₦airaland Forum

2025 : APGA Sets Up Over 12,000 Kindred Structures In Anambra


BY RAYMOND OZOJI, Awka


As political permutations gather momentum preparatory to the 2025 governorship election in Anambra State, the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) says it is not leaving any stone unturned as the party takes governance back to the grassroots.

Speaking exclusively with this journalist Raymond Ozoji at the APGA Regional Headquarters in Awka, the state chairman of the party, High Chief Barr. Ifeatu Obi-Okoye, said the mission of the party is to ensure that every political ward constituted its kindred structures by December this year as there are over 12,000 kindreds in the state.

Obi-Okoye said that the constitution of the Kindreds ( Umunna structures ) would be an added advantage to the All Progressives Grand Alliance as it goes into the election next year.

Obi-Okoye who spoke about the one year anniversary of the new state leadership of the party, said they have been able to maintain stability in the party devoid of any crisis in the last one year.

He said they needed to take the party beyond ward level; recalling that fundamentally when APGA was registered and formed in 2002, it was formed as the party that derives its strength from the ordinary man at the grassroots.

He said his administration has taken APGA back to its fundamental structure which is the kindred structure building it around the traditional leadership in the villages, adding that the good governance of the Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo's administration has helped the party to really penetrate the grassroots.

The APGA state chairman emphasized that the purpose of setting up the Solution Kindred Structures was to ensure that all government benefits, palliatives, economic empowerments and other largesse got to the common man at the grassroots without being denied or shortchanged in the value chain.

He disclosed that the government of Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo is setting up what he mentioned as Onye Aghana Nwanneya Cooperative. The cooperative, according to him, is not for the rich and influential people but for the poor whereby they group themselves into economic groups to enable them get grants and loans from government to establish their own businesses.

According to him, every polling unit in the community is built around the kindred structure such that when a polling unit is lost, it means the individual has lost his kindred in such election.

He said that the Solution Kindred Initiative would be sustained because he believes the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) is a mass movement rooted in the grassroots.


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Slash National Assembly Members Jumbo Salaries, Cut Cost Of Governance, Pay Minimum Wage, Bishop Ezeokafor Urges Tinubu

‘Even N100, 000 is too small to Meet Basic Needs’


By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu

The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship, Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, has expressed displeasure over the N62,000 Minimum Wage offer by the Federal Government of Nigeria, stating that even N100, 000 is not even enough to meet the basic needs of Nigerian workers.

Bishop Ezeokafor who stated this in an interview, noted that he was not happy with what he described as the back and forth debate between the FG and the organized labour, saying that the debate had started looking like something that could never be resolved.

‘It is actually starting to look like something that will be perennial. Something that can never have a solution. If you look deeply you begin to ask if those handling it are really sincere. If things are handled better, we will be able to meet the demands of the workers. I am so much worried about the happenings. I really want this country to move forward.

‘It is unfortunate to hear about the debates. They go through stages. They met and proposed N30, 000; then N48, 000 and from there to N62, 000. To me, N100, 000 is even not enough, looking at how some persons siphon monies meant for every Nigerian. Watching how the national cake is being shared by these people, you’ll shudder.

It is a question of living in a very big blessed country and at the same time the workers and masses are suffering because some individuals are taking home what belongs to society, leaving the workers and the general public to be gnashing their teeth.

‘Let us look at the N62, 000 proposal. From it, someone will take care of his health, transportation, accommodation, feeding and everything about life per month and one month is 30 days on the average. It means N1, 000 per day and you go to the market, you will see how it is going and you go to buy drugs, the same thing, and if somebody is earning this type of money, that is the N62, 000 I’m not talking about the N30, 000 that is in vogue.

Will that person ever be able to have a roof over his head? Building a simple house, maybe two-bedroom bungalow, it is not possible. And yet they see it as too much to be paid to the people. I do not believe that we are telling ourselves the truth.

Let us be honest, especially those in government, because if we do not take our time, if we do not care, if we do not do what we are supposed to do, we may end up putting this country into serious chaos.

‘There is a saying that a hungry man is an angry man. People are hungry and lack basic things. Nigeria is so blessed with natural resources. Take for example petroleum alone. What comes out from it will serve Nigeria but, unfortunately, some people are putting things into their pockets alone and they consider it as their birthright at the expense of the members of Nigeria Society.

‘When I speak I’m not speaking only about the workers’ salary; I’m speaking about developing the country. We need to have a developed country from what God has given us. It is quite painful. I thank God that I have this opportunity to say this because I’m outside the country. Thanks to God for technology which has made it possible for people to speak from all corners of the world. I have been wondering from here what’s happening back home.

‘When I hear people say that if government starts paying N62, 000 it cannot sustain it, I think such people may be selfish. If they are looking for where to source the money from, they should slash the National Assembly Members’ Jumbo Salaries, the Governors’ and the Federal Government’s salaries and emoluments itself. Cut down the cost of governance. Use the money to settle workers and poor Nigerians.

‘See how the Burkina Faso President is managing the economy of the country. The President of Uruguay, see how he is managing their economy. The lifestyle of the Presidency down to the Governors and lawmakers is the reason we are where we are now. Ordinary citizens will be suffering. The Government can pay the money.

What extra job are they doing to warrant such jumbo salaries? Labour should tell them that they can pay the money. Let them cut down the cost of running the government. You see somebody debating paying N62, 000 while they are going home with 30 million Naira monthly. If government is sincere they should reduce the money they are sharing to themselves. If not, there could be a revolution,’ the Bishop predicted.

He expressed worry about the situation of things and insisted that the cost of governance should be drastically reduced, wondering why Nigerian workers should be the least paid in the world.

‘I’m not very around but the world is a global market. I will be very happy to see that the government has cut down the excess of governance,’ Bishop Ezeokafor concluded.

2025: Ifeanyi Ubah Will Fix Anambra Without Big Grammar -- Owelle Mbaso


BY RAYMOND OZOJI, Awka


The senior legislative aide to the senate president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and convener Anambra former political appointees, Hon. Owelle Onyeka Mbaso has said that Sen. Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah will fix Anambra state without speaking big grammar.

Mbaso stated this during an exclusive interview with this journalist Raymond Ozoji.

Mbaso who is currently a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State, described the incumbent governor as someone who talks too much saying both the things he can do and things he can not do.

Mbaso however maintained that Ifeanyi Ubah is coming to fix Anambra state with less talks as he believes actions speak louder than words.

He therefore told this journalist that since 2019 Ubah made an inroad into the Red Chambers, he has become a working senator; doing everything he promised he will do, stressing that Ubah doesn't believe in long grammar.

He said Anambra State needs a governor that will do the working and not talking too much. That what the state needs is good governance and not grandiloquence.

Mbaso noted that evidence of Ifeanyi Ubah's uncommon patriotism, generosity and philanthropy to Anambra-South and Anambra State can not be overstressed because according to him, every political ward in all the communities of Anambra-South got solar lights from the senator.

