₦airaland Forum

Okechukwu Onuegbu

It was a gathering of who-is-who across fields of endeavours in Nigeria last week Friday, as Gran Hermano Academy, Awka, Anambra State marked her ten years anniversary in a grand style.

The Cambridge school established in 2013, has produced best students in mathematics, computers, WAEC, NECO, JAMB, sports and others both within Anambra, South East and Nigeria generally.

The event started with a mass (service) officiated by the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor joined with over 10 Reverend fathers, Reverend Sisters and other anointed men and women of God. Other diginatories were the immediate past Commissioner for Works in Anambra State, Engr. Marcel Ifejiofor; and the former Chairperson, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nnamdi Azikiwe University chapter, Professor Dennis Aribodor.

In a homily, Bishop Ezeokafor extolled the virtues of good work, even as he commended the school proprietor for siting the institution in Anambra State and chosen capable hands as staff and management to train students for better society.

Ezeokafor, who argued that Gran Hermano was among the private schools helping to build the students, commended Anambra State government for providing enabling environment for privately owned schools to coexist with the government owned for child growth and development.

Speaking in an interview, a parent and former Commissioner for works in Anambra State, Engr Marcel Ifejiofor, said he was happy to identify with the institution by enrolling his children into it in 2014, noting that those who have graduated were already excelling.

According to Ifejiofor, the institution is doing more than expected academically, morally and otherwise, and should be encouraged to do more.

Speaking in an interview, the proprietor and Chief Executive Officer, Gran Hermano Academy, Awka, Chief Chijioke Nwajioha, commended Anambra State residents for thrusting their children under their care, noting that they would never relent in educating and building the students capacities to become champions in various fields of endeavours.

Nwajioha also explained that those who graduated from the school since its inception were currently competing favourably with others at best universities where they study medicine, engineering, information technology and other professional courses.

He said they were happy for the successes recorded so far by their students within the ten years of existence, adding that the institution was set to not only surpass their present achievements but to see their students leading across all professions, including politics and sports in Anambra, Nigeria and the world generally.

"Today, we are celebrating success and what we have achieved in ten years. You can imagine what will happen in the next ten years. I and my staff represent goodness, success and breakthroughs. are happy. We are together. We are happy our staff, parents and students are together. We represent goodness, achievements and others," he added.

Also speaking, the Director of Studies, Gran Hermano Academy, Mr Adefolahan Afegboyega, urged parents to avail their wards the opportunity to excel in life by enrolling them into the school because, according to him, they were the topnotch in offering quality and qualitative education in Nigeria.

On his part, the school principal, Mr Athanasaus Ezekwe, argued that their success story came from the fact that they inculcate leadership virtues into the students, while making them to be accountable and transparent in all they do.

The fast rising Academy in the Southeast Geopolitical Zone, Gran Hermano Academy (GHA), Awka, on Wednesday, 6th December 2023 paraded round the city of Awka the Anambra State Capital with a call on Ndi Anambra to identify with the Academy. The parade was part of the activities lined-up for the 10th Year Anniversary Celebration of the Academy billed to hold on Friday, 8th December 2023.

The Management, Staff , Parents, students, pupils of the Academy were seen parading the streets of Awka with smiles on their faces. The visibly joyous students, staff and parents were shared into two groups. Group one, took off from Ekwueme Square, while the second group took off from Thrillers, close to former Macdons.

The two groups which were guided by the men of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) converged on Aroma, under flyover and then proceeded through Ifite road and passed through Second Market via Best Western Meloch Hotel, down to the school premises.

It was a show and touch of class as the city of Awka was agog between the hours of 8:30 AM and 10:40AM.

Addressing newsmen in Awka, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of the Academy, Mr Chijioke Nwajioha (Nwachinaemelu) announced that it was a One-Week activities which, he said, started on Monday, 4th of December 2023 (Day One) with Free Medical Checkup for parents and staff.

Some of what the free medical checkup covered according to Mr Nwajioha, are follows: Blood pressure, Sugar test , Hepatitis B, HIV, Tuberculosis, Temperature, Weight, noting that prayers were organized for all from 10AM to 12Noon and that students and pupils were allowed to see movies between the hours of 12:30PM - 2PM.

He said that Day Two, Tuesday, 5th December 2023 was purely for Aerobics for all- 7:30AM -10AM; dress code for staff , students and pupils were GHA sports wear while parents adorned tracksuit followed by health talk by 10AM -12:3OAM; Mental Health/Physical Health for Secondary Section while My Body and Personal Hygiene were for nursery and primary section and rehearsal-1PM -3PM.

'Day 3, Wednesday, 6th December 2023 was for Anniversary by 8:30AM to 10:40AM. Day 4, Thursday, 7th December 2023 was for sports. Novelty Match between parents and staff; different types of games.

'Day 5, 8th December 2023 is the Anniversary Day proper. The event will start with an Episcopal Thanksgiving Mass by His Lordship Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor- 9AM -11AM. Other events start at 12Noon,' he concluded.

By Okechukwu Onuegbu

The Anambra State government has confirmed withdrawal and deregistration of Ajasa line as a Market, citing results of an investigation as the reason behind their decision.

Ajasa, it was learnt, was on August 24th 2022 accorded recognition as market by the immediate past commissioner, Anambra State Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Dr Obinna Ngonadi.

The recognition letter read "Sequel to your application dated 3rd August, 2022 and having fulfilled all requirements from the ministry of commerce and industry, approval has been granted for the recognition of Ajasa Traders Association operating in Anambra State.

"By this recognition, you must ensure that all civil obiligations due to the State government are fulfilled as when due.
The recognition shall be deemed cancelled in the event of any noncompliance with any government directives. Please note that we would be constituting a new caretaker committee who will oversee the affairs of the market until we conduct an election in March 2023."

But on 25th September, 2023, a letter signed by the same commissioner, under the heading, withdrawal of recognition and approval, said they withdrew the recognition of the market following the outcome of their investigation and finding of their existence.

It read "The ministry of commerce and industry has withdrawn the approval/recognition issued to your Association with immediate effect. After a thorough investigation and available documents, AJASA is part and parcel of Ose Okwudo Onitsha under zone 1 Odigbo. This memo superceeds and nullifies the recognition. Be guided accordingly."

Also, a letter dated September 29, 2023, signed by Ms Lovelyn Ezeude, the legal adviser to the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, confirmed this development while replying the police AIG zone 13, and DPO Central Police Station (Onistha), on October 4th, 2023, respectively.

Contacted, the Chairman of Oseokwodu Market, Chief Ikechukwu Umeanozie, said he had no jurisdiction to speak on the decision of the ministry because the ministry has the final say on market in the State.

https://www.factcheckng.com/2023/12/protect-anambra-residents-property.html?m=1
Protect Anambra residents property against ravaging touts, cultists, other hoodlums, NUJ urges Soludo

By Okechukwu Onuegbu

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council has appealed to governor Chukwuma Soludo to step up action towards safeguarding the properties of Anambra State indigenes, residents and investors amidst the increased activities of hoodlums.

The NUJ, in a Communique issued at the end of her November 2023 congress and signed by Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu and Sir Aloysius Ofodile as Chairman and Secretary respectively, said that this became imperative following the unholy activities of village urchins at Iyiowa-Odekpe in Ogbaru Local Government Area.

The communique drafted by the assistant Secretary of the NUJ, Comrade Okechukwu Onuegbu, equally frowned at people who drive recklessly in the State, and urge them to have a rethink to avoid wasting the lives and property especially during the forthcoming Christmas and New Year eve.

It read in part thus"Congress appealed to Anambra State Government to ensure people don't lose their property and valuables to touts, cultist, street urchins and other hoodlums in communities such as witnessed at Iyowa-Odekpe and at other places across the state. Congress commended the state government under Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo for the initiative to establish old people's homes to care for the elderly in the state. It, however, cautioned that people should not abandon their aged ones because of existence of such homes.

"Congress appealed to well-to-do members of society to ensure that they remember the less privileged ones this yuletide and try to put smiles on their faces in a manner that respects their dignity as against mere using them for public shows. Congress restated the importance of the media as the Fourth Estate of the Realm and called for a cordial relationship between journalists in the state and the government of Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, even as it expressed happiness at the public rating of the performance of the media in the state lately where journalists were hailed for dedication to duties and compliance to professional ethics.

" 2. Congress, however, called on the media to prioritise practicality, balance, transparency and collaboration in their professional duties for a better society.  3. Congress called on the Anambra State government to leverage the media in the state as a tool for promoting sustainable development, including in regard to long term economic growth, social wellbeing, and environmental conservation.  4. Congress urged journalists to use their pen to promote peace and unity, rather than using this to engender chaos and breakdown of law and order. 

" 5. Congress commended the efforts of Anambra State-based journalists in setting social agenda and encouraged them to uphold their professional codes of ethics, especially in the area of balance, truth, accuracy and objectivity. 6. Congress commended the organizing committee of NUJ Man of the Year Award 2023 for the hitch-free event where HRH Igwe (Pharm) Alex Onyido emerged as the NUJ Anambra State Man of the Year 2023 even as it described the theme of the event “Pragmatic Media Practice as an Antidote to Sustainable Development in a Distressed Economy,” spoken on by the National Chairman of APGA, Hon Sly Ezeokenwa, as apt.

"7. Congress commended the Managing Director of Tiger Foods LTD, Onitsha, Mr Don Ebubeogu, for granting the NUJ an opportunity for facility visit to the company, noting that his speech on “akụ lụọ uno” principles was quite insightful as it illuminated the need for people of the Southeast Nigeria to key into various opportunities available for manufacturers and other entrepreneurs.  8. Congress commended the National Chairman of APGA, Barr Sly Ezeokenwa as well as the Chief Judge of Anambra State, His Lordship Onochie Anyachebelu, and Speaker of the State House of Assemble, Right Hon Somtochukwu Udeze, for the partnership the Union has enjoyed with the judiciary and the legislature in the state, while urging for a more robust relationship towards a better society. 

"9. Congress commended the Anambra NUJ Man of the Year 2022, Dame Dr Adaora Umeoji, DMD Zenith Bank PLC, for her immense contribution to the banking sector and her exemplary humanitarian activities through the years, while also appreciating her generosity in supporting the Union with a donation of N5 million for its water borehole project. 10. Congress congratulated the Traditional Ruler of Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area, Igwe (Pharm) Alex Uzodinma Onyido, for emerging as the NUJ Anambra Man of the Year 2023 following a rigorous selection process, while urging him to continue in the good work that attracted him the award. 

" 11. Congress applauded Anambra State Correspondent of The Sun Newspaper, Comrade Obinna Odogwu, for emerging as the 2023 winner of Professor Chinyere Stella Okunna Prize for Ethical Journalism, while also congratulating David Eleke of ThisDay and Izunna Okafor of 247ureports who were the first and second runner-up respectively.  12. Congress frowned at recklessness of some road users in the State and urged relevant government agencies including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to do the needful to check the situation in order to reduce the rate of crashes on the roads. 

