time government took more interest in what is happening in Nollywood. I'm not advocating for government takeover, because if government takes over Nollywood... They will bring quota systems. And entertainment and sports are not where you do quota systems. They are purely driven by talent,” he said.

Asked how government should come in, the veteran actor said, “There should be some level of government interest and control administratively. We can work with government on this. We have practitioners in the entertainment industry who studied various other things.

“So it's not a question of bringing in outsiders to come and regulate the entertainment industry. No, our people can work with government to put things in place, checks and balances, things that ought to be done so that we don't, in one fell swoop, lose like six people, avoidable deaths, you know,” he said.

He described President Bola Tinubu as a lover of entertainment, while also calling on him to do something concrete for Nollywood.

“Please, Mr. President, do something concrete for the entertainment industry,” he appealed.

Continuing, he said, “Sometimes, we hear in the pages of newspapers about monies, voting, certain banks where you can access loans. How many of us access those loans? You want to give creative industry works on creativity, you don't need to ask them to bring an arm and a leg as collateral. Their collateral is their creativity.

“So, there needs to be a system where creative people can access funds, public funds from government, and be able to do their work, earn their keep, and then pay taxes and also return government money; and the economy progresses while living standard improves.

“This can be worked out if government is serious about the entertainment industry. It should be done before everybody runs away. Although, as for me, I'm not going to run away. We'll be here. We'll be here.”

By Izunna Okafor, Awka


It was a moment of panegyrics and encomiums in Awka, the capital city of Anambra State, on Wednesday, as indigenes of the community expressed their happiness and heartfelt appreciation for what they described as the transformative efforts of the Governor Chukwuma Soludo-led administration in the capital city and other parts of the State.

The indigenes, comprising stakeholders and distinguished sons of the soil, showered the eulogies after inspecting some of the capital projects springing up in different parts of the city, including the Solution Fun City, the new Government House, Governor's and Deputy Governor's Lodges and the Judges Quarters, all being constructed at the same time by the Soludo Administration, among other capital-intensive projects.

The hours-long inspection began at the Solution Fun City, where the Contractor toured the team round the site to give an overview of the project and the various segments and facilities being constructed therein, including, cinema, utility building, fairy wheels, tower, swimming pools, administrative and ticketing building, gate house, among others.

The team, led by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Hon. Ossy Onuko, thereafter, landed at the project site of the new Government House, Governor's Lodge and others, where they were received by the Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Pauly Onyeka, who also toured them round the site and provided explanations on the various parts and progress of the project.

In an interview with newsmen after touring the sites, a top stakeholder in Awka and former Senator representing the Anambra Central Senatorial Zone in the National Assembly, Senator Ben Obi, expressed his amazement on the quantity and quality of capital projects being executed by the Soludo Administration, especially in the capital city.

According to him, he had never requested or lobbied Governor Soludo to carry out one project or the other in the capital city, but he has turned out to be the Governor who has shown most concern and also invested most in the general development and transformation of Awka to a befitting status of capital city, much more than all his predecessors in the history of the State, whom he revealed that he severally wrote to during their tenures, requesting them to execute one developmental project or the other in the capital city, all to no avail.

The former Senator, however attested and expressed his gladness that Awka is now wearing a new look and rapidly developing further under the Soludo Administration. He also complained that Governor Soludo's achievements are underreported by his Press Secretary, whom, he said, is not telling the people the story, wondering why it should be so.

His words: “Governor Charles Soludo is running the State rapidly. Everywhere you go, you will see the impacts of his government.

“Just this afternoon, we were saying to the Chief Press Secretary: Why are people not telling the story? Why is the story of Soludo not being told? I can say for sure that by the time he completes his four years, Awka will be the best-built capital city in the Southeast. And I keep asking myself, where is all this money coming from? We are indeed amazed at what we saw and I hope to see Mr. Governor to shake hands with him for the marvelous work he is doing.”

Contributing, another stakeholder from Awka, Prof. A.U. Nonyelu, while also expressing his delight with the performance of the Governor and his developmental efforts across the state, especially in the capital city, also attested that Ndị Awka and Ndị Anambra at large are beginning to witness and experience more transformation in different sectors under Governor Soludo, than they had ever seen before.

While commending the Governor on behalf of Ndị Awka, the university don also expressed his surprise that the Governor is carrying out these projects without borrowing a dime, while also assuring him of continuous support to his administration to achieve the Awka of his dream and realize his general vision for the state.

Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Onyeka; and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Hon. Onuko, also recounted other various developmental projects, social-oriented and empowerment programs the Governor has so far carried out in different sectors and those he is still currently executing, despite the economic situation of the country; even as they described him as a prudent resource manager and a man who walks his talks.

Further describing the Governor as a man who likes to take up challenging tasks for the betterment of Ndị Anambra, the duo also gave an overview of the Governor's vision for Awka 2.0, and Onitsha 2.0, while equally urging Ndị Anambra to keep supporting the Governor, as more still lies ahead in wait for them under Soludo.

Also present during the inspection were the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra State Waste Management Agency (ASWAMA), Sir Mike Ozoemena; the Traditional Ruler of Ogbunka community, H.R.H., Igwe Johnmark Anyaoha, among other stakeholders from within and outside the capital city.

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

A yet-to-be-identified lady has reportedly died in Anambra State after allegedly smoking Colorado, a psychotropic drug, popularly known as “Colos” — the eponym for the popular slang “On Colos”.

The incident reportedly happened over the weekend in Awka, the State capital, where the lady was said to have repeatedly smoked the psychotropic and acted in strange ways before finally giving up the ghost.

This was corroborated by a video and voice note currently trending on the social media about the incident.

While the video shows the lifeless body of the victim lying close to the Y-Junction Axis of the UNIZIK Junction-Okpuno road, the masculine voice note of an eyewitness that accompanies it explained that the she became unconscious and started misbehaving after smoking the dangerous drug, even to the point of perambulating the street stack naked.

This, the eyewitness said, made some sympathizers to hold and assist her with a cloth to cover up her unclothedness. The sympathizers were also said to have fed her with enough soaked garri to douse the effect of the substance on her.

It was however, reported that shortly after she began to regain her consciousness, she went and smoked the Colorado again, which eventually led to her collapse, downfall and consequent death along the ever-busy road.

Her corpse was also said to have been taken away by her people after some passersby recognized her and invited her family members, who came and evacuated her corpse.

When recently contacted by this reporter, Izunna Okafor, the State Commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Anambra, Mr. Daniel Onyishi described such incident as one of the numerous inherent dangers and consequences of drug abuse and how it destroys the youths.

According to him, Colorado is a psychotropic and one of the dangerous drugs that have rendered and still render many people useless in the society, adding that ‘colos’ is also addictive, while its effect is instantaneous, as it flows straight to the bloodstream, affecting one's mental wellness.

The NDLEA Boss said that such things are what the Agency has been preaching against through its various sensitization programs in secondary schools and other public places in the State, including through the radio program “NDLEA and You” which holds from 11.am to 12.pm every Tuesday on ABS 88.5FM.

“That is why everybody should stay off drugs and join us to fight drug abuse. If you know anyone who uses or deals on drugs, make NDLEA know. People should not be harbouring such persons or take drug as a business,” Onyishi emphatically stated in a telephone interview with this reporter.

By Izunna Okafor, Awka


As part of measures to end an already lingering crisis, residents of Housing Estate Fegge, Onitsha have appealed to Anambra State Government to take over ownership and control of the Ugborimili Primary School in the area.

The residents made the appeal during a protest in Fegge, where they expressed their grievances about how things are going in the school, especially as it concerns its stringent Management that have denied the residents access to the school premises.