The senate president's senior legislative aide equally stated that Ubah has tackled insecurity in Anambra-South senatorial zone and that the people of the zone are happy with him because he is working and they are seeing the results.

Mbaso who was a senior special assistant on political matters during ex-governor Willie Obiano's regime, disclosed further that Ifeanyi Ubah is currently constructing roads in all the communities of Anambra-South, emphasizing that Ifeanyi Ubah is the best senator so far.

Mbaso was equally of the opinion that the advent of Sen. Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah into the All Progressives Congress has rejuvenated as well as reenergized Anambra APC which the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and other opposition parties believed was dead on arrival, adding that APC is now a brand in Anambra state.

The former APGA chieftain maintained that they believe very strongly in the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu's ideaology but the incumbent governor, according to him, is playing PDP giving the impression of the more you look, the less you see.

The Nnewi-born astute politician also talked about a forthcoming town hall meeting of former political appointees with Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah slated for 30th June this year.

He told this journalist that in the spirit of continuity, former political appointees have pleaded with the governor to pay them their statutory severance package but the governor, according to him, said no, that he will not pay it.

He said Ifeanyi Ubah heard about the plight of the former political appointees and decided to come to their aid. He also stated that former political appointees of the Obiano administration will endorse Ubah's gubernatorial ambition and work assiduously for its fruition.

Mbaso said former political appointees will make sure they stopped Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo from getting a second term because he has proven to them that he lacked gratitude as they toiled day and night to make him governor.

Reacting to Mbaso's claims, press secretary to the governor, Mr. Christian Aburime, said Ifeanyi Ubah knows he is nowhere close to Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo in terms of capacity, leadership and what have you, describing Owelle Onyeka Mbaso and his cronies as rabble-rousers.

Although Aburime said government will not join issues with Ifeanyi Ubah and his messengers of rifts but advised them to go round the 21 Local Government Areas of the state and see what the governor is doing in their respective communities.


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2025: Ifeanyi Ubah Will Fix Anambra Without Big Grammar -- Owelle Mbaso


BY RAYMOND OZOJI, Awka


The senior legislative aide to the senate president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and convener Anambra former political appointees, Hon. Owelle Onyeka Mbaso has said that Sen. Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah will fix Anambra state without speaking big grammar.

Mbaso stated this during an exclusive interview with this journalist Raymond Ozoji.

Mbaso who is currently a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State, described the incumbent governor as someone who talks too much saying both the things he can do and things he can not do.

Mbaso however maintained that Ifeanyi Ubah is coming to fix Anambra state with less talks as he believes actions speak louder than words.

He therefore told this journalist that since 2019 Ubah made an inroad into the Red Chambers, he has become a working senator; doing everything he promised he will do, stressing that Ubah doesn't believe in long grammar.

He said Anambra State needs a governor that will do the working and not talking too much. That what the state needs is good governance and not grandiloquence.

Mbaso noted that evidence of Ifeanyi Ubah's uncommon patriotism, generosity and philanthropy to Anambra-South and Anambra State can not be overstressed because according to him, every political ward in all the communities of Anambra-South got solar lights from the senator.

The senate president's senior legislative aide equally stated that Ubah has tackled insecurity in Anambra-South senatorial zone and that the people of the zone are happy with him because he is working and they are seeing the results.

Mbaso who was a senior special assistant on political matters during ex-governor Willie Obiano's regime, disclosed further that Ifeanyi Ubah is currently constructing roads in all the communities of Anambra-South, emphasizing that Ifeanyi Ubah is the best senator so far.

Mbaso was equally of the opinion that the advent of Sen. Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah into the All Progressives Congress has rejuvenated as well as reenergized Anambra APC which the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and other opposition parties believed was dead on arrival, adding that APC is now a brand in Anambra state.

The former APGA chieftain maintained that they believe very strongly in the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu's ideaology but the incumbent governor, according to him, is playing PDP giving the impression of the more you look, the less you see.

The Nnewi-born astute politician also talked about a forthcoming town hall meeting of former political appointees with Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah slated for 30th June this year.

He told this journalist that in the spirit of continuity, former political appointees have pleaded with the governor to pay them their statutory severance package but the governor, according to him, said no, that he will not pay it.

He said Ifeanyi Ubah heard about the plight of the former political appointees and decided to come to their aid. He also stated that former political appointees of the Obiano administration will endorse Ubah's gubernatorial ambition and work assiduously for its fruition.

Mbaso said former political appointees will make sure they stopped Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo from getting a second term because he has proven to them that he lacked gratitude as they toiled day and night to make him governor.

Reacting to Mbaso's claims, press secretary to the governor, Mr. Christian Aburime, said Ifeanyi Ubah knows he is nowhere close to Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo in terms of capacity, leadership and what have you, describing Owelle Onyeka Mbaso and his cronies as rabble-rousers.

Although Aburime said government will not join issues with Ifeanyi Ubah and his messengers of rifts but advised them to go round the 21 Local Government Areas of the state and see what the governor is doing in their respective communities.


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Nobody Has Represented Aguata 2 Constituency Like Tony Muobike --- Citizens Declare


BY RAYMOND OZOJI, Awka


It was a rousing session on Sunday 16th June, 2024 at Orton Palace Hotel Ekwulobia Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State as Hon. Tony Ifedilichukwu Muobike mesmerized his constituents with a one year account of stewardship which they all endorsed as the best in the history of political representation of Aguata 2 state constituency.

The constituents who listened with avid attentiveness as the lawmaker reeled out his achievements in the last one year were apparently overwhelmed and happy with Tony Muobike's scorecard, saying in one accord that nobody has represented the constituency like him; describing him as a good man and one who understands the felt needs as well as pressing needs of the people.

Tony Muobike's constituency briefing which featured free enrollment of 350 citizens into the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme, was also interactive enabling the lawmaker to obtain feedbacks and useful suggestions from his constituents on how to serve them better in the House of Assembly.

The constituency briefing cum town hall meeting which was chaired by a political icon and diehard APGA faithful in the area Hon. Titus Anigbogu was equally attended by the TC chairman of Aguata council area Hon. Dr. Chibueze Ofobike, the APGA state woman leader Hon. Mrs. Esther Onyekesi, royal fathers of Isuofia, Umuona, Igboukwu, Ekwulobia together with other very important personalities.

It was indeed a day with Tony Muobike as his constituents took turns to give eloquent testimonies of what the lawmaker has attracted to their respective communities in the last one year.

Hence His Royal Highness Igwe Col. Christopher Moghalu, the traditional ruler of Isuofia community, said he was at the town hall meeting to witness the lawmaker's account of stewardship and therefore stated emphatically that Tony Muobike performed beyond his expectations.

Igwe Moghalu who made very excellent remarks about his constituency representative, also gave him kudos and endorsed him for a second term in the House of Assembly or a higher office, saying that Tony Muobike deserves it judging from what he has seen so far.