"13. Congress commended efforts of some Anambra representatives in the federal legislature for standing up for justice, mentioning specifically the motion by Hon Lilian Orogbu (representing Awka North and South Federal Constituency) on the non-payment of salaries of some staff members of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka and the intervention by Senator Victor Umeh (representing Anambra Central) in the issue of house demolitions at Abule-Ado in Lagos State. "

Okey Felix

Paradise City Estate, has been Unveiled in Awka capital territory, Anambra State.

The event which took place at the Enugwu-Agidi in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra state was attended by Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officers in the Nigerian real estate sector, Government officers, the State Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, among others .

According to the Chairman of the occasion and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) Sir Chido Obidiegwu, who described shelter as one of the basic needs of man, highlighted the key achievements of the current administration in the State in its vision to make the State a liveable and prosperous homeland .

According to Obidiegwu ,There are over 440 plots of land in the paradise City, each of which sells for N3.5m, with payment by installment or of full payment options available.

He equally assured the prospective buyers of trouble-free investment and multiple returns.
According to Managing Director , Dotland Properties, Chief Emeka Anyadubalu, said the Estate is launched in compliance with the Anambra State Government smart city policy boasting of a smart entry and exit system and its Thinker Home Philosophy.


His words : "The estate is designed to cater for Nigerians yearning for a smart home that ticked all the boxes of luxury, security and affordability"

"Anyone who buys land from Dotland properties limited would have multiple return on investment.

He appreciated Governor Soludo for creating a level praying grounds for investors in the State and for his beats in infrastructural developments across Anambra, especially in the area of connecting different parts of the State with quality roads.

He urge Anambra residents to bring some of their investments home, to avoid falling victim of such witch-hunting.


"That there is trouble-free acquisition of documents for properties purchased from Dotland properties limited


"When you think of investment, think of Anambra State, and when you think of properties, think of Dotland Properties and Paradise City.
There’s no single encumbrance in getting documents by anyone who buys land from Dotland properties limited.

.The Guest Speaker at the event Managing Director of Anambra State Housing Corporation, Chike Anyaonu, represented by Mr. Eni Onwumere, gave an overview on the strategic location of the Paradise City and its proximity to the Awka Capital City and Chinua Achebe International Airport.

According to the publicity Secretary of Enugwu-Agidi Brotherly Union, Ozo Chidozie Igweonu, who spoke on behalf of the President General of the community, Mr. Chukwuebuka Onuorah, vouched for lasting peace in the City; even as he further encouraged people to take
Enugwu-Agidi as first choice investment destination in the state.

The organizers of the State banquet to celebrate Chief Engr Arthur Eze at 75, failed to put into cognizance that all the elderlies, vulnerables, and persons living with disabilities, they invited to attend the occasion would be needing as little as sachet water to quench their taste for making such long and tedious journeys from different parts of the State.

Some of them sick and looking very frail, supported with walking aides and crutches, left their abode at sunrise and was already at Emmaus house Awka, venue of the occasion, by 8:00am. The event was tagged “ A Day With The Elderly, Vulnerables, And People Living With Disabilities.”

Under the hot afternoon sun, old men and women well past 70 years, were looking dejected and disillusioned as they sat on grasses and concrete gutters, a makeshift they have to resort to after not being able to secure seats for themselves, while not distance way, political elites, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and their likes, sat in opulence inside VIP tents, red carpets rolled out, and an array of assorted meals and refreshments at their beck and call. Why would anyone subject our senior citizens to such public ridicule, shame and embarrassment for his or her own selfish gains?

Findings from our oral interviews revealed how these vulnerable groups of people were deceived into coming, thinking that their welfares including transportation would be taken care of. But by 4pm, at the closing hours of the event, quite a large numbers of these elderlies, vulnerables, and disability people, were yet to have some refreshments. Those who were fortunate enough and came with their own personal money had no other option than bring it out and bought snacks and water from hawkers and other food vendors, while the unfortunate ones can only look on in hopelessness.

Speaking about the inhumane treatment her group received at the event, National Coordinator, Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder, Aisha Edward Maduagwu, said what shocked her the most was how she was embarrassed when called up to the rostrum to cut the cake alongside the celebrant and other dignitaries. According to her, a man whom she suspected to be an aide to the celebrant questioned her and a conversation ensued thus;

Man- what are you doing here?

Aisha- I am a sickle cell person representing sickle cell people as their national coordinator.

Man- No no no, please go back, you look too clean to be a sickler, go and get the dirty ones.”

To our rude shock, how can they expect fellow citizens to look haggardly, dirty and unkempt, just because they have disability or medical challenges? That was the sort of treatment meted on other vulnerables as well. No tangible response or assistance could be gotten from any government aide present, as they absolutely absolved themselves from any blame, while pointing fingers at each other as the cause of the poor reception.

In her own words, Aisha Edward said she was called and invited to bring her group to the programme that same morning. A situation she considered belittling and disrespectful due to the time frame. But the persistence of the caller, while assuring Aisha that the governor would want to have an audience with all vulnerable groups, including persons living with sickle cell disorder, made her to forgo other engagements and made frantic efforts to gather some of her members to the venue.

To Aisha Edward who spoke extensively about the inhumane treatments, demanded an apology from the organizers of the event. She said her attending the event was neither to eat nor drink, but to meet the governor on behalf of the sickle cell community in the State.

“I am not here for the food or bags of rice to be shared, but because the name of the governor was mentioned in the invitation and also the longstanding respect our sickle cell community have for Engr Arthur Eze.”

“ I built a sickle cell specialist clinic at Ukpo the hometown of the celebrant, courtesy of Arthur Eze, a legacy in his honour for generations to come.”

More shocking tales of woes and disappointments from persons with disabilities trailed the event. Even a senoir official of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disability ( JONAPWD) was seen hailing a sachet water hawker that happened to pass by, after he complained that his throat was parched from long hours of staying under the sun without any refreshments for his group from the organizers. They further lamented on their frustrations and inability to return back home because no provisions have been made to pay for the buses that would conveyed them to and fro, according to the agreement they had with the organizers.

~ Edozie Maduagwu
Reports from Awka.


Photo credit: Okechukwu Onuegbu

By Okey Okey

Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency of Anambra State has urged his constituents to always prioritize their health and general wellbeing.

Speaking during a two-day health outreach which he organised for the people, Hon. Ogene called for regular check-up of their health status, especially high blood pressure, diabetes, malaria, et cetera, which he noted are "silent killers."

Hon. Ogene, who is both the Anambra State and Labour Party Caucus Leader in the House of Representatives, promised to always ensure that through advocacy, he would help eliminate the syndrome of "sudden deaths."

According to Hon. Ogene, "in the face of severe inflation and general hardship occasioned by the removal of subsidy on petroleum products, and dwindling job opportunities, many are daily susceptible to stress, leading to severe health challenges.

"Faced with this challenge, I, and my team, have resolved to undertake periodic health intervention in the different communities that make up Ogbaru.

"No longer shall we have health outreaches that would be for only the urban centres. We shall endeavour to take our message of, 'Optimal Health for Ogbaru,' down to every community," Hon. Ogene said.

Meanwhile, hundreds of residents of Ogbaru federal constituency of Anambra state have eulogised the member representing the constituency in the National Assembly, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene for providing them free medical services.

The beneficiaries who cut across natives and non-natives sang praises of Hon. Ogene at the Central School, Odekpe where various medical experts carry out tests on them for various ailments including malaria, HIV, diabetics, BP, typhoid, hypertension, cholera and various eye problems and drugs given to them free.

The two-day free medical outreach and HIV Awareness free medical screening and accessories facilitated by Hon. Ogene, chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy is being funded by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS in partnership with Niphemy Solutions Limited.

Consultant for the free medical outreach, Mr. Tunde Ojo said over 1,500 patients were targeted to benefit from the programme.

The co-ordinating medical services, Dr. Umeoranefo Isaiah praised Hon. Ogene for facilitating the medical services stating that the best service any leader who loves his people would provide them is sound health.

"When Hon. Afam Ogene called me, he pleaded with me to co-ordinate this free medical services to make sure that the people received the best medical services.

"I see Hon. Ogene as a leader who is passionate about his people and humanity; he wants to give back to his people for reposing confidence in him by voting him to represent them at the National Assembly.

Dr. Isaiah stated that the most common ailment among the people from the diagnosis is malaria, typhoid, eye problems, especially eye blurriying which according to him is a sign of one having diabetic complications; cataract, etc.

All the medical services which included screening for various ailments, provision of drugs and medicated eye glasses were given the beneficiaries free.

Some of the beneficiaries including Mrs Felicia Adebisi, Rev. Sister Chinelo Umenyi, Mrs Chinwendu Oduma, Mr. Igwe Gabriel Emmanuel, Prince Stanley Ezike, Mr. Uche Nwakolobi among others prayed God to reward Hon Ogene with sound health and re-election.

Mrs Adebisi who was screened over eye challenges and give medical eye glasses praised Hon. Ogene for coming to her and pray God to reward him with sound health.

He stated that Hon. Ogene had demonstrated unprecedented love to the people in the Constituency since he was inaugurated in the National Assembly saying 'Hon. Afam Ogene is the person who made it possible for us to be passing on the road to our house".

"We know him as lover of the people and God will reward him with a second term because he is a good man.
"I am not from Ogbaru but I leave in Ogbaru. Hon. Ogene does not discriminate".

Rev. Sister Omenyi stated that many people have been dying in Ogbaru because of lack proper medical services.

"I was screened over so many health issues including malaria, diabetes, BP, typhoid, sugar, HIV but the major problem I received treatment for is eye problem", Rev Sister Omenyi stated.

She praised Hon. Ogene for coming showing love for the people.

Hon. Chinedu Uwollo, a legislative aide to Hon. Ogene said that the free medical services was a deliberate programme by his boss aimed at delivering quality health services to stem the rate of avoidable deaths among the people.

He stated that the medical outreach will be extended to other communities in future saying that the two-day medical services was targeted at the people in smaller areas in the Constituency.

Photo: attached is
Rev. Sister Scholastica Omenyi being screened of eye challenges at the two -day free medical outreach and HIV Awareness provided by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS in partnership with Niphemy Solutions Limited facilitated by the member representing Ogbaru federal constituency of Anambra state, and, chairman of House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene for the people of his Ogbaru federal constituency held at Central School, Odekpe on Monday. Photo by BONIFACE OKECHUKWU

BY OKECHUKWU Okey

To commemorate the '16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence', an annual international campaign, dedicated as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the Gender Agenda AIT TownHall, would be hosting a gender based town hall parley, in Abuja.

The Town Hall meeting, with the theme, "5 Gender Bills, Review, Policy implementation and The Way forward, would take place from Friday, November 17 - December 1, 2023.

Some of the expected participants include, Dr. Nkiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs, FCTA, Barrister Ebere Ifendu, President, Women in Politics, Mufuliat Fijabi, Executive Director, Sustainable Gender Action Initiative, Cynthia Mbamalu, Co-founder, Yiaga Africa, among many others.

According to the host and anchor of Gender Agenda, Dr. Adaora Sidney -Jack, "The Gender Agenda Townhall Series is designed to bring issues that concern women to the fore and also bridge the gap between policy makers and the people.

"It focuses on the accountability of government and its institutions towards creating the enabling policies, laws and enabling environment as it concerns Women in Nigeria and across Africa."