The protesters, who marched round the various streets in the community, were seen bearing placards with various inscriptions that help capture and drive home their grievances, the message, and their appeal some of the inscriptions read: “Ugborimili Primary School is a Public School, not a mission school”, “Prof. Charles C. Soludo, Please, Don't Allow This Error to Continue in this Your Tenure”, “Ugborimili Primary School Field Remains the Only Field for Sports and Exercise for Housing Communities and It's Environs”, among others.

Addressing newsmen shortly after the protest, some stakeholders who have lived in the Estate community for over thirty years, Chief Stanley Ibom, Mr. Nnaemeka Chine, and Hon. Dennis Samuel went memory lane on the history of Ugborimili Primary School, noting that the school was established during the government of Jim Nwobodo between 1975 and 1979, as the development of Bridge Head Housing Estate was going.

According to them, the school premises was being used by different churches and the community as place of their religious and social activities, until recently when a certain Roman Catholic Church laid claim to the school and locked up the premises, denying the residents access into it.

On their own parts, other residents, including Sir Sam. C. Okafor, Chief Timothy Ikezuagu and Dr. Chioma Onwuasoigwe, expressed sadness that during the handover of schools owned by mission during the Peter Obi Administration, the Committee that handled it apparently did not consider the idea of inviting the general public to assist it with more information that would have assisted them to properly separate or distinguish between which schools truly belonged to the public and churches, many of whom then laid claims on many public schools then without evidences.

They also regretted that the Committee resorted to the Eastern Nigeria Directory of Schools published in 1964, seen it as the cheapest route out of the inability of missions to back up their claims with relevant documents.

The residents also stated that the two immediate-past administrations in the state deployed executive orders to satisfy the aspirations of the missions, without anyone standing for the interest of the general public, with reference to public schools.

They further said that various court injunctions have been issued to the said church to stop work within the premises, which the church jettisoned and even continues to set up more structures on the school's land.

Contributing, a coach in the Estate, Mr. Charles Osondu recalled that the Ugborimili Primary School field, which is the only field in the area, used was the field where the residents were using for their trainings and sporting activities for over thirty years, before it was recently locked up by Management of Catholic Church laying claim to its ownership. This, he said, has, among other implications, deprived the community access to the field premises. He also lamented that the Church has made the hitherto community school very exorbitant that the children of the less privileged in the area can no longer afford to school there.

Also speaking, another sport enthusiast, Rapuluchukwu Chukwuneke said at the moment, under 13 and 15 Football Team are supposed to be training at the Ugborimiri Primary School Field ahead of an upcoming competition, but cannot, because the Catholic Church locked up the school premises.

The residents therefore joined voice to call on the Anambra State Government to retrieve and take over the school, so as to make it accessible to the public and also make the field open for public use as it used to be before, to avoid the matter escalating or brewing up more crises.

Addressing the protesters, Archbishop Mike Chukwudum in charge of Rock Fire Global Mission, who is also a resident of Housing Estate Fegge Onitsha and Spiritual Father of the community gave further overview and shed more light on the history of school, having lived there since 1972, said he had personally wrote to the government with his office as an advocate of peace, for the school to be retained as public school, because it is serving the public and stood as the only sporting and recreation center in the area, all to no avail.

He, however, enjoined the residents to remain calm and prayerful, as they will use every necessary avenue to reclaim the school and ensure it is made accessible to the public.

It was a colourful event as Federal Training Center, Ikoyi, Lagos, in Nigeria just concluded her Annual Students' Matriculation for this year 2024. An event which took place on the 23rd of April, 2024.

The event which started with the national anthem, got to its peak with oath taking to abide by the rules and regulations of the school, and other edu-social activities, was graced with academic dignitaries led by the Provost/Rector of the institution, Mrs. Oluwaniyi A.O.

The Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was ably represented. Others present include the Deputy Provost Academy, Dr. Mrs. Adedapo O.O, the Deputy Provost Admin, Dr. Enu V.O, as well academic and non academic staff of the institution.

In her opening speech, the Provost urged all students of the institution to be serious with their studies and develop a reading habit, because the institution is zero tolerant to exam malpractice.

She also reminded them that matriculation is a significant event that symbolizes commitment to academic excellence and personal growth, and sets the tone for academic journey ahead.

She also said, that the institution on her part is giving its best to ensure a knowledge filled and conducive reading and learning environment for all her students.

During the event, various activities took place.

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Pool King Global Investment Ltd., Hon. Gabriel Chukwunwendu recommended controlling the number of people who trade dollar in the black market as one of the steps to stabilize the value of naira.

Hon. Chukwunwendu, who is also the Anambra Youth Commander, gave the suggestion while fielding questions from newsmen during his birthday ceremony and that of his wife, Mrs. Uchenna Chukwunwendu, which held over the weekend in Awka, the state capital.

According to him, since exchange rates are typically higher than official rates in the black market due to speculative demand and limited supply; controlling the number of persons trading dollar and naira in the black market can help strengthen the value of the naira by limiting the unregulated and often speculative trading that drives up demand for foreign currencies. This, he said, can also direct more foreign currency transactions through official channels, where rates are set and regulated by monetary authorities, which can lead to a more stable and favorable environment for the naira, thereby strengthening its value.

The young philanthropist, who is also a role model to many youths, frowned at youths engaging in illegalities, just to belong; even as he advised every youth to first of all be positive minded, have a decision to make it in life, and then start from somewhere, rather than idly waiting for manner to fall from heaven.

“Indulging in illegal business is a choice. None of us came through a rich home. But I took it as a personal decision to be useful and be who I am today. So, I charge all youths to think positive. That is the first step,” he advised.

When asked his experience about real estate business in Anambra, the Pool King Boss attested that Governor Chukwuma Soludo has really made the real estate business favourable in the state through his developmental projects that have resulted in the opening up of many places, thereby increasing the values of lands in areas, including the hinterlands.

While recounting how he relocated his real estate business from Abuja down to Anambra State after listening to Governor Soludo's call for Akụ Ruo Ụlọ when he came to address them; the Nnewi-born real estate mogul, however, decried high level of taxation in the state. He passionately appealed to the Governor to be considerate in taxation, especially to them who are indigenous developers and investors, and more especially to those of them who relocated their investments down to Anambra just in response to his Akụ Ruo Ụlọ clarion call.

The Anambra Youth Commander, whose birthday was April 17 while his wife's own was April 15, said they decided to celebrate the two together, having become one, by virtue of tying the marital knot since 12 years. He further appreciated the solidarity and supports received from friends and well-wishers, while also expressing optimism for brighter years ahead.

In a tribute to the celebrants, a legal luminary and philanthropist, Barr. Kelechi Agbasiere (Founder of The Siere Foundation), described them as one of the outstanding couples in Anambra, given the impacts they have made in the lives of many youths in the state and beyond, through their philanthropic gestures, coaching and empowerment programs, employment offers, among others.

“Pool King is a nice guy. In his less than 40 years of age, he has made impacts in the lives of many Nigerians in different parts of the country, both in Anambra, Abuja, Asaba, and many other places, as young as he is. Indeed, he is a nice guy; and that is why I can proudly identify with him,” he said.

Contributing, the MD/CEO of the Graceland Real Estate Group, Mr. Okechukwu Okoli lauded the celebrants as source of inspiration and motivation to many youths in the country, especially considering how they attend, support and even sponsor many youth-oriented programmes and other such initiatives that will benefit humanity and the society at large.