Barr. Anthony Ezekwuonna, an indigene of Ekwulobia and former Director-General Tony Muobike Campaign Organisation, told this journalist that the lawmaker's scorecard presentation cuts across the entire Aguata local government area and not limited to his constituency alone.

Ezekwuonna noted that Tony Muobike doesn't discriminate neither does he concentrate only on Aguata 2 constituency but he extends the dividends of democracy to all the nooks and crannies of Aguata council area.

Ezekwuonna also known as Onowu Ekwulobia maintained that they know Tony Muobike's antecedents as someone with an impeccable character and burning desire to serve humanity; that he believes the lawmaker will do more for Ndi-Aguata.

He however pointed out that endorsement for another tenure of office for Tony Muobike is an understatement. That the emphasis now is after his second term, where else is the lawmaker headed because he has come to serve the people.

Mrs. Sybil Nduka who hails from Aguluezechukwu in Aguata council area, said they would not waste a second to vote for Tony Muobike, if he declares to run for a second term. Mrs. Nduka who described the legislator as a bulldozer, said in just one year, Tony Muobike has done so much for the constituency.

She said the lawmaker built toilet facilities at Aguluezechukwu Community Secondary School and prevented the children from going to toilet in the forest.She said they would campaign for him in the next election and he would win.

Again, Miss Charity Achu from Isuofia community affirmed that Tony Muobike has touched every community in Aguata 2 state constituency. She said Muobike has really tried judging from his achievements in the past one year even as she equally encouraged the lawmaker to increase the tempo of his developmental efforts in the coming years.

Meanwhile the TC Chairman Aguata Local Government Area Hon. Dr. Chibueze Ofobike noted that the lawmaker has done excellently well in the last one year in terms of delivering his campaign promises.

Ofobike said the lawmaker has done very well in human capital development, bills and motions and a host of other areas, stressing that Tony Muobike has been able to bridge the gap and disconnect between the people and the government.

He said it was the first time they witnessed such style of representation at the House of Assembly , adding that if the lawmaker continues in his trajectory, they would see more vision-based legislations and his activities would translate to the betterment of the lives of ndi-Aguata.

Hon. Okeke Okoloako Vitalis, chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Aguata Local Government Area, said he was not surprised at the outstanding performance of Hon. Tony Ifedilichukwu Muobike because APGA, according to him, always produced quality brands who will meet and even surpass expectations of the people as seen in the lawmaker's account of stewardship.

A member of the Anambra State Judicial Service Commission, Hon. Victor Ezeoke, who hails from Aguata 1 state constituency, described the Aguata 2 constituency representative as a pacesetter and that what he has done in the past one year were unprecedented as no parliament member has ever done such in the area. That it is only when you have something tangible to present to your people that you can call for a town hall meeting in just one year.

For the traditional ruler of Igboukwu ancient kingdom, Igwe Alexander Ejikeemeuwa, said from the reports available to him Tony Muobike has done very well but he also admonished him to touch other communities in the constituency.

Igwe Ejikeemeuwa who maintained that all those representing Aguata in government currently were all doing exceedingly well, said he would score Tony Muobike above 75% because he performed beyond their expectations in just one year with milestone achievements.

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ACPN Holds 33rd Annual General Meeting, Conference, Honours ASHIA Boss, Onyemaechi


By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, ACPN, on Wednesday, 12th June 2024 held its 33rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Conference in Awka Anambra State Capital.

Speaking during the event the Chairman of the Association, Pharmacist Henry Iloh said the occasion provided opportunity to critique ASHIA operations in the state and chart a way forward, especially how to get Pharmacists' input in the overall well-being of patients, ASHIA enrollees , citizens and residents of the state.

Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Pharmacist Ike Odumodu stated that low budgetary allocation, limited knowledge at subnational level, high out-of-pocket expenditures are challenges to health insurance policy, and called for strategic collaboration to address them.

In his Keynote presentation, the Managing Director of Anambra State Health Insurance Agency, ASHIA, Dr Simeon Onyemaechi said the Agency and Community Pharmacists playing integral role was the way to go in ensuring improved health condition of the people through insurance scheme that helped in achieving universal health coverage, a fundamental human right.

Dr Onyemaechi described universal health coverage as a dream, journey destination that required involvement of major stakeholders in the health sector.

He added that the health coverage, which, he said, ASHIA was helping to achieve in Anambra was such that when everybody everywhere would have access to healthcare services that were sufficient quality to be effective without suffering financial hardship .

On the role of Community Pharmacists in the administration of ASHIA, Dr Onyemaechi noted that there were members engaged to provide ASHIA facilities with quality assured medicines for enrollees, adding that to ensure that out-of-stock syndrome does not hamper ASHIA operations. The Agency, according to him, had linkages with some community Pharmacists across the state where ASHIA enrollees can visit and get medications if the drugs were not in any of its facilities.

He said community Pharmacists can collaborate with ASHIA for more impact through community outreach health programmes; as well as using their reach and services to get more people enrolled in the scheme by referring those having challenges in purchasing prescribed medications.

He said Governor Chukwuma Soludo instead of upward review of money for enrollment has instead increased subsidy for the scheme to ensure that the programme continued.


Some of the participants at the event, including a one-time Chairman of the Association in the state, Pharmacist Uche Akpakama former member representing Anambra East State Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Pharmacist (Hon) Obinna Emeneka and a fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) , Pharm. Ifeanyi Okeke said integrating community Pharmacists in providing services to ASHIA enrollees would boost operations of the Agency.

The national Chairman of the Association, Pharmacist Adewale Oladigbolu was represented at the event by the national financial secretary of ACPN, Pharm. Obiageli Ukwu. The Conference had as its theme "Innovation Strategies for Expanding Community Pharmacy Services In Anambra; A Path to Universal Health Coverage.

Presentation of Keynote Speaker Award to the MD/CEO of ASHIA, Dr Simeon Onyemaechi , speeches formed the highpoints of the function.

Eid-el-Kabir: GOC enjoins Nigerians to continue to make sacrifices for peace


Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, has enjoined Nigerians to continue to make sacrifices for peace to engender progress and development.


Dada gave the charge on Sunday after the Eid-el-Kabir prayer at Eid prayer ground of Abakpa Military Cantonment, Enugu.


He noted that Nigerians must learn from the exemplary life-style of Prophet Ibrahim, who have to give his only son; but Almighty Allah (God) have to instruct him to sacrifice a ram instead.


According to him, for things to go right and for peace and security to prevail, we must as individuals and collectively as organisations mske due sacrifices and people must always abide and respect constituted authorities enshrined by God and the nation's authorities.



"If, all of us submit to the Will of Almighty Allah and constituted authorities that is ordained by Almighty Allah; there is so much to benefit because Almighty Allah will also reward us bountifully.


"And for the government; what they are asking from us is to be law abiding and when we are law abiding definitely there will be progress in the land and peace as well.


"The insecurity in the land is because people are not ready to make sacrifices," he said.