One of the main objectives of this programme, according to the theme, is to bring back the issue of the five gender Bills that were rejected by the 9th Assembly of the House of Representatives.

Those rejected five gender bills included, the Bill on Citizenship, which seeks to amend Section 26 of the constitution, to grant citizenship to foreign husbands of Nigerian women as is currently guaranteed in section 26(2)(a) for foreign wives of Nigerian men; The indigeneship Bill, which among other issues, addresses Section 31 and 318(1) to allow women to claim their husbands’ state of origin after at least five years of marriage and the Affirmative Action Bill which seeks to specifically amend Section 223 to ensure women occupy at least 35 per cent in political party administration and appointive positions.

Others are the Bill on Ministerial or Commissioner Nomination, which among others seeks to amend Sections 147 and 192 so that at least 35 per cent of the nominees are women; and Reserved Seat Bill, is to among others, amend Sections 48, 49 and 91 to create additional 37, 74, and 108 seats for women at the Senate, House of Representatives, and the State Assemblies, respectively.

But the Speaker of the 10th Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has promised that the House under his leadership would revisit the rejected Bills.

He said in a recent public engagement on the issue, "The 10th House will be revisiting the Bill as part of our legislative agenda, and we believe that working together with the women and stakeholders, we should be able to have a law that will benefit the women and all Nigerians and improve governance in Nigeria.

“What this means is that men must lead the drive for women’s inclusion in governance, after all, it is men who shut the door. They have to open it and allow the women to enter.

“This is the import of the growing awareness across the globe of the need for men to lead the charge for the expansion of the governance, political and development space for the greater accommodation of women.

“On our part as members of the legislature, the 10th House of representatives set up a legislative agenda committee, which has captured the issue of women prominently."

A NATIONAL CALL FOR SOLUTIONS (HIGH TECH AND LOW TECH) FOCUSED ON PRENATAL CARE AND CHILD IMMUNIZATION is on.

Social innovations have been identified as an important concept which would enable Nigeria achieve its goal of safe and accessible healthcare. These innovations are developed at the community level and therefore provide practical solutions to local problems within Nigeria – from maternal health to accessing drugs by persons living in hard-to-reach areas.

The Social Innovation in Health Initiative (SIHI) Nigeria Hub in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (FMSTI) and the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) wishes to invite submissions of social innovations which have been developed and are being implemented in Nigeria.

The “National Crowdsourcing Open Call” will focus on social innovations which educate and empower women to make informed health decisions on Prenatal Care and Child Immunization.
*Submission Link: https://sihinigeriahub.com/crowdsourcing/3
*Opening Date: 21st November, 2023.
*Closing Date: 20th December, 2023.
*For more information, visit www.sihinigeriahub.com
*For enquires: nigeria@socialinnovationinhealth.org

Okeke Ndem

Dr Emmanuel Azowue, an analyst has doubted the claims of Dr Joseph Nwadike, a Chief Superintendent of Police and lawyer working with the legal department of the Nigerian Police, who said in an interview that he was denied promotion for resisting bad things.

Azowue, in a statement, said he doubted the claims because according to him, the way the CSP treated the matter of Ukpo/Abba land tussle that once passed through his desk was not satisfactory.

Read the full statement from Awozue below;
RE – I WAS DENIED PROMOTION FOR RESISTING BAD THINGS – DR. JOSEPH NWADIKE

While we can never stop complaining of how bad the Nigeria administrative justice have become, including the criminal activities perpetuated by men of the Nigeria Police, the interview granted by a senior police personnel, Dr. Joseph Nwadike, a Chief Superintendent of Police, lawyer and prosecutor working with the legal department of the Nigerian Police, and also a founder of a church, I was surprised at his level of half-truth being promoted as the whole truth on the activities and dealings of personnel of the Nigerian Police by one of their own, who claims to be a man of God and have always stood on the side of truth and justice throughout his dealings and activities as a personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.

In trying to debunk the claims and position held by Dr. Joseph Nwadike of the Nigeria Police Force, I will be making reverence to just one particular case that has passed through his desk where he allowed or supported wittingly or otherwise for justice to be perverted just because of the huge amount that has been paid to him to look the other way or to persuade a victim of injustice as to yield to the demand of an oppressor as a means of achieving peace when he in all consciousness knows that what he was asking for would to truncate of the demand for justice by the victim and his community.

Dr. Joseph Nwadike must be reminded that a case against one Chief Pius Nweke was brought before him as a prosecutor in the office of the Inspector General of Police which was sponsored by a money bag from Ukpo community, Prince Arthur Eze against Chief Pius Nweke. He gladly owned up to the latter’s request that he knows that he was pursuing a course of justice but advised the latter to yield to the unholy and irrational demands of the former as a means of achieving peace in the matter. Yet, he claimed to be an objective prosecutor of the Nigeria Police Force and a man of God when his actions and deeds clearly suggests otherwise.

Maybe, Dr. Joseph Nwadike may need to be reminded that when the case between Prince Arthur Eze and Chief Pius Nweke came to his desk which was bothering of the land dispute between Prince Arthur Eze’s community (Ukpo) and Chief Pius Nweke’s community (Abba), he advised Chief Pius Nweke to close his eyes and go to sleep while allowing Prince Arthur Eze to take possession of the ancestral land of Chief Pius Nweke’s community. He had further advised Chief Pius Nweke to discontinue with the legal tussle between his community (Abba) and that of Prince Arthur Eze’s community (Ukpo) as the surest way of achieving lasting peace and enabling Prince Arthur Eze’s community, Ukpo to take possession of a land that is still under dispute before the court, thereby suggesting that justice cannot be gotten through the Nigeria Police Force and the courts in the land. What Dr. Joseph Nwadike is suggesting is that there are people who are untouchable and above the law, and who must be appeased even when what they are doing is wrong, and should be treated as demi-gods in order to have their inordinate desires to be granted at all cost. Unfortunately, this is what the Nigerian society has become and men like Dr. Joseph Nwadike will continue to pontificate and support evil just because anything seems to go in our present lawless society.

Dr. Joseph Nwadike cannot continue to deceive Nigerians that he is an Evangelist of the gospel of Christ who always acts in the course of justice when he willingly handed over Chief Pius Nweke’s framed up unlawful possession of illegal firearm case to a private legal practitioner to prosecute the case in court. He cannot also claim not to be aware that the trumped up case of illegal possession of firearm against Chief Pius Nweke was used a cover up against the latter as a means to intimidate him from continually standing against Prince Arthur Eze’s quest to silence the people of Abba community and to freely take over the possession of the ancestral land of the people of Abba community.

Men like Dr. Joseph Nwadike are the real bad eggs in the Nigeria Police establishment who are always in the habit of mortgaging the course of justice to the highest bidder. He has succeeded in deceiving innocent Nigerian citizens into believing that he is a man of honour and integrity and a God fearing man when in truth he is the real devil behind the scene. And until men like Dr. Joseph Nwadike are thrown out from the Nigeria Police formation, achieving sanity in the system will be almost impossible. Until men like Dr. Joseph Nwadike are exposed to the world of his devilish and heartless activities in concert with his benefactor, Prince Arthur Eze, achieving justice through the Nigeria Police will remain a herculean task.

Dr. Joseph Nwadike willingly made himself a willing tool in the hand of an oppressor and land grabber. He has allowed himself to be consumed by his lust for illicit wealth as to pervert a crystal clear course of justice, the consequences of his actions and deeds will be his greatest undoing, and on the day of reckoning, he will definitely reap the fruit of his labour.

Azowue O. Emmanuel
(Pen of the gods)

BY Bon Ok

The traditional ruler of Nwafia community in Njikoka local government area of Anambra state, Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo has lost his son in far away United States of America.

His son, Prince Daniel Kanayo Nwankwo died of tumor challenges which according to the monarch Kanayo fought "with such bravery that I didn't think he would ever leave us this early, at the peak of his life".

He described his son as "brilliant" and, one who cherished "value of family" very highly.

In statement, the traditional ruler bemoaned his deceased son thus:
"Death is a natural phenomenon, but at what age and time? Kanayo was very brilliant, as well às my other children. His resilience was incredible. He fought tumor with such bravery that I didn't think he would ever leave us this early, at the peak of his life. In August of this year, I made secret efforts to go and see him, but he never responded. That's when I knew something was wrong. A mutual friend of the family put him in her "WILL" before her death, but nobody was able to determine the particular of this "WILL," but I found it and delivered a phone number to him, yet he didn't respond. After a day or two, he simply replied, "Did Grandma come with you?" I replied no. My mother prayed for Kanayo relentlessly with my sisters and co prayers. Kanayo knew the value of family. He kept in touch with every family member who had a means of communication . He was constantly in touch with his younger brother Ezinma. They visited each other between Florida and New Hampshire. What a great pedigree? We were constantly in touch with each other during his marital problem, his work concerns. He told me everything and I advised him and he took my advice with great appreciation. He had achieved a lot, a son and a daughter, house and manager. I did a lot of research on cancer, and we discussed it. During the course of my research, I found that cancer runs in his maternal lineage. I was so down on Sunday (5th November 2023), even though I had a cold, I couldn't figure it out until my son Ezinma delivered the news 1:45am Tuesday.
Kanayo, I know your soul is already in heaven and in peace because you fought bravery.

BY Okey Okoro


Hon. Ogene emerges Anambra state caucus leader in the House of Representatives

The Anambra state caucus in the House of Representatives, has elected Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, who represents Ogbaru Federal Constituency, as its leader.

Hon. Ogene, who is Chairman, House Committee on Renewable Energy, was elected on Tuesday, November 7, in a keenly contested election between him and Hon. Paschal Agbodike, who represents Ihiala Federal Constituency.

The Anambra state caucus is made up of 11 members that cut across party lines.

Ogene, in his acceptance speech after the election, pledged to provide credible leadership that would galvanise the Anambra state representatives to work for the common good of the state and their respective constituents.

Speaking further, he said, "Representative democracy benefits from unity of purpose and collaboration with others, either as a bloc, across party lines, region or other interests, because no one, no matter how experienced or connected, can do it alone.

"We in Anambra state caucus, intend to pull our contacts, experiences, creativity and energy together, as a unit, devoid of partisanship, in order to give quality representation to our people in a way that would add value to governance and ultimately reinforce their faith in democracy."

Hon. Ogene, a second term House of Representatives member, is also the Labour Party (LP) caucus leader in the House.

By Okechukwu Onuegbu

The Chairman, Anambra State Sports Development Commission, Mr Patrick-Estate Onyedum, has urged traders to show commitment and dedication on the ongoing traders competition and sporting generally so as to benefit more on governor Chukwuma Soludo's various sporting agenda.

Onyedum, who gave the admonition at the draws for the State finals stage of traders competition held in Awka, the State capital, explained that raffle draws would be held on the final day of the event where people stood to win shuttle bus, generator, television, fans and others.

Onyedum, who was represented at the event by Faith Okwonna, a Director in the Commission, urged the state finalists to take their fixtures seriously, noting that that the total prize money for the competition was N10 million.

Also speaking, Chief Evarist Uba, the Special Adviser on Trade and Markets to governor Chukwuma Soludo, described the ongoing traders competition as parts of the government agenda to foster interactivity, social harmony and better well being in the state.