Witnessed by the fathers of the celebrants, Chief Samson Chukwunwendu, and Chief Ignatius Okeke; the well-attended celebration was also graced by celebrities and entertainers from different parts of the country, who, together with the conviviality, made the event remarkable and memorable.

By Izunna Okafor, Awka


In view of the age-old Igweship tussle raging in Azia community, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, the state government taken a stand.

Recall that Azia community has, for years, been engulfed by Igweship crisis, following the sudden demise of Prof. Titus Eze, the Igwe-elect of the community; as his opponent in the election, Chief Felix Ifeanyimuo, allegedly began to lay claim on the traditional stool of the community, asking to be crowned the next Igwe.

This alleged laying of hostage on Azia throne by Chief Ifeanyimuo has sparked off turmoil in the community, with some people opposing him, while some others say he is the right person for the throne. Protests have also been held by the parties involved, to further drive home their notions.

These have also culminated to the setting up of a panel of inquiry on the matter by the state government, as part of its intervention, and with a view to resolving the crisis.

However, in an interview with this reporter Izunna Okafor, on Friday, the State Commissioner for Local Government Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon. Tonycollins Nwabunwanne, declared the government's stand on the matter.

According to him, the government's position is that there will be a fresh Igweship election in the community.

This decision, he said, was taken after receiving and studying the Panel's report, adding that the decision is also in line with the constitution of the community.

The Commissioner further revealed that efforts and plans were already on motion vis-a-vis the arrangements for the fresh election, which, he said, will be held around September when there the community usually has mass return and new yam festival.

He further appealed to the members of the community to remain peaceful and uphold the values of their heritage throughout the election process, reiterating the importance of unity and respect for the electoral process; even as he urged all parties involved to eschew violence and wait patiently for the election.

He also highlighted the government's commitment to ensuring a transparent and unbiased election, assuring the community that measures are already in place to maintain law and order during the exercise.

The Commissioner further expressed hope that the fresh election will bring an end to the long-standing crisis and restore peace and stability in Azia community.

By Izunna Okafor, Awka


It was a tragic scene in Anambra State, as a directionless vehicle without driver knocked down a female pedestrian as she was crossing the road.

The incident happened at about 12:20pm on Wednesday, April 17, along the Asaba-Onitsha Road, by Okpoko Market.

According to a statement signed by ARC Charles A. Iyiegbuniwe of the Public Education office, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra State Command, the victim was knocked down when a vehicle that was being towed with a tow truck detached the truck and speedily rammed into her, crushing her instantly, while the tow truck driver continued speeding without knowing what happened.

“At about 12:20hrs of the day, A white colour Commercial Tow Truck vehicle with Registration number XA550BMA, model ML180, was towing a vehicle in an uncontrollable speed along the axis.

“A female adult was said to be crossing the road, the vehicle that was towed got ditached from the tow truck and killed the woman, while the truck continued movement.

“The FRSC rescue team rushed to the scene, and took the woman to Toronto Mortuary,” the statement partly read.

Commenting on the incident, the FRSC Sector Commander in the State, Corps Commander Adeoye Irelewuyi sympathized with the family of the deceased, describing the incident as very unfortunate.

CC Irelewuyi warned the motorists, especially the tow truck drivers to always use standard equipments and exercise high level of professionalism while discharging their jobs, to avoid risking people's lives and properties.

While advising drivers to always adhere to the speed limits stipulated for their vehicles and for the various roads they are plying; the Sector Commander further warned against excessive speeding and the numerous dangers associated with it, being one of the major causes of road traffic crashes in the State and other places.

Recall that similar incident as this had also happened few months ago in the state, when a parked Mack Truck with no driver inside it rolled off while goods were being offloaded from it, and crushed a woman to death around the Ezeiweka Road axis of the Onitsha—Owerri Road, Onitsha, at about 3.pm on Thursday, October 19, 2023.

By Izunna Okafor, Awka


The Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Dr. Felix Odimegwu, has said environmental well-being and sustainability was top on the priorities of Governor Chukwuma Soludo's administration in the State.

Commissioner Odimegwu disclosed this during an inspection of some drainages and waterways in Amawa village, Ogbunike, in Oyi Local Government Area of the State.

According to him, environmental well-being is a key factor in achieving the Governor's vision of making Anambra a livable and prosperous homeland as he pledged the people from the day-one of his administration, and which he said, has made the state government to hold the sector to a highest esteem, judging by the key efforts and achievements so far recorded in the sector.

While the Environment Ministry had earlier received a report about blockage of waterways by a developer in the area; the Commissioner, during the inspection, also harped on the need to always comply with government's approved model of drainage system in the state, to avoid sabotaging the government's efforts of ensuring free flow of water, especially as the rainy season currently rings bell.

Commissioner Odimegwu similarly urged Ndị Anambra to support the Soludo Administration achieve its vision for the state by regularly keeping their surroundings clean, desilting their waterways and generally maintaining a healthy environment, as, according to him, cleanliness is next to Godliness.

While reminding the people of the various environmental laws enforceable in the state, he further warned everyone to desist from indulging in any act capable of sabotaging and retarding the government's efforts and strides towards ensuring and upholding environmental sustainability in Anambra.

The Commissioner was joined in the inspection by some principal officers of the Ministry.

In a related development, Commissioner Odimegwu also recently flagged off tree planting initiative at the Amazon Estate at Enugwu-Agidi, Njikoka Local Government Area of the state, where he described tree planting as a welcome development that does not only boost environmental sustainability, but also helps to slow down erosion gully menace, which, he said, has ravaged and taken over many parts of Anambra lands.

While highlighting other significance and benefits of tree planting and how Governor Soludo has championed that, he also hinted that trees are natural coolants that add aesthetic value to the environment and also serve as natural oxygen providers to humans and other living things.

The Commissioner commended and urged Ndị Anambra to emulate the initiative, adding that it was in line with the Governor's Public Private Community Partnership (PPCP) Model of governance, which facilitates quicker community development and gives a sense of belonging to the people.

In their separate remarks at the event, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Foster Ihejiofor; and Transition Committee Chairman for Njikoka, Amb. Clems Aguiyi, hailed the Management of the Estate for the project, emphasizing that tree planting aligns with regenerative agriculture, which boosts soil fertility and also controls erosion.

Earlier in his opening speech, the Chief Executive Officer of the Senatorch Limited and Developer of the Amazon Estate, Barr. Chidi Amaeze, who gave an overview of the Estate, said they would plant not fewer than 3000 diverse economic and ornamental trees in the area, with the aim of making the Estate the first green, smart and eco-friendly estate in the southeast region.

He also added that the vision draws inspiration from the vision of the Soludo Administration, especially as it relates to making Anambra a smart, mega, eco-friendly, livable and prosperous homeland.

Stakeholders of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Anambra State have vowed that the incumbent Governor of the State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, would be the last All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA—produced Governor in the State after serving out his current tenure.

This was part of the resolution reached at the Stakeholder Meeting of the Anambra South APC, which held over the weekend at Nnewi, where the party stalwarts also passed a vote of no confidence on Governor Soludo.

Led by the Zonal Chairman of the party in Anambra South, Mr. Izuchukwu Okeke, the Forum also resolved to the other two senatorial zones in the state to reposition the party, so as to correct what they described as the flaws and mistakes of Governor Soludo. The meeting had, in attendance, the local government officers, zonal officers, members of the state and national officers of the party from the zone, as well as select stakeholders of the party.

Addressing newsmen shortly after the meeting, Mr. Okeke criticized Soludo's administration as lacking concrete infrastructure projects and progressive policies that demonstrably benefit the citizenry, adding that Ndi Anambra are “totally disappointed at Governor Soludo and his weak performances, despite all his professorial credentials.”