On the Area of Responsibility (AoR) of the Division, the GOC said that the entire South-East and Cross River State is abundantly blessed with natural endowments and human resources, adding that insecurity caused by very few had hindered the great potentials of the AoR.


"We are appealing to all living in South-East and Cross River State to continue to parter and assist the Division with prompt and actionable information to the Division to check all forms of criminal activities.


"I sincere believe that with security and peace in the entire South-East and Cross River State; progress and development will blossom in this AoR," Dada said.


In a sermon after the prayer, Chief Imam of 82 Division, Lt.-Col. Husein Eleje, urged all to live in peace with their neighbours as instructed by Almighty Allah, adding that "one way to ensure that is through sacrifice and commitment to the welfare of others."


Eleje noted that when someone sacrifice to uplift others in life, the same person would ultimately get rewarded by Almighty Allah while men would accord him or her respect and reverence for such act of selflessness.


"I will want Muslim faithful and Nigerians to look out for ways to sacrifice and invest in the welfare, well-being and progress of others to build a peaceful and prosperous neighourhood, community and society," he said.


The chief imam prayed for the peace and progress of the nation as well as Almighty Allah's continued protection and wisdom on the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu; the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the GOC 82 Division, Commanders and troops.


Highlight of the special sallah prayer was the symbolic slaughtering of ram done by the chief imam.

From Nigeria to Success: The Akpolophi Otega Isaac Story


Akpolophi Otega Isaac is a prominent Nigerian entrepreneur renowned for his significant contributions to interior decoration, real estate, and hospitality. As the founder and owner of Otega Furniture and Otega Restaurant, Isaac has established himself as a visionary leader, transforming the landscape of Nigerian businesses. His innovative approach and dedication to excellence have garnered widespread acclaim and set new industry standards.

Early Life and Education
Isaac's early interactions with his mother, who sold fish in the neighborhood market, inspired his entrepreneurial journey. He was born in Benin City, Edo State. This exposure to entrepreneurship ignited a passion in Isaac, laying the foundation for his future endeavors. Despite pursuing a bachelor's degree in computer science at the University of Benin, the lessons he learned from his mother's hard work and perseverance remained a driving force.

Isaac's first major venture, Otega Furniture, is based in Abuja and has become synonymous with innovative interior design and high-quality furnishings. Through cutting-edge technology and a keen eye for design, Isaac has redefined how interior spaces are experienced. His commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction has set Otega Furniture apart as a leader in the industry.


In addition to his success in the furniture industry, Isaac has made a notable impact in the culinary world by establishing Otega Restaurant. The restaurant is celebrated for its fine dining experience, offering local Nigerian dishes that are accessible and affordable to a broad audience. This democratization of fine dining has distinguished Otega Restaurant as a pioneer in the hospitality industry, fulfilling Isaac's dream of providing Nigerians with luxurious dining experiences without the need to travel abroad.


Isaac's entrepreneurial excellence and community contributions have earned him several prestigious awards. In 2023, he was honored with two significant accolades:

Young Entrepreneur Summit Africa Initiative Award (2023): Recognized for his innovative business strategies and success in various industries.
Ambassadorship Honorary Award (2023): Awarded for his outstanding contributions to community development and philanthropy.


Looking ahead, Akpolophi Otega Isaac plans to expand his businesses further and explore new opportunities in different sectors. He is particularly interested in leveraging technology to drive real estate and hospitality innovation. Isaac's goal is to continue redefining industry standards and enhancing the quality of life for people in Nigeria and beyond.

In conclusion, Akpolophi Otega Isaac's story is about determination, innovation, and a deep-seated commitment to his community. His entrepreneurial ventures fulfill his dreams and inspire others to pursue excellence in the face of challenges. Through his work, Isaac continues to make a lasting impact on Nigeria's business landscape and society at large.


Agbadudu Mera

Anambra-North Neglected As Soludo Develops Other Zones


BY RAYMOND OZOJI, Awka


The traditional ruler of Umueri community in Anambra-east Local Government Area of Anambra State, His Royal Majesty Igwe Sir Bennett Izuchukwu Emeka, has said that Anambra-North senatorial zone of the state is complaining of neglect while critical infrastructures are being distributed to other zones of the state by the current administration.

Igwe Emeka who spoke exclusively with this journalist at the state assembly complex Awka shortly after the 8th assembly one year anniversary celebration on Wednesday, advised members of the 8th legislature to make laws that would help Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo distribute infrastructure equitably across the state so that no region or senatorial zone will feel deprived or neglected.

He said, " My royal advise to the lawmakers is to first and foremost maintain peace and tranquility in Anambra State.

Then secondly, they should be able to guide the governor by making laws that will help His Excellency the governor in distributing infrastructures amongst the three senatorial zones in Anambra State.

As it is now, some other zones like Anambra-North is complaining of neglect but that not withstanding they still have three years and the governor still has another two years to do his work.

So let him remember to distribute infrastructures equitably. "

Igwe Emeka however observed that the 8th assembly have done very well in the last one year and they have not been rubber-stamp.

Although he noted that to the eyes of some people and because there have been no crisis in the House of Assembly and no acrimony between the Legislature and the Executive, people may think they are rubber-stamp.

He therefore described the Speaker of the 8th assembly Rt.Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze as a very detailed leader and one who has been able to win the souls of other members, which according to him, is the remote reason there has been peace and harmony in the House of Assembly and the state in general.

The monarch however noted that in Nigeria about three Speakers have been impeached recently and impeachment moves have been on some state governors but according to him, such unhealthy atmosphere does not exist in Anambra State.

Igwe Emeka said, " For this Speaker to have been able to galvanise all of them together and bring them to his fold despite differences in political parties, it means that he is doing very well and he has a very good leadership quality in him. "



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Soludo urged to intervene in orders by commissioner to halt investigation of killings in Nanka



Anambra State governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has been called upon to intervene in an alleged order by the commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Matters, Hon Tonycollins Nwabunwanne, halting investigations into killings in Nanka community of Orumba North Local Government Area.

A lawyer, rights activist and industrialist, Mr Chris Chinedu Enemuo who hails from Nanka made the call to the governor in an open petition.

Enemuo said there have been ongoing attrocities in the community, including killings, which some influential people were working to cover up.

The petition titled: Abuse Of Office By The Commissioner For Local Government, Chieftaincy And Community Affairs, And The Deputy Commissioner Of Police Anambra State, begged Soludo to intervene.

Part of the petition read: "With my dedication to ensuring good governance and fairness towards the current Anambra state administration, I wish to address a concerning issue involving Mr. Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy And Community Affairs, and the deputy commissioner of Police of Anambra state.

"They have issued and followed an illegitimate order outside the scope of their designated roles.

"A letter regarding cover-ups of serial gruesome murders and other killings was received and acknowledged by the governor’s office on December 20, 2023, with a reminder acknowledged on January 22, 2024.