He assured the traders that the sporting event would enhance their health and wellbeing aside the financial benefits accruing to it.

According to him, a total of 90 markets are currently participating on the games which included football, Tennis, Table Tennis, Draught and Ncho presently at zonal eliminations in eight centres.

He added that governor Soludo would witness the finals of the competition scheduled to hold at the Awka Township Stadium on Nov. 26, even as he commended the Anambra Sports Development Commission and Anambra State Amalgamated Market Traders Association (ASMATA) for the level of organisational finesse they had exhibited so far.

"I encourage you to work had for your victory in the competition, Mr Governor is aware of it, indeed he will be at the stadium on the closing ceremony with members of his cabinet to see the finals.

"This competition is another opportunity for our people in the markets to benefit from the robust sports development agenda of Mr Governor," he said.

Also speaking, the President General, ASMATA, Chief Humphrey Anuna, commended the teams that made it from the zones, while urging market leaders to show more commitment by creating awareness and mobilising their members as rewards for winners were huge.

In the football draws, Odera Market Awka will play with Iron Dealers Market, Atani in the first Group A game on Nov 4 while Nkwo Umunze Market will square up against Odera Market on Nov. 8 in the second game.

The third Group A match will be between Iron Dealers Market Atani and Nkwo Umunze market at the Chuba Ikpeazu Stadium Nov. 11.

In the Group B centre scheduled for Godwin Achebe Stadium, Fegge, Ajasa Market Onitsha will Old Motor Parts play with Obosi on Nov. 4 while New Motor Parts Nnewi and Ajase Market Onitsha will face each other on Nov. 8.

Old Motor Parts Obosi vs New Motor Parts Nnewi will play on Nov. 11 to decide semi finalists from the group.

The semi final games would be held on Nov. 19.

In the Draught event scheduled for Nov. 23, Uchenna Ezenwafor of Etewa Market Ekwulobia will play with Ifeanyi Osunwa of Arthur Eze Building Market and the game play with Daraebo Titus of Electric Market, Obosi.

Raphael Okoye of Plastic Market Ogbunike will decide the second finalist with Ezeugwu Chukwujekwu of Bida Market, Onitsha in the game scheduled for Amawbia Sports Club.

In Table Tennis, Okafor Ikenna of Eke Amawbia will play Okoli Nnaemeka of Nkwo Umunze while Ndudi Ifinwa AMSPDA, Nnewi and Olie Onochie of New Tyre Nkpor will fight for a place in the final.

In the Tennis event, Obidike Emeka of Odera Market Awka will step to the courts against Ezeobi Oliver of Etewa market, Ekwulobia.

In the second game, Fidelis Anierobi AMSPDA Nnewi will play with Kenechukwu Sixtus Building Materials, Ogbunike on Nov.23.

Ncho or Ayo event will be between Okoye Emeka of Eke Amawbia and Ibegwa Micheal of New Motor Spare Obosi while Arinze Nwafor of Odekpe Market will play with Nzekwa Esther of Nkwo Umunze on Nov. 25.

By Okey Okey

Many times when we do not know the mind of God, we make mistakes. One who can be described as the octopus of prophesy, Prophet Dan Okechukwu Ezeudoka has made a staggering revelation concerning the long attempted Igbo president of Nigeria.

Speaking with the media recently, Prophet Dan recalled that he had made a prophesy in the past concerning Ngige and how he needs to either be the president of Igbo extraction people seek or the person to anoint that Igbo president.

He stated that recently the prophesy has become clearer indicating that indeed Ngige is the chosen one by God for Igbo President.

In his words, “It is only what God says that I prophesy. I am the only one who maintained that Buhari was still alive when everyone was saying he had died. I am the one who prophesied about the outcome of several elections in Anambra State and beyond accurately and God perfected his prophesy. Therefore, by the Grace of God, I have prophesied that the person whose move to presidency has been sanctioned by the Most High is former ANAMBRA State governor and minister of the federal republic of Nigeria, Dr Chris Ngige.

“God revealed this to me in February, 2019, in 2021 and in 2022. That whatever we are doing as Ndigbo for Igbo presidency without Ngige will be in vain. That all Igbos should rally round Ngige and make sure he picks the primaries ticket. That we shall continue to be in one Nigeria.

Explaining himself further to the media, Prophet Dan said,

“I have never met Ngige for the first time. All my efforts to see him before the elections to pass this prophesy to him failed. The time and date of the Ngige prophesies are available as future evidence.”

This recent development is coming at the heels of another viral prophesy by the prophet about Mmesoma of the UTME saga who he declared at the heat of the controversy that God has said he will favour her beyond Nigeria and Africa, which prophesy was recently fulfilled with the news that she has been granted scholarship to study abroad.

Anambra traders competition, Soludo's agenda to foster interactivity, social harmony- aide

By Okechukwu Onuegbu


Chief Evarist Uba, the Special Adviser on Trade and Markets to governor Chukwuma Soludo, Tuesday, described the ongoing traders competition as parts of the government agenda to foster interactivity, social harmony and better well being in the state.

Uba, who disclosed this at the draws for the State finals stage of the competition in Awka, assured the traders that the sporting event would enhance their health and wellbeing aside the financial benefits accruing to it.

According to him, a total of 90 markets are currently participating on the games which included football, Tennis, Table Tennis, Draught and Ncho presently at zonal eliminations in eight centres.

He added that governor Soludo would witness the finals of the competition scheduled to hold at the Awka Township Stadium on Nov. 26, even as he commended the Anambra Sports Development Commission and Anambra State Amalgamated Market Traders Association (ASMATA) for the level of organisational finesse they had exhibited so far.

"I encourage you to work had for your victory in the competition, Mr Governor is aware of it, indeed he will be at the stadium on the closing ceremony with members of his cabinet to see the finals.

"This competition is another opportunity for our people in the markets to benefit from the robust sports development agenda of Mr Governor," he said.

Also speaking, the President General, ASMATA, Chief Humphrey Anuna, commended the teams that made it from the zones, while urging market leaders to show more commitment by creating awareness and mobilising their members as rewards for winners were huge.

On his part, the Chairman, Anambra State Sports Development Commission, Mr Patrick-Estate Onyedum, thanked Soludo for supporting the competition adding that it had progressed very well.

Onyedum who was represented by Faith Okwonna, a Director in the Commission said raffle draws would be held on the final day when people stood to win shuttle bus, generator, television, fans and others.

She urged the state finalists to take their fixtures seriously and reminded them that the total prize money for the competition was N10 million.

In the football draws, Odera Market Awka will play with Iron Dealers Market, Atani in the first Group A game on Nov 4 while Nkwo Umunze Market will square up against Odera Market on Nov. 8 in the second game.

The third Group A match will be between Iron Dealers Market Atani and Nkwo Umunze market at the Chuba Ikpeazu Stadium Nov. 11.

In the Group B centre scheduled for Godwin Achebe Stadium, Fegge, Ajasa Market Onitsha will Old Motor Parts play with Obosi on Nov. 4 while New Motor Parts Nnewi and Ajase Market Onitsha will face each other on Nov. 8.

Old Motor Parts Obosi vs New Motor Parts Nnewi will play on Nov. 11 to decide semi finalists from the group.

The semi final games would be held on Nov. 19.

In the Draught event scheduled for Nov. 23, Uchenna Ezenwafor of Etewa Market Ekwulobia will play with Ifeanyi Osunwa of Arthur Eze Building Market and the game play with Daraebo Titus of Electric Market, Obosi.

Raphael Okoye of Plastic Market Ogbunike will decide the second finalist with Ezeugwu Chukwujekwu of Bida Market, Onitsha in the game scheduled for Amawbia Sports Club.

In Table Tennis, Okafor Ikenna of Eke Amawbia will play Okoli Nnaemeka of Nkwo Umunze while Ndudi Ifinwa AMSPDA, Nnewi and Olie Onochie of New Tyre Nkpor will fight for a place in the final.

In the Tennis event, Obidike Emeka of Odera Market Awka will step to the courts against Ezeobi Oliver of Etewa market, Ekwulobia.

In the second game, Fidelis Anierobi AMSPDA Nnewi will play with Kenechukwu Sixtus Building Materials, Ogbunike on Nov.23.

Ncho or Ayo event will be between Okoye Emeka of Eke Amawbia and Ibegwa Micheal of New Motor Spare Obosi while Arinze Nwafor of Odekpe Market will play with Nzekwa Esther of Nkwo Umunze on Nov. 25.

Following the recent development that had a Good Samaritan sponsor Mmesoma Ejikeme for a trip abroad to continue her studies, Prophet Dan Okechukwu Ezeudoka has stated that this is a confirmation of his prophesy concerning the girl some months back.

It would be recalled that the prophecy, which went viral when it was released as it was published on several media platforms read thus in part;

“God wants to use Mmesoma to bless her family…God said she should not panic. That his hands are upon her. That he has remembered her in a Mighty way. The emphasis is on “Mighty Way”.
“That you should not panic. What I see upon you is beyond Africa. The mighty grace upon you is beyond Africa. People will see what they call Grace. Mighty favour and Mighty Grace. Not just grace but extraordinary grace upon you. So, my sister do not panic over what you are seeing or your experiences. It is just the way God wants it to happen so that he will use stupid things to make things beautiful. Those stupid things are people’s selfish interest…I want to tell you that outside what you are seeing, what is ahead of you will marvel you. You will be surprised and speechless.

‘So, do not allow any of these things happening now to disturb your mind. God is in control. God is with you. Mighty hand of God almighty is upon you. The Mighty One. I saw grace. Mighty Grace outside and above Africa.

Be focused and remember God always. That God who remembered you. It is written even from the day you were born. He will never disappoint you.

“God wants to use you to remember the whole of your family and your state. I am not telling you because you scored high in UTME but I am talking to you as a prophet.”

This was published on July edition of Fides Newspaper amongst other news media platforms.

And just as was prophesied, people have continued to reach out to Mmesoma and her family since the controversy to seek how to better their lot. This culminated in the recent securing of admission for her to continue her studies abroad with all expenses paid by her benefactors.

Speaking on the issue of the mutilated UTME score, Prophet Dan emphasized the need for the grace of God in every person’s life, adding that when the grace of God abounds, it does not matter what condition one finds oneself, a sure escape will surely be provided. He stated that the focus of his prophesy was not on the issue of her JAMB score but on the plan of God for her and her family.

He therefore thanked God for showing Mmesoma and her family mercy and reminded Mmesoma to remember him in her paradise.

Okechukwu Onuegbu

The executives of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Southeast, Sunday, said they would sack the governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma and takeover Douglas house on the 2023 governorship election.

The National Deputy Chairman of the party, Chief Felix Chukwurah, who disclosed this at the end of NNPP zonal conference held in Awka, the Anambra State capital, said they have quality candidate with impeccable character and achievements and good strategies to send Uzodinma parking amazingly.

"We are the second biggest political party in Nigeria. After NNPP, others follow. For Imo State, that figure four is one will not work again. Imo state is a done deal. Douglas house is with us. Uzodinma came out to become a governor as a surprise and we will move from number four to number one in Imo and send him parking too," he stated.