He also hinted that “governance is not about speaking big grammar on television, but about practical impacts on the lives of the people.”

According to him, the Anambra APC is strategically revamped and ready to take over the control of the Agu Awka Government House come 2025, as Ndị Anambra can no longer continue to tolerate the weaknesses of the APGA government in the state, which, he said, had held the state spellbound for years.

When asked about the zoning arrangement, the APC Chieftain said the party's priority was to nominate a candidate who embodies the party's message of renewed hope, who gains widespread acceptance from the people, and who possesses a proven track record of accomplishments, among other qualities. He also added that they would field a candidate who understands the plights of the people and what governance is all about.

When asked how the party intends to achieve victory in the election, given the incumbency of the APGA government in the state; Mr. Okeke said Ndị Anambra were already fed up with Soludo and APGA government, and are ready to vote them out, even without any campaign to do so.

He also added that the meetings and its resolutions were parts of the steps towards repairing what Soludo has spoilt.

“One of our key resolutions in this stakeholders meeting include to initiate a meticulous, committed, and strategic bottom-up rebuilding of our great party in the state, starting from the ward level and progressing to the local government and state levels, both for its general progress and also in preparation for the upcoming 2025 gubernatorial election,

“In specific term, we have agreed here to embark on a complete overhaul and restructuring of our dear party, beginning at the polling units in our wards and progressing through the local governments to the state level,” he said.

Continuing, he said, “To achieve this ambitious goal of repositioning the party within the zone, we have established a nine-member strategic committee led by the State Secretary of our great party, Engr. Chidi Orji. The Committee has 28 days to submit their master plan and strategy to the zonal leadership of the party.”

Mr. Okeke, while reiterating his optimism on the ability of the party to “redeem Ndị Anambra from the weak hands of Governor Soludo and the APGA government”, also reassured the people that the days of the ‘weak government’ are already numbered in the state.


247ureports

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

Firefighters in Anambra State have been charged to be more proactive and hardworking in the discharge of their duties going forward, so as to minimize the incidences of fire outbreaks in the state and the damages that result therefrom.

The new Fire Chief of the Anambra State Fire Service, Engr. Chukwudi Emmanuel Chiketa, gave the charge during his three-day tour across the stations and facilities of the Service in different parts of the State.

According to the Media Unit of the Anambra State Fire Service, the tour, which started on Wednesday, April 10 and ended on Friday, April 12, saw the Fire Chief visit fourteen fire stations across the state, where he also interacted with the firefighters and inspected the facilities in the stations, to ascertain and have first-hand information on their readiness to respond to fire emergencies, as well the challenges affecting the various stations and other circumstances surrounding the discharge of their duties.

The stations toured by the Fire Chief include the Government House, Onitsha Main-Market, Ochanja, Okpoko, Nkpor, Ogidi, Umunze, Ekwulobia, Isuofia, Nnewi, Ihiala, Amawbia, and Aguleri fire stations; as well as the Chinua Achebe International Airport Fire Station, Umueri.

Addressing the firefighters at the various stations visited, Engr. Chiketa, commended them for their dedication, gallantry, and service delivery so far; even as he specially acknowledged the unwavering supports of the State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo and the State Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka, which, he said, had jointly repositioned the State Fire.

He, however, reminded the firefighters of the need to be more proactive and hardworking, so as to ensure minimal fire outbreaks and its consequent effects on the lives and properties of the people.

While urging them to see the firefighting as a very serious call to duty, Engr. Chiketa also emphasized on maintaining discipline, noting that restoring maximum discipline and upholding the principles of efficiency and effectiveness in the job are top on the priorities of his leadership in the Service. He further warned that anyone who tries to sabotage the efforts or image of the State Fire Service and the State Government through negligence of duty would face deserving disciplinary action. He also called for proper management and carefulness in handling of firefighters equipments, as the Soludo Administration has zero tolerance for wastage.

According to him, his administration will work in tandem with the vision of Governor Soludo to ensure adequate safety of lives and properties of Ndi Anambra at all times. He therefore encouraged the firefighters to keep doing their best in the job and for the State, while also soliciting for their unalloyed support to move the Service forward and further boost her image, to gain the trust and confidence of the masses whom they serve.

Engr. Chiketa also re-assured of his administration's open-door policy, noting that his office is always open and accessible; even as he also expressed his openness to new ideas, suggestions or opinions capable of helping or contributing to the growth of the Fire Service and bringing about more efficiency and effectiveness in the discharge of its duties.

In their respective remarks, the Heads and Commanders of the various fire stations visited congratulated the new Fire Chief once again on his new office, and further lauded his innovative leadership style and approach to issues, as he has so far manifested in less than one month of his administration.

While urging him to continue carrying them along and to periodically visit and inspect their facilities; the station Commanders also assured him of maximum cooperation and support to his administration.

By Izunna Okafor, Awka


What could be better described as danger is currently looming in Akwaihedi community in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, as school children in the community risk their lives while crossing a deep river to attend school.

This is coming as Ugwa Uhualauzi River Bridge got covered up by the river, leaving only the bridge rails above the water level.

Announcing this in a video currently trending on the social media, the President-General of the community, Chief Oliver Mba, said the bridge was a self-help project constructed over fifty years ago by the community members.

The PG, in the video, said as at this dry season, the river flows over the bridge, adding that the situation gets worse during rainy season, preventing people of the Uhualauzi village from crossing over to the other sides of the community and vice versa, as everyone would be trapped to their own sides of the community pending when the water level subsides.

The video also shows small school children crossing the deep river through the rail of the bridge, while the youngest one among them who could not climb the rail was seen trekking through the river on top of of the the covered bridge. It further shows a motorcycle trapped by water on top of the bridge, while the owner was seen trying to push it out.

Chief Mba, in the video, appealed for the urgent intervention of the Governor Chukwuma Soludo-led Government of Anambra State, to address the situation, to avoid any casualty resulting therefrom, given how the school children and other residents risk their lives crossing the bridge to attend schools, markets, farms, church services and other places of importance. He also revealed that the Bridge is the only pathway to and fro the Uhualauzi village and the rest of the community divided by the river, regretting that the situation has remained like that and even aggravates as days go by.

“This remains the situation of Ugwa-Uhualauzi River Bridge in Akwaihedi community, which we have been bringing to notice of Anambra State government,” he wrote.

Reacting to the development, the Deputy Chairman for Nnewi South Local Government Area, Hon. Obinna Emecheta, who spoke on behalf of the Transition Committee Chairman for the Council Area, Hon. Ikenna Aniagboso, commended the President General for bringing the situation to the attention of the government, adding that the complain has been communicated to the appropriate authority.

“This is commendable, and this is what the Soludo Administration has always advocated: WHEN YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING.

“That is why we keep asking people to say something. This has been forwarded to the appropriate quarters, and I believe something will be done,” he said.

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

The Anambra State Police Command said it had recovered the bodies of the three remaining victims of the fatal boat mishap that occured in the State on Wednesday, involving a movie cast.

The Spokesperson of the State Police Command, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday, in which he also gave some updates and clarifications on the circumstances surrounding the water accident that happened in a river in the state.

Recall that the much-talked-about boat mishap, involving a movie crew, cut short lives of some promising and veteran actors/filmmakers.

Recounting how the incident happened and the efforts of the marine police in rescuing the victims, SP Ikenga also conveyed the heartfelt condolences of the State's Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye, to the families, friends and fans of the victims, whom, he said, the CP also prayed for the peaceful repose of their souls.