"The Peace, Truth, And Reconciliation Committee assigned a part of the subject matter to the police for investigation, but Mr. Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne halted this process, as confirmed by the Deputy Commissioner Of Police on May 23, 2024.

"Another letter addressing this was received and acknowledged on May 24, 2024. On May 27, 2024, a letter regarding the illegitimate assumed authority and obedience to it was delivered and received by the office of the Governor.

"It is inappropriate for Mr. Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne, as commissioner, to instruct or counter-instruct a police officer who has been directed by the governor’s office to conduct an investigation. It is also improper for the police to obey such an illegitimate order.

"From the evidence available, it appears that Mr. Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne and the deputy commissioner of Police are overstepping their authority, contravening legitimate orders, and procedural norms.

"I strongly object to this mismanagement and protest against their respective actions.

"I support the new Anambra initiative and will not allow a few individuals to undermine it. Therefore, I urge your office (governor) to instruct the individuals and concerned departments to respond to all pending letters and the current protest," Enemuo begged.

Attempt by journalists to reach the commissioner failed, as calls to his mobile phone were not reachable as at the time of filing this report.

Combating Climate Change: COOU Fixes July 17th 2024 For Maiden Tree Planting, Climate Action Summit


By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu

In a bid to combat climate change, promote environmental sustainability and advance the cause of a livable and prosperous society, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Anambra State, has fixed Wednesday, 17th July 2024 for the maiden Tree Planting and Climate Action Summit.

In a release signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Varsity, Dr Harrison Madubueze, mnipr, and made available to newsmen, he gave "Tree- mendous Strategy for a Sustainable Future" saying that the multi-pronged event would take place at Igbariam Campus of the university and would feature Keynote Addresses and Panel Discussions on climate change mitigation strategies and environmental stewardship, the unveiling of the COOU 5-Year Strategic Plan for Tree Planting and Climate Action, investiture of COOU Climate Action Ambassadors and symbolic tree planting activity by dignitaries, stakeholders, volunteers and members of the university community.

According to the Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha, fnipr, the initiative not only aimed at beautifying the university campus and also contributes to a healthier environment by absorbing carbon dioxide, improving air quality, providing natural shade, promoting the green economy and advancing climate literacy.

'The 5-Year Strategic Plan for Tree Planting and Climate Action to be powered through the university's One Staff One Tree, One Student One Tree campaign and collaborative partnerships with external vision-sharers seeks to ultimately deliver 1,000,000 native trees across the three campuses of the university and various parts of Anambra State.

'As an action rally that seeks to leave no one behind, the Acting Vice Chancellor, on behalf of the Management, Staff and Students of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University invites all beneficiaries and benefactors of the Earth to join this pivotal event and become part of the solution for a greener and prosperous tomorrow.

'Remember, the best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the next best time is now! By planting trees and engaging in meaningful dialogue, we can collectively create a lasting positive impact on our environment,' she concluded.

In Anambra, Nnobi PG, Monarch In Supremacy Battle



BY RAYMOND OZOJI, Awka



From investigations, it is indicative that mere anarchy has been loosed upon Nnobi community in Idemili-South Local Government Area of Anambra State as two quarters, Ebenesi and Awuda are currently enmeshed in supremacy battle over who lords it on the other.

While accusing fingers point in the direction of Ebenesi quarter as secretly plotting to dethrone His Royal Majesty Igwe Nick Obi over alleged inordinate ambitions of some dramatis personae who are said to be endlessly and selfishly interested to become the Igwe even when the incumbent traditional ruler is still alive, hale and hearty.

The President-General Nnobi Welfare Organization (NWO) Barr. Dominic Savio Okpala, on the other hand, held that Awuda quarter which is the last in the order of seniority, has always constituted a cog in the community's wheel of progress.

Okpala who spoke exclusively with this journalist, opined that Awuda always exhibited superiority complex because they always want to impose their positions and opinions on the rest of the community without considerations.

He told this journalist that the rebellious nature of Awuda quarter manifested when they staged a walkout from the Central Executive Council meeting of Nnobi Welfare Organization (NWO) held recently at the town hall.

But the Palace Secretary to His Royal Majesty Igwe Nick Obi, Chief Ezeobi Ajaghaku who accused Ebenesi of using the PG to fight the traditional ruler, said the traditional ruler is a very humble, meek, soft handed and a democratic individual by all standards.

Chief Ajaghaku further alleged that some people from Ebenesi quarter are teleguiding and masterminding his actions and decisions. He said that the PG of the town is teleguided and misguided as well as mustered the effrontery to challenge the authority of His Royal Majesty Igwe Nick Obi and the authority of Awuda community meeting.

The palace secretary maintained that those beating the drums of war in Nnobi community were the same group of coup plotters instigating the President-General against the entire community.

He said that the PG seemed to be oblivious of the fact that the traditional ruler is an institution of its own. That Okpala Nnobi and the Igwe-In-Council are both under the jurisdiction of the traditional ruler.

Chief Ezeobi therefore posited that the President-General of Nnobi Welfare Organization wants to rubbish the traditional ruler because of those beating the drums of war for him. He said that there are people from Ebenesi who are desperately interested in the stool of Igweship of Nnobi community.

The palace secretary who accused Barr. Dominic Savio Okpala (PG) as one of the coup plotters, maintained that the Ebenesi power block even boasted publicly that they would unseat the traditional ruler. That they are on a mission to destroy His Royal Majesty Igwe Nick Obi.

But in his counter response, the PG Barr. Dominic Savio Okpala, noted that all the claims from the palace secretary were all lies from the pit of hell.

Okpala said that the truth of the matter is that Igwe Nnobi is from Awuda quarter and that the norm is that every administration of Nnobi Welfare Organization must conform to the whims and caprices of Awuda community, if not, Awuda people will make the town ungovernable.

Okpala said that his administration came on board and he swore that he would lead with Nnobi town constitution. He said that the town constitution is what he has been implementing without bias to anybody.

He said a Peace Committee was setup to resolve lingering issues in the community. That part of the issues was the undue and unnecessary interference of the traditional institution in the town governance.

He said that the Igwe's meddlesomeness in town union maters has persisted for far too long. This according to him, prompted a letter he wrote to the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs in November last year , stating all he was going through in the hands of the traditional ruler.

The PG said thereafter Igwe's camp wrote a counter letter to the Local Government Commissioner and he equally did a rejoinder and after his rejoinder, Okpala Nnobi whom he said was second to Igwe Nnobi in the traditional ladder, pleaded with the town union to handle the crisis in Nnobi inorder to engender peace.

The PG said Okpala Nnobi and the Onowu then began the peace process in Nnobi community devoid of the involvement of the town union. He said the Peace Committee was a 30-man composition comprising 10 persons from each of the three quarters of Nnobi.

According to him, when the peace report was released a petition came from Awuda quarter that the report should be discountenanced and disregarded because they didn't sign it even though they participated fully in all the discussions and deliberations of the committee.