The zonal conference also reaffirmed position of the national working committee of the party led by Major Agbo, which kicked out the 2023 Presidential candidate of NNPP, Alh. Rabiu Kwankwaso and Kawu Ali led National Working Committee (NWC- NNPP).

The NNPP chairmen and secretaries from the five Southeast states, equally endorsed Major Agbo as their authentic Acting National Chairman, and Dr Boniface Aniebonam as their founder/Board of Trustees Chairman, vowing that no one was capable of dethroning them through back door.

The party stakeholders at end of conference held at Awka, the Anambra State capital, took the decision following a vote of confidence on the founder (Aniebonam) moved by Prince Kelech Apugo, the Abịa State Acting chairman of NNPP and supported by his counterpart from Enugu State, Chief Chuba Nwadiogbu, and a reaffirmation vote of expulsion on Kwankwaso/Kawu led faction which was moved by Ebonyi State Acting NNPP Chairman, Hon. Ozeogu Stephen and supported by the Secretary of the party in Imo State, Hon. Nnani Nnaemeka Emmanuel.

According to them, the MoU signed with Kwankwaso/Kawu led group which admitted them to the party without paying a dime, has expired since end of 2023 general elections and the affected personalities rather than seek ways of renewing them, resort to hijack the party organs but failed woefully.

The Deputy National Chairman of NNPP, Chief Felix Chukwurah, who presided over the meeting, said the conference was convoked among other things, to restate their stands that the old NNPP structure is intact, "as the strange entrants who joined us with one evil intention of wrestling the party out our hands have failed."

"We announce the expiration of the MoU that brought NNPP /NAGAF and Kwankwaso/kwankwasia in union to contest for elective positions in the past elections. Yes, the constitution of our party reiterates that the BOT chairman has the power to call to order erring members and much more.

"Hence the reconstitution of the NWCS and BOTs, to weed out the inconsistent members to enable the true party loyalists to manage the party effectively. In the coming weeks, many of our court cases would have yielded expected result of sending all the miscreants and hijackers out of our party with restorations of the party glory like never before," he added.

"Aniebonam did not collect a dime from Kwankwaso but gave him rather. He gave out all he had to save Nigeria. He founded and led NNPP for over 22 years from his personal pocket. A true philanthropist of International repute. Unfortunately, he did not know that those who came to seek for help from him were actually after him and his party. We are here to say no to every attempt to hijack our party. Our message is a solidarity with Agbo Major led Executive, and Aniebonam. There is no war with our party structure from the local to national level," he further maintained.

Other stakeholders who spoke at the event vowed to mobilise for more members and resources to support Aniebonam and Major in taking the party to a greater height.

"I will also immediately mention the name of our national chairman, his excellency, Dr Agbo Major, the rugged and unwavering political intellectual, who in his loyalty to the founder and party philosophy with hardwork has kept hopes of grassroot to the national executives afloat by shuttling all over the country to cultivate sustainable success in our party.

"Further, I will stop at nothing to recognise our zonal officers, stakeholders, and state executives from Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu and Anambra State gathered here today to grace this southeast executive conference. NWC was swallowed and manipulated by few new entrants (Kwankwaso and co). they marshal the NWC members to meetings in their private houses for easy access and control of selfish and unpopular decisions.

"They frame anybody they set their eye on especially some state chairmen who are not likely to support their hijack agenda and suspend or expel them all together. They conspired and replaced their imaginary enemies in many states with some Kwankwasia members as the caretaker chairmen," he concluded.

BY Okechukwu Okechukwu

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, the Speaker Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, and the state Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Onochie Anyachebelu are expected to attend the 2023 Press Week, Media summit and Man of The Year Award ceremony organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Anambra State Council.

According to a statement from the State Council Chairman of NUJ, Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, the national chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Hon. Sly Ezeokenwa would present a keynote address of the event which will hold on Thursday, 2nd November 2023 at the Godwin Ezeemo Int'l Press Centre, Awka, Anambra state capital.

The APGA national chairman will speak on the theme of the NUJ press week tagged "Pragmatic Media Practice as an Antidote to Sustainable Development in a Distressed Economy: A Focus On Anambra State, while the first female Professor of Mass Communication in Sub-saharan Africa, Professor Chinyere Stella Okunna will Chair the occasion.

He further announced that the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Paul Nwosu, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Hon Christian Aburimes, including everal media chief executives, captains of industry, media managers and regulators as well as traditional rulers are expected at the event.

The press week which started with an interactive Session by the APGA national chairman with members of the NUJ in the state, including those from print and broadcast media, Online publishers, and Bloggers will also feature presentation of Professor Chinyere Stella Okunna Ethical Journalist for the year 2023 award to the yet to be determined winner.

Chairman and Secretary, Planning Committee of the Anambra 2023 Press Week, Dr Njideka Ezeonyejiaku and Chukwuleta Chigozie respectively in a statement they jointly issued reel out other activities that will hold during the event to include: presentation of NUJ 2023 Anambra Man of the Year Award to Igwe (Pharm) Alex Uzo Onyido of Ogidi kingdom, and the 2022 NUJ Anambra Man of The Year to the deputy managing director, DMD, Zenith Bank plc, Dame Dr Adaora Umeoji (OON).

The chief host of the event and national president, NUJ, Chief Chris Isiguzo is expected to attend the ceremony.

Some activities lined up ahead of the end of the press week include: visitations to 3 charity homes, Community Children Homes (Awka & Onitsha and Sickle Cell community home Agulu, as well as facility tour of Tiger Foods Company Ltd , novelty match between the NUJ team and state judiciary team. There will be also NUJ Outreach to the challenged/ displaced communities in 3 senatorial zones and Karaoke Night/ Couples unification hour among others.

Controversy has engulfed the recent nomination of a new Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) from Akwa Ibom, Mr. Etekamba Umoren, as a result of his relationship with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and also for being a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Akwa Ibom.


Umoren is a former aide of the Senator Akpabio, who had served the Senate President as a Chief of Staff during his time as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and also one of his top aides as Governor of Akwa Ibom state.

President Bola Tinubu has recently appointed him as one of the new RECs, according to a statement by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale.

This development has elicited ill feelings within the People's Democratic Party (PDP), which was expressed through a statement protesting his appointment. A group, the PDP Aborigines Initiative, in a statement said "The appointment of Mr. Etekamba Umoren as Resident Electoral Commissioner will erode the trust Nigerians have on the electoral body."

In the statement signed by its National Coordinator, Shaibu Abubakar, the group said Mr Umoren is a member of the All Progressives Congress, and as such should not be made to play the role of an umpire in any elections.

He equally said Mr. Umoren's membership of the "APC is not hidden as he defected officially from the PDP in 2018, with his boss, the Senate President, Dr Godswill Akpabio.

"Umoren has served as Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government and Chief of Staff to Akpabio as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.

"We call on President Tinubu to reverse that appointment as his government does not need this controversy at this period that it ought to focus on delivering good leadership to the whole nation irrespective of political affiliation." Abubakar said.

Another statement by an Abuja based and Akwa Ibom born financial expert and public policy analyst Celestine Mel, said the appointment of Umoren who he referred to as a "highly partisan operative who will stop at nothing to project the partisan inclination of his master, into the electoral management body, does great harm and diservice to this country and this democracy."

Mel said further: "The electoral system is like the banking system. Both thrive on trust. Participants surrender themselves to the process because they perceive that it will be fair. The moment participants suspect that either of the operatives could deal unfairly, the trust is broken, irrespective of whether or not there was any intention to be unfair. With this appointee in INEC, the perception of unfairness, injustice and inequity to different political parties is already established. The simple reason is that the nominee will be perceived to more loyal to his benefactor, who is on top of the political value chain, than Nigeria his country."

He likened Umoren's nomination to that of Mrs Lauretta Onochie for a similar role by the Buhari administration, and urged President Bola Tinubu to "please rescind the decision and seek non-partisan professionals for this sensitive assignment, if only he is interested in preserving whatever is left of the battered image of the Independent National Electoral Commission."

A State House release signed by Ajuri Ngelale, named Umoren as one of the RECs appointed by President Bola Tinubu in pursuant of the "powers vested in him by Section 154 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, Amended) and Section 6 of the Electoral Act (2022)," for a term of five (5) years each, subject to the confirmation of the Nigerian Senate.

Others appointed with Unoren were Mr. Isah Shaka Ehimeakne from Edo State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola from Ekiti State, Mr. Abubakar Ahmed Ma'aji from Gombe State, Mr. Shehu Wahab from Kwara State, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi from Lagos State, Mr. Aminu Kasimu Idris from Nasarawa State, Prof. Mohammed Yelwa from Niger State, Dr. Anugbum Onuoha from Rivers State, and Mr. Isma'ila Kaura Moyi from Zamfara

According to the release, President Tinubu "expects the new appointees to abide by the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct in the discharge of their duties, in accordance with his determination to facilitate the establishment of a new and sustainable standard of transparent, fair, and conflict-free electoral conduct."

CDHR re-elects National President, other officers, charges citizens to demand accountability


By Okechukwu Onuegbu



Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), a right group, Thursday, concluded it's annual general Conference with an election of new officers to pilot it affairs.

CDHR, at the end of its 2023 Annual General Conference (AGC) held in Awka, the Anambra State capital under a theme, human rights and good governance an entitlement to all journey so far and way forward, re-elected Comrade Dr Prince Kehinde Taiga as National President.

Other elected officers of the rights defenders were Comrade James Chibuzo Chikwendu, National Vice President; Comrade Credible Gerand Katchy, National Gen. Secretary; Comrade Jude Adimekwe, Asst. National General Secretary; and Comrade Michael Roy Olokungboye, National Treasurer.

Also elected were Barrister Ibijoke Fajugba Tijani; Comrade GodsPower Ugah, National Publicity Secretary; Comrade Infechiga Queen Chinazo, National Internal Auditor; Comrade Enohuwa Obamwonyi, Ex officio; and Barrister Emeka Anosike, Ex officio.

The re-elected National President, Kehinde Taiga, commended the delegates for conducting themselves proper and professional, even as he reassured the commitment of CDHR to defend the rights of the citizenry.

He called on Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo to device mechanisms and programmes capable of promoting good governance and addressing right violation and multiple taxation issues in the State. 

The National President of the group, Dr Kehinde Taiga, said the world eyes were on the governor to utilise his experience as an economist and former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to revamp the State economy and not to create more hardship on people through multiple taxation.


"I urge governor Soludo as Professor to profess well to Anambra. Don't profess failure to your state but bring a massive development. How can a state of a professor have only 4 teachers in a public primary school? Only the State Internal Revenue was enough to develop the State; put schools in order, construct roads and others," he stated.


Also speaking, the National Vice President of CDHR, Comrade Chibuzo Chikwendu, while urging the governor to use human face in his activities, observed that many State infrastructure were falling and dilapidating, and should be fixed urgently.


Contributing, the Chairman of the occasion, Comrade Sunny Enenuvwedia, charged Anambra State residents to hold the government accountable from the ward to community, local government and state levels by getting involved in the happenings to detect, investigate and hold every public officer accountable always.


Enenuvwedia, who is a former National President of the CDHR, regretted that many were busy talking about the federal government whereas the States, LGAs and communities were been ruined by politicians and scrupulous elements through entrenchments of bad leadership, rights violation and high-handedness.