According to him: “The boat, one of two that conveyed the crew to a film location in Anambra West L.G.A. of Anambra State, was returning to Asaba, where it took off from when the accident happened.

“On being notified of the capsize, Anambra Command Marine Police deployed for rescue operations, and successfully rescued six actors and one actress from the water.

“Two others who were unconscious were also pulled out with the aid of fishermen, and were conveyed to the Delta State Command Marine Police Jetty, where other members of the crew who travelled in the first boat were waiting. And they were handed over to the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, for conveyance to the hospital, while the rescue team went back in search of three others who were still missing as the time...”

The Police Imagemaker, however, told journalists in a statement on Friday, that the Marine Police of Anambra State Command had recovered bodies of the three remaining victims of the unfortunate boat accident.

“Two of the bodies were recovered yesterday, 11th April, 2024, while the last was washed in by the tide this morning.

“All the bodies have been deposited in hospital mortuary in Asaba while the President of the Guild of Actors and Actresses has been notified of the recovery,” he said.

Concerning the yet-to-com burial of the victims, which has also raised some dusts in the social media, SP Ikenga said “Although, the accident happened within the jurisdiction of Anambra State Command, issues relating to release of bodies of the accident victims for a decent burial are to be handled by Delta State Police Command.

While noting that preliminary enquiry has given insight into the cause of the accident; he also revealed that CP Adeoye had ordered an exhaustive investigation into the incident, with a view to unraveling other hidden facts about it and determining criminal liability of any person, if any, in the mishap.

He said the Police Commissioner had also warned all water commuters to be safety conscious and avoid any behaviour that may jeorpardise their safety and that of others while on transit on water.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye has urged all water commuters to be safety conscious and avoid behaviour that may jeorpardise their safety and that of others while on transit on water.

“He promised expedited investigation into the sad accident that claimed lives of five actors. He also commended the Command’s Marine Unit and its Commander for dedication to duty,” the Police Spokesman concluded.

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

Journalists in Anambra have commended the efforts and achievements of the State Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye in making the State safer.

The pen pushers gave the commendation on Thursday, April 4, during the monthly Congress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council.

Tagged “Finishing Strong”, the event, which had CP Adeoye as the Guest, also featured a media parley between the journalists and the Commissioner, during which he fielded some questions from the newsmen on the general security situation in the State, vis-a-vis before and since his assumption of office as the State's Police Chief barely nine months ago.

Addressing the Congress, the State Chairman of the NUJ, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, commended the impacts of CP Adeoye's security initiatives and the various feats so far recorded by the State's Police Command under his watch, even as he gears towards finishing strong in his policing career in few months time when he would retire from active service.

Comrade Odogwu, while commending the CP and his team for the results of their efforts, also congratulated him on the honour recently done to him in the State by the government through naming of a street after him in the capital territory.

The NUJ Chairman, also, on behalf of the Union, lauded Governor Chukwuma Soludo for restoring pipe-borne water in the State after over 16 years such thing was last seen in the State. He highlighted the various ways the pipe-borne water can benefit the State and her residents, while also urging the Governor to sustain further reticulation of the water.

The Congress also called on Governor Soludo to look into the proliferation of the state's capital city by child beggars and people using sick and underage children to beg alms in the city —an act that has not only defaced the capital city, but also exposes the children to danger.

Earlier speaking, CP Adeoye, extolled the cordial relationship existing between the media and the State's Police Command, as well as the support the Command, under his watch, has so far enjoyed from the media, which, he attested, contributed significantly to the successes recorded by the Command.

Fielding questions from newsmen, the Commissioner, represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Criminal Investigation Department, DCP Akin Fakorede, made some clarifications on the various security-related happenings in the State, and also recounted the efforts and achievements of the Command in addressing the issues and further strengthening the general security of the State.

According to him, the Command has also recently introduced some new proactive policing strategies and initiatives, and will sustain the raid against insecurity in the State.

Contributing, the Police Public Relations Officer of the State, SP Ikenga Tochukwu highlighted the specific giant strides made by the Command in the past few weeks, including the raiding and destruction of insurgents' camps at Achalla, Ogbunka, Aguluezechukwu, Ogboji, and other places; rescuing of kidnap victims, recovering of three beretta pistols from cultists at Ogidi and Ekwulobia, among other arms and ammunitions recovered at Awada, other insurgents' camps and other locations.

While underscoring the importance of stakeholders engagement and collaboration, the police authority also assured of sustained synergy with the media and other relevant agencies, to further enhance the security of lives and properties of Ndị Anambra.

Also present at the event was the immediate-past State Chairman of NUJ in Anambra and incumbent South-East Vice President of the Union, Comrade Emma Ifesinachi, among others

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

Ebenator Community in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State was agog on Tuesday and Wednesday, as the villagers converged at the Civic Center for their periodic Town Union meeting and for election of the leadership of the community's Youth Wing.

The Easter Town Union meeting, which held on Tuesday, also saw the President-General of the Ebenator Development Union (E.D.U.), Mr. Chigozie Henry Anadi, present the four-month scorecard of his new administration, which came into power on December 31, 2023, towards the development of the State.

The scorecard, as was presented by the PG and different committee/branch heads, reflected the progressive journey-so-far of the administration on different sectors of the community, including the Education sector, the Power/Electricity sector, the Commercial/Market sector, the Environmental sector (with more emphasis on the erosion gully ravaging the community), as well as the road and other general infrastructural development sectors.

According to the PG, who also cited the various instances of the progresses and feats recorded and the drawbacks so far encountered in the journey, the administration is committed to delivering on its objectives of taking the community higher than it met it.

He also specifically commended the State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, and Commissioner Felix Odimegwu of the State Ministry of Environment, for the massive erosion control project that was embarked upon on the Ebenator Erosion Gully Site, which has helped slow down the escalation and the disastrous effects of the deadly gully in the community. He, however, recounted the efforts so far made by his administration towards ensuring government's timely resumption of work at the erosion site, even as he also reiterated the community's appeal to the government for resumption of the project which was paused since last year.

Mr. Anadi, during the meeting, also rolled out some of the new policies of that would help strengthen every sector of the community while also consequently contributing to the achievement of the Governor Soludo's vision of making Anambra State a livable and prosperous homeland.

Aside the various committee heads who also presented their reports at the meeting, the highly-interactive meeting also featured opinion contributions and patriotic robbing of minds by the residents on various points of discussion towards making Ebenator a better and greater community. The villagers also showered encomiums on the new administration in the community and the committee heads for their efforts so far in better repositioning the community, while assuring them of maximum support and prayers.

The E.D.U. General Meeting, which was also graced by two former Presidents-General of the community, Dr. Anthony Okechukwu and Chief Cletus Esomonu, ended with the PG, his Executives and other stakeholders inspecting an ongoing road project in the community, alongside a massive drainage channel construction that accompanies it.

Following up one day after the meeting was a peaceful election of the leadership of the Youth Wing of the community, in line with the mandate and directive of the Anambra State Government to every community to have a duly-elected youth leadership.

Also held at the Ebenator Civic Center, the election was observed by a delegation from the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU) Youth Wing, including the State Assistant Secretary of ASATU Youth, Comrade Chidiebere Chukwumaobi; and the ASATU Youth Mayor for Nnewi South,
Comrade Edwin Ejiofor; as well as the former Youth Leader of the Community, Comrade Tony Ezepuo; and the PG, Mr. Anadi.

The election saw Mr. Chukwuka Akam emerge the new Youth Leader of Ebenator Community.