The President-General also told this journalist that a protest letter emanated from Awuda quarter. The protest letter which was a fallout of the peace committee report was subjected to statutory voting at a recent Central Executive Council meeting of Nnobi Welfare Organization. At the CEC meeting, the PG noted that the protest letter from Awuda community was voted out by delegates and Awuda people staged a walkout from the meeting.

Although he recalled that the CEC meeting continued with other agenda after Awuda people attempted to disrupt the meeting with their stage managed walkout, he said when the peace report was eventually laid down for consideration, the Onowu complained that he has been bombarded with serious threatening phone calls and messages from some members of the Igwe-In-Council that he should not under any circumstance lay the report.

That Onowu Nnobi presented WhatsApp evidence of the threatening messages sent to his phone by some members of the Igwe-In-Council. The PG however informed that nobody would want to takeover the throne of a living monarch because it is not done anywhere.

Okpala maintained that he doesn't know whether anyone is plotting to dethrone His Royal Majesty Igwe Nick Obi but what he can say for certain as the President-General of Nnobi community is that the people are not happy with the unnecessary interference and meddlesomeness of the traditional institution in town union matters.

He said in spite of false media reports creating atmosphere of crisis in Nnobi, the PG maintained that Nnobi is peaceful and there is no crisis whatsoever in the community.

He also said that allegations of protests by youths of the community against his office were all baseless and unfounded as no such thing has ever occurred since he became the PG of Nnobi town.

He said there has never been anything like placard-carrying by youths against his leadership and no petition whatsoever has been written regarding high-handedness in office. That the only problem in Nnobi community is that Awuda wants the entire community to be under its tutelage.


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FEMALE JOURNALIST INVOLVED IN ROAD ACCIDENT

By Peter Nwasike

A female Journalist, Lady Nkoli Ugboma, Correspondent of Courage Managine, Lagos, and also On-line Publisher in U-TUBE, was involved in Road Accident, with a commercial motor-cyclist (Okada Rider), along Awka- Ekwulobia Road, at the front of Golden Turlip Hotel, Agulu, in Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State, on Saturday, May 25, 2024.
The Journalist, in company of some journalists, went on news-coverage, for an event hosted by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), with the objective of sensitizing their members on the role of Political Parties for grass-root mobilization, for good governance.
After the occasion, the journalists, came in front of the main gate of Golden Turlip Hotel, Agulu, which was sloppy, with vehicles descending in furious speed. Narrating the incident to journalists. Lady Nkoli said that there was a commercial bus, parked at the opposite side of the Hotel, heading to Awka, and the driver was off-loading goods for a passenger. They crossed to the side of the bus, and waited for the driver to let them into the vehicle, for onward return to Awka. As they were waiting by the side of the road, a commercial motor-cyclist (Okada Rider), carrying passenger, and descending the hill with reckless speed. As she saw the reckless driving, she scampered away, but the motor-cycle hit her right leg, and fractured the leg, and she feel down, knocking her fore-head on the ground. The wound she sustained made her lost much blood, with herself lying in the pool of her own blood.
Her fellow journalists, who also attended the event hosted by APGA, helped her and rushed her to St. Joseph’s Catholic Hospital, Adazi, for treatment. The Journalist, namely, Nwabueze Okonkwo of Vanguard Newspaper, Emeka Okonkwo of Anambra Voice magazine, Prince Anthony, Camera-man for Nkoli, also forced the Okada Rider to ride his vehicle to the hospital. The following day, Sunday, May 26, 2024, two of the journalist, Emeka Okonkwo and Prince Anthony, reported the case to the Police Headquarters, Neni, in Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State. Who came and impounded the motorcycle, and kept in their Headquarters, at Neni, for further investigation.
The Hospital consulted their Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon, who performed bone-setting surgery on the accident victim.
When the Specialist Surgeon, Dr. Okafor was contacted, he testified that his patient is responding to treatment, and prescribed that the patient should be given meticulous care, both in medicinal and balanced food for holistic recovery soon.
In fact, the cost of treatment, both in medicinal and diets, are exorbitant, and requires interventions, from individual and group Philanthropists. At the time of filling this report,the Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Anaocha Local Government Area, Hon. Chief Anthony Ugorji (Ozo Chukwukwadolu), has been contacted by this reporter, and he expressed sympathy about the accident. He graciously consented to the appeal by this reporter, to visit the accident victim, in the Hospital, in the virtues of the motto of APGA: “BE YOUR BROTHER’S/SISTER’S KEEPER (ONYE AGHANA NWANNE YA).

It is hoped that as the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), is the ruling political party of Government of Anambra State, they shall sympathetically, compassionately, generously, magnanimously, apply the “SOCIAL WELFARE RESPONSIBILITY OF GOVERNMENT” and also of politics and respond to the case with desired sensitivity.













Female Journalist Accident Victim:
Lady Nkoli Ugboma on Hospital Bed

Omenugha Attends WOW Conversation 003 In Awka, Speaks On Nego-Feminism


By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu

The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra State and Member Governing Board of Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Professor Kate Omenugha,fnipr, on Saturday, 1st June 2024, attended Worldwide Organization for Women (WOW) Africa Conversation 003 held in Awka, Anambra State Capital.

Prof. Omenugha who during the event spoke extensively on Nego-Feminism said it was coined from Negotiation and Feminism also known as Negotiated-feminism, stating that it referred to a feminist theory and movement that sought to negotiate a balance between cultural heritage and gender equality through the power of peaceful negotiations.

'It recognizes that women from different backgrounds may face additional barriers due to their race, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic status, or other intersecting identities but, "negotiation(s)" remains the way forward, regardless,' she opined.

The University Don acknowledged that central to Nego-Feminism was the challenge of stereotypes that perpetuate the marginalization of women from minority and marginalized communities, noting that these stereotypes to her, often reinforce negative perceptions and hinder women's progress in various spheres of life, including education, employment, social inclusion and leadership positions, adding that through negotiations, there was nothing the African Woman cannot achieve.

She advised women that as long as they maintain their role of being the neck that moves and turns the head, there would be nothing they could achieve in a contemporary male-dominated society.

She informed that Nego-Feminism highlighted the importance of breaking free from these stereotypes and recognizing the diverse talents and contributions of women from all backgrounds.

'It actively promotes a more inclusive narrative, which celebrates the achievements of women who have defied societal expectations and achieved success against all odds while sustaining the challenging task of being a mother and staying married which many radical feminist fails to imbibe.