By Okechukwu Onuegbu
Awka

Stakeholders under the auspices of Rotary International, Rotary District 9142 comprising seven States in Southern Nigeria, have advocated for a sustained public enlightenment campaigns towards eradication of poliomyelitis on earth.

The stakeholders who spoke at polioplus seminar 2023 held at Awka, the Anambra State capital, also opined that eradicating polio requires a collaborative efforts, including charity works, joining the rotary international, subscriptions to rotary programmes and projects.

Speaking at the event, Rotarian (Rtn.) Akan Emah, the District Governor, Rotary District 9142 comprising Abịa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Cross Rivers, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States, urged Nigerians not to relent in the campaign even though Africa have been certified polio free.

Speaking on the role of Rotary in sustaining the progress made in keeping Nigeria polio-free, Rtn. Joshua Hassan represented by Andy Uwejeyan, averred that polio would become the second disease in the history to be eradicated in the world if they never relent.

"Vaccines work. We have eradicated 2 out of 3 strains of the wild polio virus from the world. Only one remains. We have achieved regional eliminations too. It calls for celebrations and things of pride. We have made. We have vaccinated over 3 billion children. But we have more works to do to prevent it. We are not yet free until it gets to a point when Parkistan and Afghanistan and the entire world are certified polio free.

"Our goals are to permanently eradicate the wild polio virus, and to stop transmission of vaccine transmitted folio. To achieve this, we need $4.8bn US worldwide. It is required from the members and the public. We set a goal of USD 1500 polioplus per member, polioplus society USD 100 per year on rotary direct until polio is eradicated," he noted.

According to him, what must be done to achieve a polio free world is early provision of vaccines, increased global awareness, increased donation and continuous advocacy with political, religious and community leaders at state and Local Government Areas, sustainable strategies, improve routine immunisation and others.

He recalled that sustained efforts of the Rotary International was why Africa region was declared free of polio in 2020, South East Asia in 2014, European in 2002, Western Pacific in 2000, and America in 1994, while the Eastern Mediterranean region (Afghanistan and Pakistan) is still endemic to wild polio.

Another speaker, Rtn. Hilary Ozor, who identified religious belief as a barrier to the campaign, hailed the efforts of community influencers whose capacities were built to reach out to hard to reach areas and people with immunisations.

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Charles Esimone, posited that giving to rotary is like giving to God, and according to him, no one who supports the project would ever be hungry.

"Rotary has a lot to do in human development and capacity building. We need to buy into the opportunity. We all have something to give. It depends on mindset, interest and what you want to contribute. We can give, we can go beyond our comfort zones to get people to give. We can. Giving to rotary is like giving to God. No one gives to God and go hungry. If you shovel to God, he will tipper you," he noted.

Other speakers including the Southwest Field Coordinator Rotary Polioplus, Rtn. Olugbenga Olayiwale; Rtn. Sebastian Okwu, the District Polioplus Chair Owerri 2023/2024 rotary year; the Executive Secretary of Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Pharmacist Chisom Uchem; and Rtn. Chiemelu EmegoAkor (MD Eldorado Multispecialist hospital, Awka), advocated for more partnership with stakeholders to sustain the enlightenment campaigns on polio at community and local government levels.

Earlier, Rtn. Olachi Emegoakor, the Chair, Host Organising Committee for 2023 Polioplus seminar, who commended the District for chosen Awka for the programme and participants for gracing it, noted that it would have an overwhelming impact within and outside the country.

The event also witnessed advocacy visitations to major stakeholders and institutions, including Amawbia Primary Health Centre, where a polio ambassador and wife of Anambra State governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo, administered a ceremonial polio vaccine to children, while reminding mothers of importance of making their children available for polio vaccination and others.

https://www.factcheckng.com/2023/10/my-tribunal-victory-validation-of-will.html?m=1

The Anambra' State National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Awka has affirmed the election of Hon. Victor Afam Ogene as the winner of the 2023 general election of the Ogbaru federal constituency.

The judgment of the three man panel headed by Justice S. Y. Abubakar unanimously affirmed Hon. Ogene who is also the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy as the authentic winner of the election which result was eventually declared after a supplementary poll conducted by the Independent National Election Commission, (INEC) on April 15th 2023.

One of the three man panel, Justice B. M. Kucheri, who read the judgment on behalf of others declared that the petition brought by the candidate of the People's Democratic Party, (PDP) Hon. Chukwuka Onyema lacked merit.

This petition is lacking in merit and is accordingly dismissed. The election of Hon. Victor Afam Ogene is hereby affirmed by this tribunal," Justice Kucheri declared.

Earlier, while reviewing the petition the tribunal judges had dismissed Onyema's claim that elections were not held in seven polling units of the federal constituency, staying that he didn't lead evidence to substantiate or prove his claims.

The tribunal further dismissed the petitioner's claim that Hon . Ogene was not a bona fide member of Labour Party under which platform he won the election as at the time he was nominated as candidate of the party.

Hon. Ogene was declared winner of the Ogbaru federal constituency election by the Returning Officer Dr. Kingsley Uboji of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Awka, after the April 15th 2023 Supplementary election which was conducted following the declaration of the Federal constituency polls inconclusive by the INE on February 25th 2023 general elections.

However, after Justice Kucheri had delivered the judgment of the tribunal, two other members of the tribunal including the chairman, Justice S. Y. Abubakar and Justice I. O. Akinkugbe separately states that they concurred with the judgment as delivered by Justice Kucheri.

Prophet sees PDP winning 2023 Imo Guber election

Awka, Oct.18, 2023 Celibate Prophet, Godfrey Gbujie says Sen. Samuel Anyanwu of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) will emerge victorious in the Nov.11 governorship election in Imo.

Gbujie made the disclosure in a statement issued to journalists on Wednesday in Awka.

He said that Sen. Samuel Samdady Anyanwu of PDP was “God's anointed immediate successor” to the outgoing Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State".

Gbujie said that his pronouncement was a divine revelation made to him after his intercessory prayer on the Nov.11 governorship election.

Recalled that Prophet Gubjie had predicted that Peter Obi of the Labour Party would win the February 25, 2023 presidential election in the country.

Even though the nation's electoral body later announced Sen. Bola Tinubu of the All Progressive Congress APC as win, the Enugu-based prophet and native of Akabor .baise born prophet still insisted that obi's victory was revealed to him in the spirit.

He said, like Obi that Samdady Anyanwu would pull a surprise to doubting Thomases when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will announce the Nov. 11 guber election result in Imo.

He appealed to the voters especially Christians and Muslims to massively support and vote Anyanwu.

According to Gubjie, support for Anyanwu would fulfill the “1986, 1996 and 2005 A.D Igbo Holy National Covenant with the Lord God and the universal church of Christ.

He noted that the choice of PDP guber candidate was granted in preference to the earlier revealed Okigwe Zone-born candidate in the election.

Gubjie who is of the Royal House of David Ministry, Enugu described Anyanwu as ambassador of the Igbo Christian community.

He said a cream of divinely assembled ministers of the Christian Church and Judaic Movement of Igboland pastorally led by former Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) South-East Zone, Archbishop David Eberechukwu had been interceding for Anyanwu.

“Interdenominational Judaic and Christian assembly held at Akabor Community in Ahiara Mbasie on Wednesday, August 16, 2017, later on May 22, 2022 and the humble and gentle ex-senator was additionally anointed ministerially for national political leadership of Ndigbo.

By Okeke Obiadi

Anambra State High Court 2 sitting at Ogidi, Idemili North LGA of Anambra State has struck out a defamation suit filed by Vice Chairman of The Sun Newspapers, Rev. Emeka Abone against his elder brother's wife, Mrs Kasie Abone.

Emeka, who hails from Nnokwa, Idemili South Local Government Area, had dragged Kasie, a veteran journalist to the High Court since 2019 over alleged defamation, but on 25th January 2021, the matter was struck out only for it to be relisted by the same plaintiff (Rev, Abone) two years after (on February 16, 2023).

But when the case which has a suit no. HID/261/2019 came up before Justice Chukwudi Nwankwo of High Court 2 Ogidi on October 10th, 2023, it was dismissed, even as the plaintiff was asked to pay a cost of ₦100,000 to the defendant before any other step could be taken on the matter.

As a matter of fact, parties in the suit were absent, with no legal representation for the plaintiff but Christopher Oko, Esq stood in for the defendant (Kasie), and had informed the court that the matter was adjourned on record for PTC though the defendant was appealing the ruling of 16/02/2023 relisting the suit.

Emeka Abone, a former Slok Group Managing Director, had in the quashed suit, alleged that Kasie defamed his character at different fora, including a petition she filed against him before their village elders.

Kasie, wife of Mr Okechukwu Abone, an elder brother to Emeka Abone, had in a petition to Ikele Nnokwa (Elders Council), alleged that Emeka and others at different occasions accused her of using charms to hypnotise her husband into contracting a marriage relationship with her, burying charm at Obi Abone to tie 32 demons operating at Obi Abone that enables her to sleep at Obi Abone alone without fear even when the demons pursue Rev. Emeka Abone and his siblings as well as making charm to kill her husband's mistress and her son.

Those who are familiar with the case informed this reporter that following constant harassment, intimidation, threats and false allegations against kasie, she was compelled to petition the Elders Council, Nnokwa, a body responsible for adjudicating over matters relating to allegations of diabolism in the town to clear her name and prove her innocence.

It was learnt that rather than honour Elders Council invitation to prove his allegations against her, Emeka Abone rather instituted the now struck out case against Kasie at Ogidi High Court.

In her statement of defence filed through her counsel F. CHIJIOKE OKOLI (SAN) and CHUKWUEMEKA OZOALOR, ESQ. of Delphi Law Advisory of Ezeoguine Chambers, Kasie, who did not deny the content of her petition stated that the reason she petitioned against Emeka Abone and his siblings to Ikele Nnokwa (Elders Council), Obi Nnokwa was because "It is believed and according to the customs and traditions of Nnokwa that anyone who tells a lie before the Elders Council holding at Obi Nnokwa will die or suffer severe consequences. Consequently, the plaintiff (Emeka Abone) got scared of this petition because he realized he may not tell a lie before Elders Council without severe consequences and thus evaded the trial at the Elders Council."

Kasie admitted that she made some of the statements she was accused of 'in good faith' and they are the truth and nothing but the truth.

She stated that she made the statements in defence of years of continuous false allegations, insults to her person and her family, harassment and unwarranted attack against her by Emeka Abone and his siblings ever since she married their brother which they are not comfortable with because they saw her as an obstacle to dispossessing their elder brother, whom they see as unfit as first son, of his birthright.

"After the Defendant (Kasie)had gotten married to Okechukwu Abone and each time Okechukwu Abone went to visit his younger brother, the Plaintiff (Emeka), at his residence, he would return to tell kasie that Emeka still insists that he, Okechukwu Abone, should not have married kasie. That Emeka always encouraged the Kasie’s husband, Okechukwu Abone, to abandon or divorce her and get married to a younger lady.