Other executive members produced by the well-participatory election include: Chukwunweikpe Ejike (Vice Youth Leader); Ekene Obunadike (Secretary); Chetachukwu Achuba (Assistant Secretary); Emeka Obi (Financial Secretary); Nnabuike Mmadubuogu (Treasurer); Ifeanyi Ifenji (Public Relations Officer); Chikwado Ebubedike (Chief Provost); ThankGod Akam (Assistant Provost); Onyeka Umeh (Chief Welfare Officer); and Chinedu Uchendu (Assistant Welfare Officer).

The new electees were, thereafter, counseled and prayed for by the PG, Mr. Anadi, who also commissioned, empowered, and declared the official kick-off of their new administration.

By Izunna Okafor, Awka


Easter celebration turned bloody as suspected cultists reportedly gunned down yet-to-be-ascertained number of persons in Anambra State.

The incident was said to have happened at Opposite Dike Park, around the Eke Awka Market, in Awka, the State capital, where the rampaging cultists reportedly stormed in their numbers.

According to sources, the incident happened in the noon hours of Sunday, and also escalated to the Obinagu village, where few more persons were also gunned down by the cultists.

While the total number of casualties recorded in the incident is yet to be ascertained, it was gathered that one of the persons hit by bullet was a staff of the Anambra State Judiciary, simply identified as Mr. Nwofor, who was said to be innocently going about his normal business before the cultists struck.

This was corroborated by a video currently trending on the social media, showing bodies of two of the persons gunned down in the Eke Awka environ. While one of the victims was seen still struggling in pains for his dear life in the pool of his blood beside his motorcycle where he fell, passersby were seen scampering for their safety.

When contacted by this reporter, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, said there was no such report before him.

This is a developing story.

More details later...

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

It was a resounding display of support and solidarity, as the people of Aguleri community in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State passed a vote of confidence on Governor Chukwuma Soludo, throwing their weight behind him and his administration, for what they described as his exceptional and multi-sectoral development-oriented governance.

The community passed the vote of confidence during a well-attended Town Hall meeting, which held on Friday, March 29th, at the Aguleri Civic Center, where they also unanimously endorsed and okayed the Governor for second term in office.

Speaking at the event, the President General of the community, Barr. Ifeanyi Iloakasia, who set the tone for the discourse, highlighted the various impacts of the Soludo Administration in Aguleri, in Anambra East Local Government Area, in Anambra North Senatorial District, and in Anambra State at large.

According to him, some parts of Aguleri have seen light and enjoyed electricity light for the first time in history, under Governor Soludo's administration, having been without light for decades, before Governor Soludo came on board with his disruptive approach to development.

Aside the Governor's commitment to improving electricity access to the people, the PG also lauded him for the massive installation of solar streetlights in the community, as well as the conversion of the hitherto diesel-powered streetlights in the area to solar.

He further commended the Governor for facilitating the ongoing construction of the 2x60 MVA Injection sub-station at Umuekete Aguleri, which will power the whole Anambra East and the entire Omambala region, upon completion.

Barr. Iloakasia went on to express the community's appreciation for Governor Soludo's dedication to improving the people's access to potable water. He commended him specifically for his administration's decision to convert diesel-powered boreholes in the different parts of the community to solar-power boreholes, in addition to other new water facilities undertaken and resuscitated in the area by the current administration of Governor Soludo, all with the aim of ensuring a more sustainable and reliable source of clean water.

While recounting the ugly experiences of the people in the past and their difficulty in accessing healthcare facilities, especially during child delivery and under critical health condition; the Community leader further commended Governor Soludo's commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and general public health in Aguleri and its environs, as evidenced in his administration's health interventions in the area and his promise to build a General Hospital in the community, the work of which has already kicked off in earnest.

He also revealed that the Governor is currently building five general hospitals in the Anambra North Senatorial District, despite coming from a different Senatorial District — a gesture, he said, stands the Governor out as a selfless leader who prioritizes and shows a burning desire for an overall development of the State he governs.

The Aguleri PG, who commended Governor Soludo for finding their son, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka, worthy of appointment into his cabinet as Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, also attested that many indigenes of the community have benefited from the various developmental initiatives of the Soludo Administration. These, he said, include the One Youth Two Skills initiative, teachers recruitment exercise, health workers recruitment, free antenatal and free child delivery, free education policies, as well as free coconut/palm seedlings, among others.

In their separate remarks, a stakeholder in the community and spokesperson of Ndị Ichie Aguleri, Mr. Paul Onuora, and the Aguleri Woman Leader, Mrs. Patricia Okechi, attested that the Governor has performed beyond expectation in just his two years in office, which they described as a clear indication that his administration holds much brighter and greater prospects for Ndị Anambra.

While commending the Governor for the massive road construction ongoing in different parts of the State, the Aguleri indigenes also unanimously reminded him of the Aguleri-Uno—Aguleri-Otu Oil Rig Road, an all-important road he has pledged to construct for them, to connect all parts of Aguleri.

They recalled how difficult it was for people to navigate the different parts of Aguleri in the past, until the immediate-past Governor Willie Obiano linked up the fractured parts with a massive bridge, and which Governor Soludo also pledged to complement with good road network, bu undertaking to construct the Aguleri-Uno—Aguleri-Otu Oil Rig Road, being the only road linking up the area. The however, expressed optimism that the Governor would still fulfill the promise to them as it concerns constructing the road, judging from his track record of keeping promises. They further reassured their solidarity with the Governor, while also assuring him of unwavering support to enable his administration continue to succeed.

The people, during the Town Hall, also commended the immediate-past Governor Obiano for giving Ndị Anambra Governor Soludo as his successor, who, they said, have also performed exceedingly well and proved to understand the job.

“We are happy that Soludo succeeded Obiano; and he is doing exceedingly well,” they said.

Town Hall meeting served as a platform for Ndị Aguleri to not only celebrate the Governor's achievements, but also to engage in a constructive dialogue and discourse that will help drive their future aspiration and general well-being as a community.

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

The Management of the Anambra State Library Board has received the donation of eight thousand (8,000) books of different genres from a US-based medical doctor, Dr. Eugene Nwosu.

The official handover of the donated books, which held at the hometown of the donor in Ajali, Orumba North Local Government Area of the State, was grace by the State Library staff and stakeholders of the community.

Speaking during the handover, the representative of the donor, Chief Onyejeli Paul-Mary said the major reason behind the gesture was not just to encourage the Library Board, but to also contribute to expansion of knowledge among the populace through reading.

According to him, the benefactor, Dr. Nwosu and his wife, Mrs. Mary Nwosu, are also the Founders of the Goodness and Mercy Foundation, a charity-based and community-based organisation through which they have contributed significantly to the general development of the community and personal growth of the indigenes.

He revealed that the donor had also recently donated about two thousand books to different schools in the area and beyond, even as he expressed optimism that these magnanimous gestures of the benefactor would spur and motivate people to take reading seriously as a major source of information.

Contributing, a classmate of benefactor and member of the community, Chief Sir Nkem Obu, commended the State Library for its roles in spreading knowledge, which, he said, was the reason the Obu Family has remained unwavering in supporting the Library and its services since many decades ago.

While recounting his reading experience, Chief Obu, a retired staff of the Nigeria Liquified and Natural Gas (NLNG), however, regretted that there is now a huge drop in the reading culture in the society as it is today, with its resultant effects; even as he encouraged the Library Board not to relent.

“Regrettably, the youths no longer read; everybody wants to make it through the quickest way. But one thing these young ones don't understand is that when one reads, he learns and acquires new knowledge, and that knowledge, no one can ever take away from him. People must begin to take reading seriously,” he said.