'At the core of Nego-Feminism is the belief in empowering women from marginalized communities to become agents of change in their own right. As Nego-Feminist, we recognize that women possess valuable insights and perspectives, which, when included in decision-making processes, can lead to more equitable outcomes. Through allyship and collaboration, Nego-Feminism aims to challenge systems of oppression and create a more just society for all and while doing all these, we must take the education of the girl-child seriously as we cannot underestimate the huge impact of an educated mind. I have used my personal experiences while growing to engage us and how negotiations brought me this far with the hope that as we deepen the conversations, we must learn to be diligent, respectful and most importantly, be proud of who we are as women. she concluded.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Executive Officer, WOW Africa Incorporated, Chief Mrs Carol Ugochukwu, called for concerted efforts towards giving the girl-child the opportunity to unlock her potentials

Ugochukwu who made the call during the Annual Conference of WOW Anambra State under the theme, 'Building Equitable Futures: Women Capacities and Pathways', noted that women played multi-faceted roles as caregivers, educators and entrepreneurs.

'Women are the backbone of our communities and play multi-faceted roles as caregivers, educators, entrepreneurs and community leaders. Their contributions are vital for the well-being and progress of our community.

'The girl child represents the future and promise of progress for any society. Empowering girls unleash their potentials as agents of change fostering economic growth, social stability and sustainable development,' she said.

Earlier, the Southeast Coordinator, WOW Africa, Mrs Ethel Eruchalu, explained that the organisation was committed to pushing the frontiers of womanhood for the purpose of attaining a status where they could contribute at meaningful levels, even as she urged economic empowerment of girl child, describing them as change agents for sustainable development.

For her part, the WOW International President, Ms Nicholeen Peck, said the organisation was working to unite men and women, because according to her, they have power to nurture and make the best of society.

Contributing, the Chairperson of the WOW Conversation 003 Committee, Mrs Benny Allison-Anene, observed that women needed equity and just society to thrive but they were majorly facing obstacles ranging from poor access to education, poor maternal health care, gender-based violence, and early child marriage.

Let us recommit to the cause of building a strong family with good values, gender equity and empowerment of women and girls. Let us work together to break down barriers, promote education and support girls and women in achieving their full potentials,' she said.

Other speakers, including the organisation's Board member, Attorney Amaka Akudinobi and Professor Ngozi Ezenwa-Ohaeto, urged men to stop every discrimination and stigmatisation of women for positive development.

Speaking on the topic, 'The Continued Non-domestication of CEDAW in Nigeria: A Critque', the Keynote Speaker, who is the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Anambra State, Prof Sylvia Chika Ifemeje observed that despite efforts of government, the female gender still suffers in Nigeria, pointing that nothing can be done except CEDAW was domesticated.

She called on Nigerian legislators to work towards representing and domesticating CEDAW and urged women and gender activists not to rest until the bill is domesticated to reduce the sufferings.

Speaking shortly after the function, one of the winners, Miss Chinyere Mbonu commended WOW Africa for the kind gesture, assuring that she would remain a change agent and ambassador for women emancipation.

WOW Africa, is an African branch of the Worldwide Organization for Women, the Organization had participated in numerous United Nations activities since its inception over 30 years ago, with active engagements in the UN Commission on the Status of Women, New York, USA; 1st World Congress of Families in Prague, the Czech Republic; Agenda 21 (Conference on the Environment and Development—Earth Summit), New York, UN building; UN Conference on the Protection of the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities in New York, etc.


Major highlight of the event was presentation of three grinding machines to three lucky women after a draw.

*Peter University admits new students*

* _New Mass Communication dept to reap benefit of new tech_

By Chuka Nnabuife


ADMISSION of students for 2024/2025 academic session is ongoing in Peter University, Achina/Onneh, Anambra State.

Twenty-four (24) Bachelor of Science (BSc) courses and a LLB Law degree are available for full-time study in the Catholic university with state-of-the-art facilities and 24-hour Internet service.

The courses, all approved by the Nigerian Universities Commission are available in four faculties, namely: Faculty of Science and Computing; Faculty of Arts, Social and Management Sciences; Faculty of Medical Sciences and Faculty of Law.

The school with en-suite hostel accommodations serves such courses as BSc studies in Industrial Chemistry; Biotechnology; Microbiology; Biochemistry; Forensic Science; Computer Science; Information Systems; Software Engineering; Information Technology; Cyber Security; Physics & Electronics and Mathematics & Statistics in Faculty of Science and Computing.

In the Faculty of Arts, Social and Management Sciences new students are invited for BSc studies in Accounting; Business Administration; Criminology and Security Studies; Economics; Mass Communication; International Relations and Diplomacy; Political Science and Peace & Conflict Resolution.

There are two BSc courses in Faculty of Medical Sciences. They are in Nursing Science and in Public Health.

All the courses are for full-time study. Admission requirement is "Minimum JAMB cut off mark and credit pass on at least, five (5) subjects (including English and Mathematics) at SSCE/GCE/NECO in not more than two sittings."

Applicants may visit www.puni.edu.ng/courses for detail on list of courses and visit www.puni.edu.ng/admissions to apply for admission.

The university can be contacted through info@puni.edu.ng or through the telephone lines 08121202221 and 09036787000.

Peter University recently recorded the feat of being the first Nigerian tertiary school, private or public-owned to complete its own fiber optic cable for Internet access with a 35-metre mast. The fibre optics cables were laid around the entire school with 10 terminations, to serve users from the base station at Ekwulobia.

The new technology will equally serve the institution’s broadcast station when it becomes operational. The university is equally deploying current Learning Management Systems (LMS) to enable students and scholars who wants to access its lectures from any part of the world do so with ease and in very new technology.

Anambra: Hamilton Emeka Ezeonu Remains Authentic Ikemba Nnobi -- Indigenes Declare


BY RAYMOND OZOJI, Awka


Nnobi community in Idemili-South Local Government Area of Anambra State have unanimously endorsed the Ikemba Nnobi Special Chieftaincy title bestowed on High Chief Hamilton Emeka Ezeonu, a son of the soil whom they all attested has used his wealth and vast experience to transform Nnobi into another London.

Indigenes of the community also categorically declared that High Chief Emeka Hamilton Ezeonu is the authentic Ikemba Nnobi they know and that any other character parading himself or impersonating Hamilton Emeka Ezeonu as Ikemba Nnobi is doing so at his own peril because Emeka Hamilton Ezeonu, according to them, fulfilled all the necessary constitutional requirements for the Ikemba Nnobi Special Chieftaincy title to be conferred on him by His Royal Majesty Igwe Engr. Nick Obi.

Although they said a certain individual is claiming to have been conferred Ikemba Nnobi sometime in 1999 by the then traditional ruler His Royal Majesty Igwe Edmond Ezeokoli.They equally disclosed to this journalist that the Ikemba Nnobi title given to the persona was an honorary award which they said has no effect and of no consequence in accordance with Nnobi town constitution.

The indigenes who spoke exclusively with this journalist maintained that Nnobi Constitution provided for Honorary Awards and Special Chieftaincy Titles. They explained that honorary awards could be given to every Dick and Harry as well as every Tom and Jerry and that an honorary award holder can not be a member of the Igwe-In-Council let alone be a member of Ndi-Ichie or Ndi-Nze Na Ozo or even exchange the three handshake of Red cap chiefs. This is in accordance with Nnobi Town Constitution.