"Further to the advice of Emeka to Okechukwu Abone, Okechukwu got into a relationship with one Juliet Amuche Okoro whom he committed adultery with on the advisement of the Plaintiff and his other siblings and aunt; i) When Juliet Amuche Okoro got pregnant for the Kasie's husband for the first time, because she was not aware that the Kasie's husband, Okechukwu Abone, was married, she insisted on aborting the pregnancy.

"But Emeka Abone persuaded her to leave the pregnancy with a promise to secure her a job and an accommodation but she refused and went ahead with the abortion. When Juliet Amuche Okoro got pregnant for Okechukwu Abone, the second time after convincing her that the family would send Kasie away, Emeka saw this as a perfect opportunity to encourage Okechukwu to abandon or divorce his wife.

Kasie further submitted in her defence that Emeka encouraged kasie's husband to relocate to the East with a promise of starting a business for him at Nnobi, to be close to his mistress whom they hid at their relations, Julie Ilodi's, house in Enugu, while abandoning his wife in Lagos.

She maintained that in one occasion when her husband sent her to Emeka to obtain loan from him to pay house rent, advised her not to pay for the house rent but leave her husband and look for a smaller apartment where she will live alone. That Emeka told her that her husband, Okechukwu, who is Emeka elder brother, can never amount to anything good in life.

Kasie claimed in her defense that anytime she made imputations which the Emeka considered slanderous but are in fact true, it has always been in reaction to the false allegations and rumors about kasie and her family being spread by Emeka and his wife, Azuka and his siblings; Joy Ezeagwu (Nee Abone), Adichie Abone and Nkoli Enyolu (Nee Abone)."

Our investigation reveal that the relisting of the suit may not be far from the determination of Emeka Abone and his siblings to frustrate kasie especially given that they had supported their brother, kasie's husband to properly marry his mistress, Juliet Amuche Okoro, even when the matter still subsists at Nnewi High Court.

However, it was learnt that though the plaintiff has right to relist the suit, but there is a permissible period within which this can be done.

In a notice of appeal cited by our reporter, dated March 1, 2023, and filed by kasie's councels, F. Chijioke Okoli (SAN) and Christopher Okoh, Esq of Delphi Law Advisory, at Court of Appeal, Awka Judiciary Division, seeking relief for an order for the relisting application in the lower court to be dismissed and consequentially affirming the striking out of the suit as earlier ordered on January 25, 2921.

The grounds for appeal include that the trial judge erred in law by entertaining in the first place much less granting, the plaintiffs application to relist the suit when he ought to have struck it out after two years from the purpoted January 26, 2021 date of filing the application; relying on Order 40, rule 3 of Anambra State High Court Rules, 2019 which provides that every application shall be served within 5 days of filing and within 7 days of the service, within stipulated period, the judge may strike out the application.
Other grounds include that the plaintiff failed to serve the defendant within stipulated time; that the trial judge misdirected himself in law by not adverting to the effect of the certainty of the prejudice of exhuming and harassing the defendant with the suit over two years after it was struck out, and who reasonably believed that it had been abandoned.

By Okechukwu Onuegbu

Anambra State Disability Rights Commission (ANSDRC), a board setup to ensure complete domestication and implementation of State Disability Rights law (2018) has entered into partnership with Anambra State Physical Planning Board (ANSPPB).

ANPPB, a government board that sees compliance of public buildings and other institutions to internationally approved standard, entered into the partnership with ANSDRC when the later paid a courtesy call to their office.

The Chairman, Anambra State Disability Rights Commission (ANSDRC), Barr. Chukwuka Ezewuzie, who led the delegation, explained that the advocacy visit was part of their efforts to sensitise ministries and agencies on operation and provisions of Anambra State Disability Rights Law 2018.

The disability rights law, it was learnt, was passed and assented to law by the immediate past administration of Willie Obiano, as a domestication of International best practices contained in United Nations charter for people living with disabilities (PWDs). The law also supported internationally approved building codes usable at the United Kingdom which stipulates even the importance features to be included in public buildings, roads and others for accessibility of different clusters of PWD's.

Ezewwuzie, who said his commission was ready to partner or work with any individual, group, ministries or palastals to ensure that their public buildings comply to the law wether it is government owned or rented or used so far it is a public building serving public purposes.

He added that there was also need for ministry of works to ensure that roads provide signs that can alert the visual impaired, blind, and deaf communities accordingly when passing traffic, as well as others.

The categories of public institutions that must comply to the law, according to Ezewuzie, included offices, conference halls, hotels, churches, parastatals, among others.

“Subsection 8 of Section 23 of the Disability Rights Law talks about accessibility features which public buildings designs must possess before they are approved.

“The Interpretation Clause of the State Disability Rights Law explains that public buildings are buildings owned or used by government or made available for public use, such as shopping malls, residential buildings, churches, mosques, among others.

“What we are looking at is for every building design to have a Certificate of no Objection, CNB, which simply means that all requirements in the code are met in terms of accessibility features. If the design conforms with subsection 5. We are confident that your Board will ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the Code and we will be ready to provide guidance when needed" he added.


The Chairman, Anambra State Physical Planning Board (ANSPPB), Barr Chike Maduekwe, while receiving the team in his office at Amawbia, Awka South LGA, explained that the State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, was committed to building a green, liveable, prosperous and megacity.

Maduekwe added that the governor was a listening man who has the needs of all NDI Anambra at heart, and would ensure that all the Public buildings and other infrastructure are accessible by disability community.

This, According to him, would include new and old existing infrastructure, even as those seeking for building approvals would equally be made to provide accessible features accessible for all the categories of people in them before it could be granted.

Maduekwe, who noted that Soludo's administration was committed to building a liveable, prosperous and megacity for all irrespective of age, sex or impairment, adding that no one is more important than others in the society.

“Your visit today is an eye opener, and we will run with it, because there are a whole lot of things we need to begin to do differently in terms of how infrastructures are built in the state.

“Mr Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has always maintained his vision of building a liveable and prosperous smart mega city. This homeland should be one that every member of the society must be able to access and benefit from, irrespective of social status, physical disability and otherwise.

“This we need to do immediately to ensure inclusivity. The wonderful work the Commission has done through its leadership headed by Barr Ezewuzie, is quite amazing and I am not surprised at what the Commission has been able to accomplish for persons living with disabilities.

“We will work together and I know that when the governor sees the need we are bringing to the fore, he will approve them. These are things that will improve the quality of life of Anambra people. So your visit here is an act of God and we will act accordingly,” he added.


In their various presentations, the Chief Media Officer for the Disability Commission, Miss Chidinma Ajemba, a sign language interpreter with the Commission and other emphasized the point on other infrastructure used by the public including roads, bridges and many others to be enabled in a way that persons with one form of disability of another can access and use them.

Nigerian Correctional Centres in Anambra State, Friday, prevented courts access to inmates under their custody, citing security challenges in the State.

Sources told Factcheckng.com that correctional centres at Onitsha specifically told police prosecutors that they could only allow them access to their inmates if they agree to administer their cases only at courts within the commercial nerve of Africa.

As a cases involving witnesses currently in detention in Correctional Centers were put on hold in various courts as police said they were put on alert to that effect.

In many courts, lawyers who were to either examine or cross examine such witnesses in detention were taken aback when they did not see prison officials and their witnesses in court.

In one of the courts around Onitsha, a prosecuting counsel told a presiding Chief Magistrate that it was not even clear how long the order might last, explaining that the only detained witnesses that might appear in court in the interim were those in police custody.

A source who spoke on the issue said: “Many cases have been adjourned because of security challenges around Correctional Centers. The absence of the Awaiting Trial Men who were supposed to appear in courts for their cases could not do so as there is a standing order from the prison officials that no detainee would leave the Correctional Center for any place outside the prison walls.

“For any ATM to be taken out of the Correctional Center for any reason for now must be by a special arrangement, which may not be easy to make.”

Some courts have, however, decided that hearing of cases would continue in the absence of the witnesses to avoid unnecessary delay in trial.

AWACIO, CBN, train 58, empower 50 Anambra residents with starter packs

By Okechukwu Onuegbu

Aids for Women, Adolescents and Children International (AWACIO), a Nongovernmental organisation, in collaboration with Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Wednesday, empowered 58 Anambra State residents with starter packs.

The trainees, who acquired skills on pastry and decoration, tailoring, cosmetics and saloon, barbing, phone repair, commercial grinding and tiling, were drawn from seven local government areas (LGAs) in Anambra Central Senatorial district such as Anaocha, Awka North, Awka South, Dunukofia, Njikoka, Idemili North and Idemili South.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Executive Officer, AWACIO, Dr Claudia Okeke, explained that the beneficiaries were selected from among the communities in the Senatorial zone with a view to fight poverty and joblessness, while empowering the youth to become employers of labour.

"This year 2023, AWACIO embarked on the journey to bring skill acquisition programme to Anambra State particularly, Anambra Central. We gathered over eighty interested men, women and youth. Based on our eligibility criteria, the number was reduced to seventy. Following our preliminary training and investigation, the number was further reduced to fifty-eight for a total of seven different skills.

" The fifty eight were consists of fifty active trainees and eight standby trainees who have been vigorously trained in one of the following skills for six weeks. Some skills like tailoring will proceed for even longer period. The skills presented for graduation are: pastry and decoration, tailoring, cosmetics and saloon, barbing, phone repair, commercial grinding and tiling," she stated.

The beneficiaries were presented with certificates and starter kits at graduation ceremony held at Enugu-Ukwu, Njikoka LGA. The starter packs were barbing kits, cosmetic kits, sewing machines, bakery ovens, tiling gears, commercial grinders, phone repair gears, to forge ahead into society with their newly acquired skills.

According to her, AWACIO would monitor the progress of all the graduands to ensure they utilise their skills to create impact economically within and outside Anambra State.

"We envision a shift in economic power as each trainee begins to make a difference, and is able to train others, spread the wealth, and alleviate poverty," she added.

Contributing, the Central Bank of Nigeria, through its representatives, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, said they partnered the NGO because the programme was in line with its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), which centres on capacity building of people, providing essential training and fostering skill acquisition, thereby empowering beneficiaries and generating employment opportunities.


Earlier, the Traditional Ruler of Enugwu-Ukwu, Igwe Ralph Ekpeh, represented by a village Chairman, Mr Fabian Akpagu, thanked AWACIO for initiating the project, which according to him, would uplift the community, and urged them to sustain the tempo.

Women group launch scholarships, charity works to uplift community from poverty

By Okechukwu Onuegbu

Women group, Umuokpu Ukpo N'Akwu Na-Eziokwu, Friday, launched a charity organisation to uplift the Ukpo community in Dunukofia LGA, Anambra State, from poverty through free education.

The group, which held her inaugural launch at Oye Ukpo market, said they were also determined to ensure that every Ukpo indigene is trained and empowered to become successful employers of labour.

Umuokpu Ukpo N'Akwu Na-Eziokwu, which comprises all the married daughters of Ukpo community, also gave out scholarships to ten vulnerable pupils in the community, as well as selected 3 women to be empowered by December 2023.

They equally gave out over 100 bags of rice and tubers of yams to the old and indigent women and men, and promised to be engaging with more in future.

Speaking at the inaugural launch of the group, the President, Mrs Ifeoma Nweze, said their long term goal was to raise financial independent families that would ensure sustainable development of Ukpo and her people.