Responding, the Director, Anambra State Library Board, Dr. Obioma Obalum, commended the books donor, Dr. Nwosu, for showing concern in supporting the Library to eradicate illiteracy and promote a society where reading is held in a highest esteem.

She further assured that the books would be put into good use, to ensure the full realization of the aim of the benefactor.

The State Librarian further encouraged others to emulate the gestures, while also assuring that the Library is always open for fruitful collaboration and any partnership that will help it achieve its objectives.

Also present at the event were the Librarian in Charge of the Ajali Branch Library, Mrs. Peace Onwuanyi; as well as another stakeholder from the community, Barr. Uka Noel Obu, among others.

The official symbolic hand over of the book to the Library Director, formed the highpoint of the event.

By Izunna Okafor, Awka


Ear-piercing echoes of Hosanna rent the air in Awka, the capital city of Anambra State on Sunday, as members of the Anglican Church of Redemption, Awka (ACORA), evangelically stormed the streets with their palm fronds to marks the 2024 Palm Sunday.

The celebration saw the throng of happy congregation dance-march with the ACORA Brigade Band from the church premises through the UNIZIK Temporary Site Junction, up to Abakaliki Street Junction, and back to the church, where they were welcomed back with melodious tunes from the corners of the Redemption Gospel Band.

https://onyokomita.com/awka-agog-as-acora-marks-2024-palm-sunday-with-scintillating-procession/

The well-attended service which held with the theme “Christ's Simplicity and Humility” had earlier featured a series of choruses and sonorous renditions that made the day symbolic, marking the commemoration of Christ's entry into Jerusalem as King.

Earlier in his homily, Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Ogbuefi, described Christ as a true model and embodiment of simplicity and humility, who, despite His Godly status, Himself throughout His stay in earth, even unto death on the cross.

Dwelling on Luke 11:14 and Phillipians 2:5-11, he urged the congregation to emulate Christ and his humility, reminding them that anyone who exalts himself will be humbled, while anyone who humbles himself will be lifted high.

The Anglican cleric decried the rate of arrogance and pomposity people display in the society today due to one reason or the other, which, he said, are all vanities and transient.

“Many times, we don't understand the vanity of life, because it is what makes us to be sophisticated. Whatever that arrogates you now will eventually collapse. And , mind you that whatever you are or have achieved in life, someone else has been or achieved more than that in the past. So, there's nothing to be proud about in life,” he said.

Continuing, he said, “You cannot follow Christ with arrogance; you must drop it. That was why Christ said that anyone who must follow Him must first deny himself, then, pick up his cross and follow Him.

“If you don't humble yourself, God will not only humble you, but also humiliate you, because He hates pride. So, my brothers and sisters, whatever that is making you to be proud in life, keep it aside, it is not worth it. Simply emulate the simplicity and humility of Christ, and you will never regret it.”

In their separate remarks, the Vicar of the Church, Ven. Dr. Obiora Alokwu, and Rev. Can. Clement Izuegbu, extolled the beauty and richness of the Anglican church and the Anglican tradition, while also urging members to participate actively in the Holy Week activities that have already kicked off to herald the Easter Sunday.

Highpoints of the event include the outdoor procession, enthralling ministration by the Redemption Band, as well as the melodious anthemic rendition of the Frederic E. Weatherly's “The Holy City”, among other side attractions that made the service joyous and glorious.

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

Awka, the capital city of Anambra State, is a place of many prospects, a feature it has continued to breathe out daily on its residents whose number increases on daily basis as the city itself advances towards a facelift. The city is also a place where dreams are bought and sold, as well as a melting pot of ambitions and aspirations. Amidst these throngs of traders, workers and other hustlers who make the capital city bustling, emerges a story that challenges one's perception of dreams and realities of life. This is the story of a young graduate, and a gifted mathematician, who circumstances of the day forced to resort to hawking palm oil as a means of livelihood.

The 32-year-old graduate of Electronic and Computer Technology from the University of Calabar, who hails from Umuahia in Abia State, has his story reflect and encapsulate the aspirations, struggles and the conditions of many young Nigerians today.

This reporter, Izunna Okafor, bumped into a young man around the popular UNIZIK Junction (also known as the UNIZIK Temp. Site) in Awka, where he was seen running to hand over a can of palm oil to a female passenger in a tricycle (Keke), who eventually threw out a cash of N1000 for him, as the tricycle continued its journey. A close observation shows the well-dressed young man as he returned to a spot where other cans of palm oil were also seen, loaded in a white bucket, which he then settled on his head and began to trek down the axis. This moved this reporter to approach him for inquiries regarding what had just transpired and his destination with the bucket of oil on his head.

It was through the interaction that this reporter gathered that the young man, named Ugochukwu Friday Ebubedike, was actually carrying his stock and engaging in his struggle from which he makes a daily living. He hawks palm oil to survive, and he was actually trekking down to deliver some cans of palm oil to a customer who ordered them, alongside additional cans of the stock he might also sell to lucky buyers.

During the interaction, it was observed that Ebubedike was speaking good English, which made this reporter to inquire his educational background. And, surprisingly, he is a graduate of the University of Calabar, where he earned his degree in Electronic and Computer Technology in 2019.

This quite-unravelling conversation made this reporter to buy off the remaining two cans of oil Ebubedike had in his bucket (even when he had no immediate need for oil) for a continued and more relaxed discussion, after he accompanied him to supply the other cans of oil to the person who placed the order.

Further inquiries into Ebubedike's life and background revealed that he came from a family where education was a privilege, and not a right; hence, he clawed his way through school, juggling studies with odd jobs like selling shoes and other footwears, to make up life; and which he sustained till his graduation in 2019. He is the first son in the family of a local bus driver and a caterer, and had to begin early to struggle, so as to pave way for his two younger siblings, having understood the condition of the family better than everyone of them. However, upon graduation, the unfortunate situation of Nigeria hit him, as he found no better job to do.

In 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown, a search for greener pasture forced him to relocate to Awka, to seek his fortune in Anambra. Upon his arrival in the city, he resumed his hustle by joining and assisting his friend who then newly launched a shoemaking brand, and from where he also began to sell footwears. He also used the opportunity to learn the skill and craft of shoemaking, but has no capital to venture into it.

When asked other hustles or opportunities he had ventured into to make the ends meet since he came to Awka, Ebubedike, who is also a gifted mathematician, said he had taught mathematics in some private schools, but ended up quiting after some time, because he was being paid a peanut, which did not match his input or reflect the changing economic realities of the country.

“I have taught in two different private schools, but the salaries could not even solve my basic needs, so I decided to quit. Currently, I teach JAMB aspirants at a JAMB lesson centre and also do private/home lessons for students and pupils, most of whom knew me from the private schools where I earlier taught.

“I love molding young ones, and, to me, teaching is a gift. I also teach mathematics online. You can also visit my Facebook page and YouTube page @solving mathematics with ease, for more information,” he said.

When asked how he ended up hawking palm oil, Ebubedike, who said he does his own palm oil business in a very decent, mature, and classic way, further explained that he launched into the business after a woman in Awka sought his assistance to get palm oil for her from his State, Abia, where she heard the price was cheaper.

“A woman I see as a mentor in Awka here asked me if I could get palm oil from my state for her, and also asked how much it would cost to do that — a deal I ended up turning into an opportunity. I successfully transacted the business with her, and it ‘worked’, while I also made my profit. After that deal, she advised me to venture into the business. And that was how I began selling palm oil, till today. This happened early this year, 2024,” he narrated.