"It seems truth and integrity are speedily becoming scare in our generation. Hence, the emergence of this noble organisation made up of the daughters of Ukpo. Umuokpu Ukpo N'Akwu na eziokwu is a union of sisters, true daughters of Ukpo who are duly married. We have come together as a body, to be a beacon of truth and to foster peace in our community as a whole.

"Some of our beneficiaries are in Central School Ukpo, Obiọma Primary School and Unity Primary School, Ukpo. Also our recent activities include visiting orphanages and motherless babies home. Today, we shall be selecting three women that we will empower by December 2023.

"Our aim is to come together and contribute to the development of our community. The focus is through human capacity development and to improve the standard of living of those who are less privileged. We intend to train some children from Primary School level through to the tertiary level (some of which are present here today).

"We want to setup businesses for the youth after they must have acquired basic skills, knowledge or education in the kind of business or trade they will embark on. Thirdly, palliative in dorm of food distribution easy and free access to healthcare services and drugs especially to the aged amongst us," she stated.

Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Pastor Obi Onwuakpa, urged the women to stand by their visions and missions statements so they would achieve a lot.

"Hold unto truth. We need truth to be told. Take the name to your house and everywhere you go. Live up to your name everywhere. They will know from your character. Make sure you hold unto it. Induct only people you know, identify with them and ensure they work in same way. Ensure the grow. Not every woman should be admitted into this Association. Make sure you hold unto it," he noted.

The traditional ruler of Ukpo, Igwe R. C. Eze Okofia, represented by prince Mike Eze, expressed happiness over the emergence of the group, which he said would be beneficial to the community and Anambra State generally.

BY BONIFACE OKECHUKWU

In preparation for investigative public hearing, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee Investigating failures of Federal Mass Transit Schemes, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, has disclosed that the committee chose to interface with the Lagos state government and other successful private sector players in mass transportion in the state, rather than traveling abroad for the same purpose, in order to conserve government's scarce resources.

Hon. Ogene made this assertion in a statement in Abuja, on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, adding that the Committee's findings so far in the numerous meetings with diverse stakeholders, were very insightful and disturbingly revealing.

The House of Representatives on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, set up an Ad-hoc Committee to investigate the failures of Federal Mass Transit Schemes ( land, rail and waterways) in Nigeria since 1999 and to proffer sustainable solutions and report findings accordingly.

Speaking further on the visit to Lagos state, Ogene said, "In the Committee's research work on the subject matter, it recognises the success story of the Lagos state government in mass transportion and believes it would be beneficial to visit the state, to hear first hand, how the state, as a subnational is excelling where the federal government has inexplicably failed."

According to the statement, Hon Ogene, at the meeting with the Lagos state governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief Femi Hamzat, in the committee's quest for sustainable solutions to Nigeria's Mass Transit challenges, "we interface with key stakeholders,
and Lagos stands out as a state that has set the pace in not only road transportation with The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), but also waterways and the newly commissioned Blue Line (rail), so, our visit to Your Excellency, in this regard given the peculiarity of the state, is an opportunity to benefit from Your Excellency's experiences in the different sectors of mass transit, exchange ideas on the possible ways mass transit operations and policy in the nation could be rejigged, in a way that would add value to seamless movement of Nigerians and ultimately contribute meaningfully to the national GDP like in other climes, in line with the mandate of the Committee."

Responding, the statement quoted the Deputy Governor, Femi Hamzat, to have said that the state government was delighted that their efforts in mass transit was being recognised and applauded, even by an organ of government as important as the legislature.

Hamzat said that the state government has always been intentional in its investments in mass transportion in the state, given the huge population of people and increasing need for seamless movement across the state.

The Lagos Deputy Governor also disclosed that mass transportation is capital intensive but also a necessity, and therefore appealed for the federal government's support, partnership and better synergy in addressing the challenges of mass transit system in Lagos, in a way that would add value to the state's purposeful efforts in the road, waterways and rail modes of transportation.

Apart from the recently commissioned monorail in the state, the Blue Lines, Hamzat, who attributed the success story of the state in transportation sector to diligent planning, also revealed that the state would soon launch another phase of the scheme, referred to as the Red Lines, which according to the Deputy Governor, would have a higher mass transportation capacity than the Blue Lines.

Hon. Ogene also revealed that apart from touring the LAMATA and the Blue Lines facilities in Lagos, the committee also held meetings with other stakeholders, including the Nigerian Maritime and Safety Administration, NIMASA, where the Committee charged the agency with improved maritime safety, especially given the seeming lacklustre safety regulatory compliance in the nation's waterways, that may have been responsible for the rising incidences of tragic boat mishaps across different locations in the country.

The Committee implored the agency to give the same attention it gives to safety of intercontinental ships to operations of local ferry services in Nigeria.

Ogene also revealed that the Committee also met with some private transport companies, including the Chisco Group that has ran successful mass transportation operations for 45 years, in the Committee's bid to find out how the company was able to run a sustainable transport business in a challenging infrastructural and economic environment.

https://www.factcheckng.com/2023/09/controversy-trails-arrest-of-35.html


Okemmou

Some of the 35 persons paraded by the Anambra State Government Joint Taskforce (JTF) on security for allegedly engaging on drugs abuse and other related crimes have alleged that they were arrested while walking on streets and sleeping at open space.


The JTF, led by Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra with collaboration with Anambra Vigilante Group, AVG, on Saturday, said the suspects were arrested at different locations in connection with drugs peddling and indian hemp smoking, extortion of money from motorists, picking pocket, one chance and others.

Speaking on the arrest, the Public Relations Officer PRO of Ocha Brigade, Mr Anthony Agbafune said the agency under Mr Celestine Annere was determined to keep the state health and clean for the resident to live.

According to him, they were involved in robbing innocent citizens, selling hard drugs, (mkpurumiri) to youths, stealing and extorting money from the motorists.

"We will soon move those suspects involved in drugs to National Drugs Law
Enforcement Agency( NDELA) ,Police and the Ministry of Justice for necessary actions. Our job is to pick the defaulters, document them and move them to the appropriate agency for necessary action" he stated.

But speaking to journalists, one of the suspects Mr. Mike Agara from Taraba state said he smokes indian hemp but does not sell them.

According to him , the indian hemp found in his room does not belong to him but his brother who sells them.

Ikene Eze, from Enugu state also admitted that he deals on mkpurumiri and others ,noting that he gets his supply from Imo State.

According to him, he is involved in the drugs business because he has no job and instead of becoming armed robber.

He said he sells to those big trucks drivers because they use them when driving at night to avoid sleeping.

Chima Abigwe from lmo State,said he was arrested where he was sleeping in open place because he does not have a home in Onitsha where he lives.

Chukwuemeka Chukwunoso from Anambra state,said he was arrested while walking to his house around 11pm because there were no vehicle at that time.

Onyekachi Atu, from Abia state said he was picked on the road while moving to his house at late hour.

On whether he was the only person on the road when he was arrested he said, he was arrested because he was not doing anything there.

Chukwurah Micheal, from Anambra state , who admitted of engaging in stealing people money and property in vehicles appeal forgiveness.

He said he was involved in the act because he has not been work doing .

https://www.factcheckng.com/2023/09/soccer-fans-rangers-fc-frustrated-as.html?m=1




By Okechukwu Onuegbu



Soccer fans felt frustrated and disappointed on Thursday as Eyimba International Aba refused to turn up for a friendly preseason match against Rangers FC Enugu.



The match was scheduled to hold at 12noon at Awka Township Stadium in Awka, the Anambra State capital, but absence of Eyimba International with no formal verbal or written communication left everyone including Rangers FC stranded.



Factcheckng reports that Rangers waited for them up to 5pm all to no avail and had to travel late back to Enugu probably feeling disappointed.



Speaking to Factcheckng, a fan, Mr Mgbemena Christian, described the Eyimba's action as uncalled for, wondering if it was out of fear due to their recent bad performance.



"Enyimba snubbed Awka fans as they fail to honor their preseason friendly match against Rangers. We were pissed as we waited up to 5pm without seeing them. They ought to have communicated Rangers over their action... Enyimba have been in a series of poor outings since they were booted out of the continental match this season," he added.



Speaking in an interview, the Rangers FC General Manager, Mr Amobi Ezeaku described the outing as unprofessional.



"It is unprofessional because we agreed on this match and Enyimba did not show up. We've been here since morning trying to know what the problem is and they continuously say they are on the way. Look at the time it is 5 o'clock, there is no way we can play, we need to now go back.



"Whatever logistics problem Enyimba is having, we had expected that they would have been open minded and transparent. We are football family. Well we take it as one of those things. We have seen their Sporting Director, Ifeanyi Ekwueme and he expressed the sorry state of his mind with respect to this disappointment. The fans want to see this kind of game and they came all the way to watch and Enyimba did not show up," he added.



Although our attempts to obtain the reasons behind the refusal of Eyimba to turnup for the friendly preseason match failed, it was learnt that they would likely play with Awka based team, Peace FC, tomorrow (Friday September 15).

Okechukwu Okechukwu

The National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal sitting at Awka, over the weekend, upheld the election of Engr Dom Ifeanyichukwu Okafor, as the member representing Aguata Federal Constituency in the National Assembly.
It equally dismissed the petitions filed by Okafor’s opponents, challenging the February 25 Aguata Federal Constituency Election.
The Independent national Electoral Commission, INEC had earlier this year, declared Engr Okafor of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, as the winner of the election.
However, Engr Okafor were High Chief Engr Johnbosco Onunkwor of All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chief Andy Azike of Labour Party (LP), had filed various petitions, challenging the election’s outcome.

The Tribunal, while delivering the judgement in a petition No.EPT/AN/HR/22/2023 filed by the petitioner Engr Onunkwor of the APC against Engr Okafor and Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), noted that the petitioner failed woefully to prove their cases against the respondents.
The court therefore dismissed their claims and awarded each of the three respondents (Engr. Dominic Okafor, APGA & INEC) the sum of One hundred thousand Naira (N100,000) against the petitioner.
Also in a judgement delivered over the weekend on the petition No.EPT/AN/HR/19/2023, brought by Chief Azike of the Labour Party, the court flawed all the charges levied against Okafor in the matter, for lacking merit.
It further held that the challenger did not put forward before the court, substantial evidence to be granted the reliefs he is seeking.
Reacting to the judgements, Engr thanked God Almighty who made it possible and also thanked the good people of Aguata Federal Constituency for giving him their mandate.
He further renewed his commitment to bringing home dividends of democracy that accrue to the constituency to its people.
“Today, the courts has once again, affirmed the mandate given to me by the good people of Aguata and which I exercise at the National Assembly.
”I am grateful to God that the judgement went in favour of the majority of Aguata people and it will enable me continue to push for the continued development of my constituency,” Okafor vowed.
He further extended the hand of fellowship to the petitioners, High Chief Onunkwor and Chief Azike, to join hands with him to bring more dividends of democracy to the people of Aguata Federal Constituency.
“Aguata belongs to all of us and I do not take this victory for granted. I call on my brothers who lost at the tribunal to support me. The overall goal should be the best interest of Aguata and if they desire that, as I believe, I urge them to work with me to achieve that vision,” he posited.