Concerning how he got the kick-off capital to launch into the business to the extent that he can now procure gallons of palm oil (though depending on his financial muscle) at once from Abia State and pay off, Ebubedike said it was a product of trust and agreement between him and one of his friends who saved her next session's school fees in his (Ebubedike's) account

According to him, “A very good friend of mine gave me her school fee for the next session to keep for her in my account. So, I saw it as an opportunity after my discussion with the woman who advised me to start selling palm oil. So, I informed the friend, and she said no problem, and even encouraged and prayed for me to succeed in the business. Then, I added that to the little savings I had, and began the business immediately.”

Despite his academic background, his mathematical expertise and his passion for teaching, Ebubedike, due to condition, has embraced palm oil hawking as current means of survival, recognizing its stability and demand in the market. While the palm oil business has been his major sustainer, he currently combines the business with his private and JAMB mathematical classes (both online and offline), which hold at scheduled hours in the day, without any of them causing a decay to the other.

Notwithstanding the challenges involved, he finds a way to balance his palm oil business with his love for teaching. It was also gathered that many of his regular customers buy palm oil by placing order for him to supply, both in retail and in wholesales. He said from the little proceeds he makes, he still takes care of himself and his family members, being the first son of the family.

When asked if he had applied for any of the government-provided opportunities that abound for people like him in Anambra State, such as the teachers recruitment exercise, the One Youth Two Skills initiative, and others; Ebubedike said he applied for the One Youth Two Skills, but his name was not shortlisted.

“As for the teachers recruitment, I applied and wrote the exam, but before I knew that applicants needed to also check their result by themselves while waiting for the shortlist, the link wasn't opening anymore. So, I am still hopeful that they will shortlist me when the names are out,” he said.

Still full of optimism, the UNICAL graduate said he had never been ashamed of doing his palm oil business, as, according to him, anybody who wants to succeed in Nigeria today must first get rid of shame in any good thing he is doing to succeed.

“I am not ashamed at all. This is what keeps me alive and going on daily basis. So, why would I be ashamed of doing it, since it is legit? That is what the situation of the country has brought forth. So, we are in it already. And we only hope it would get better.”

Ebubedike, however, disclosed that many people (especially women and young girls) look down on him and “rate” him low, judging by the way they talk to him, because he sells palm oil, including those he assumes may not have written JAMB for the first time in their lives, let alone gaining admission and graduating, with all the stress and the financial implication involved. He, however, blames nobody for his fate and condition, still expressing optimism that things would be better some day, as no condition is permanent.

When asked the nature of assistance or support he needs now, Ebubedike said he needed higher capital to expand the business, adding that he had, in countless occasions, lost some of his customers because he had no money to buy the quantity of the oil they ordered or to procure and deliver it at the time they needed it.

He also expressed his dire need for a gainful employment, to enjoy the full benefit of his education; even as he equally expressed interest to further his studies, harping on his urgent need for sponsorship to enable him realize his full potential.

“Any way or anyhow anybody wants to help or support, I am open and thankful. People can reach me through +2348167760374 . I believe in myself that I have something to offer for the betterment of the society. But I have not been able to do that because I am being retarded by issues of life, occasioned by the condition of the country. And even to travel out is not easy. So, we had to stay back, because this is our country. And I believe different people have something to contribute to make it better. My brother, that is why you see me hustling in my own little and legit way, rather than creating more problem for the country that is also full of problem.

“My fellow youths should also embrace spirit of hustle, for those who have not. That is the only thing that can save us in this country, instead of indulging in crime, tormenting others who are also suffering like you, or waiting for manner to fall from heaven. There's always a humble beginning. With this kind of mindset, I believe we can get there someday, and our past will be a story to inspire others in the nearest future,” Ebubedike said, as he stood to go receive his pay for some cans of palm oil he earlier delivered to an eatery operator who has called him repeatedly all through the time of his interaction with this reporter, Izunna Okafor.

By Izunna Okafor, Awka


The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has replied the national chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdulahi Ganduje for saying that the state has remained politically dislocated from the centre by remaining in APGA.

The National Publicity Secretary of APGA, Mazi Ejimofor Opara who reacted to the comment by Ganduje said Anambra even though in a minority party has remained better than most states who claim to have connected to the center.

Ganduje had while making his remark during a South East APC colloquium held in Nnewi and organized by Senator Ifeanyi Ubah stated that Anambra has been politically dislocated from the South East by remaining in APGA.

But in a reply, Ejimofor blasted Ganduje, saying that his activities in Kano as governor were some of the reasons the state choose a governor from New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP).

Ejimofor said: "First, I wonder the level of progress Kano State made under Ganduje's APC that resulted in a revolutionary and historic rejection of the Party by the people in 2023 as the people opted instead to vote for the NNPP and were ready to stake their lives to defend their votes.

"Ganduje, should understand that the Southeast and Ndi Anambra in particular are more interested in why Kano State, after him, decided enmass to disconnect from the APC controlled Centre.

"Well, the APC is nonexistent in Anambra, I am sure Ganduje himself knows this for a fact. Again, the continued existence of APGA in Anambra is performance based.

"Anambra, and indeed the Southeast is APGA land. There is no doubt about this, and even where the region decides to negotiate a handshake to the Centre, the APC has proven not to be such a viable alternative. I sincerely hope that Mr. Ganduje will seek to really see that which is not hidden than opting for deliberate ignorance.

"From Peter Obi, to Willie Obiano and now Professor Soludo, Anambra has remained on a trajectory of progressive growth, and it is for this reason even a political neophyte would state without double checking that Ganduje was either speaking to impress his host or he is sincerely ignorant of the facts.

"Anambra under APGA has remained a state of many firsts, and in recent times the state under the Soludo government has won many awards.

"Recall that Anambra has won award as the state with best deployed ICT, and Anambra State ICT Agency under Mr Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata won that award. Anambra has also been named as the state with the least out-of-school children record.

"If all these awards are what it takes to be disconnected from the centre, then Anambra will gladly remain disconnected."

Opara added that it is appalling that a political party that proposed a colloquium turned it into a political rally and ended up conducting a primary election, where the host senator, Ifeanyi Ubah was unashamedly declared the candidate of the party in the next election.

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

Traders in Ọgbọ Osisi Market in Onitsha Head Bridge, Anambra State, have cried out for urgent intervention, as fire gutted a section of the market.

The inferno, which reportedly befell the market in the night hours of Thursday, March 21, was said to have escalated at opposite Zenith Bank, by U.B.A. Bank, along the Port Harcourt Road.

This was corroborated by a video currently trending on the social media, which also shows the fire as it rages, while the residents and traders watch helplessly from a short distance.

A masculine voice that accompanies the videos gave an overview of the fire scene while also calling for the urgent intervention of the Anambra State Fire Service to quench the fire before it would cause more damages. He also called for the attention and presence of other shop owners in the area.

Efforts by this reporter, Izunna Okafor, to reach out to the Anambra State Fire Chief, Engr. Martin Agbili, concerning the incident, proved abortive, as his calls could not connect, while he's yet to respond to the message and the video sent to him by this reporter, as at the time of this publication.

Meanwhile, reacting to the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, said some officers of the Command, led by the DPO of the area, are currently at the fire scene, assisting to put off the fire, while also ensuring that people do not take ill advantage of the opportunity to loot people's goods or commit crimes in the area.

He also revealed that the Fire Service has been contacted and that the situation is being monitored.

“Our Operatives led by the DPO and some good-spirited individual are trying their best to put off the fire.

“Meanwhile, the Fire Service has been contacted and the situation is being monitored. For now no record of loss of life and the worth of property destroyed

“Further details shall be communicated as the operation is still ongoing,” he said in a chat with this reporter.