The people noted that Nnobi Special Chieftaincy Titles are given to individuals who have shown an uncommon generosity to humanity through philanthropy and selfless service. They said any Special Chieftaincy Title holder in Nnobi community automatically becomes a member of Ndi-Ichie, Ndi-Nze Na Ozo and the Igwe-In-Council because the individual must have fulfilled the constitutional obligations to Ebenesi, Ngo and Awuda, which are the three quarters of Nnobi community.

The people who described High Chief Hamilton Emeka Ezeonu as pure gold as well as a gift from God to Nnobi town, said he is also a man of impeccable character having deployed his wealth for the betterment and emancipation of the rural populace even as they also disclosed that the persona portraying himself as Ikemba Nnobi has never been addressed as such neither is he an Ozo title holder or a member of the Igwe's cabinet.

Hence, Hon. Francis Obinna Nwankwo who hails from Umuona village Ebenesi Nnobi told this journalist that he could not fathom the reason behind the sudden unwarranted contest over who is the real and authentic Ikemba Nnobi. He said High Chief Hamilton Emeka Ezeonu took a special title as Ikemba Nnobi and that ever since the entire community has been addressing him as Ikemba Nnobi. He said some persons surfaced recently only to create confusion and rancour in the community on the grounds that someone had already taken the title.

Nwankwo therefore recalled that sometime in 1999, late Igwe Edmond Ezeokoli gave honorary awards to some persons in the community. He said that the late monarch gave one Amb. Jerry Ugokwe Ikemba award. That the likes of Ifeanyi Okonkwo was given Onwa and one Chief Dave Anaezu was bestowed Odenigbo honorary award. But according to him, as long as honorary award, recognition award and merit award are concerned in Nnobi community, none of them enjoys exclusivity of name because they are not in the same category with special chieftaincy titles.

That for anyone to be in the class of special chieftaincy title holders, the individual must first be an Ozo title holder. Then fullfil the constitutional requirements to the three quarters of Nnobi namely Ebenesi, Ngo and Awuda respectively. Nwankwo further explained that any prospective special chieftaincy title holder also has obligations to the king makers, Nnobi Welfare Organization and the Igwe-In-Council.

But in the case of honorary awards, recognition or merit awards, Nwankwo noted that prospective recipients doesn't require the rigorous processes involved in the conferment of special chieftaincy titles. He said the candidate for honorary award doesn't need to be an Ozo title holder let alone be in the Igwe's cabinet. That as long as High Chief Hamilton Emeka Ezeonu is still alive, no one can contest Ikemba Nnobi special chieftaincy title with him because from available records he is the only Nnobi indigene with that special chieftaincy title as Ikemba Nnobi.

Meanwhile Nnobi palace secretary Chief Ezeobi Ajaghaku, who corroborated what F.O Nwankwo said, opined that High Chief Hamilton Emeka Ezeonu is the only authentic Ikemba Nnobi in Nnobi town. Chief Ezeobi said Hamilton Emeka Ezeonu fulfilled all the constitutional requirements as stipulated in sections 138, 139, 140 and 141 of Nnobi community constitution. According to him, any other person ascribing Ikemba Nnobi to himself is just messing up. The Nnobi palace secretary noted that he has all the necessary documents to back his claims that High Chief Hamilton Emeka Ezeonu is the authentic Ikemba Nnobi and that is final.

Contributing to the debate on who the authentic Ikemba Nnobi really is, Mr. Ifeanyi Okoye, who is a native of Ifite Ogbeadiji village Ebenesi Nnobi, said they have the honorary Ikemba Nnobi as well as the special title Ikemba Nnobi whom he said is a member of the Igwe's cabinet. He said the only person in the community with the Ikemba Nnobi special chieftaincy title is High Chief Hamilton Emeka Ezeonu, adding that the real Ikemba Nnobi is the one who is a member of the Igwe-In-Council.

Okoye maintained that as an Nnobi man, he has never heard anyone being addressed as Ikemba Nnobi except until the emergence of High Chief Hamilton Emeka Ezeonu. Although he recalled that prior to the conferment of Ikemba Nnobi special chieftaincy title on Hamilton Emeka Ezeonu, the argument was that it coincided with that of Seaman Petroleum whose chieftaincy title was Ike Idemili-North and South but has not taken Ike Nnobi traditional title. That in the end, High Chief Hamilton Emeka Ezeonu was coronated with the Ikemba Nnobi special chieftaincy title, adding that he was part and parcel of his coronation ceremony.

He however mentioned some of the community development projects that High Chief Hamilton Emeka Ezeonu has executed and still executing in Nnobi town to merit Ikemba Nnobi special chieftaincy title. Okoye said they include road construction, renovation and beautification of Nnobi general hospital, empowering Nnobi people in conjunction with the wife, renovated doctors' quarters, built borehole water facilities for Nnobi people, built police solar power at Divisional Police Station Nnobi, to mention just a few. He said some of his ongoing projects include building of security office at General Hospital Nnobi, stressing that High Chief Hamilton Emeka Ezeonu remains the only authentic Ikemba Nnobi the people of Nnobi know, respect and adore because his philanthropy and service to humanity are second to none; that rather than address him as Ikemba Nnobi alone, it would be very appropriate and most befitting to call him Ikemba Worldwide.


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High Chief Hamilton Emeka Ezeonu receiving his Ikemba Nnobi Special Chieftaincy Title from Igwe Nick Obi, Igwe Nnobi.

*FIRST SAHELIAN CONGRESS ON BAMBOO AND RATTAN HOLDS IN AWKA*

The Sahelian Institute for Bamboo Research and Entrepreneurship Development, (SIBRED) at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria has held its first Sahelian Congress on Bamboo and Rattan (SACOBAR) with stakeholders resolving to work assiduously together towards the development of bamboo and rattan industry in Nigeria and the entire Sub-saharan Africa.

The historic hybrid event with the theme, "Bamboo and Rattan Innovations for Entrepreneurship, Livelihoods and Economic Development in Sub-saharan Africa," was attended by members of the academia, captains of Industry, bamboo farmers and processors as well as relevant government MDAs and various secondary schools in Anambra State, including the SIBRED Co-initiator and Deputy Provost, College of Health Services, Nnewi, Professor. Ejetuluchukwu Obi.

The Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Prof. Charles Esimone, represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, appreciated the growing attention bamboo and rattan resources are attracting in Sahelian Africa countries through SIBRED. 

The Vice Chancellor was optimistic that the future is bright with the number of school children in attendance who have demonstrated passionate interest in maximizing the benefits of bamboo and rattan resources.

In an address of welcome, the Founding Director of SIBRED, Mr. John Agbo Ogbodo, noted that SACOBAR starting on the same day the Global Community was marking World Biodiversity Day, is instructive. 

“Coincidentally, World Biodiversity Day reminds us all to cherish and protect the diverse species that help to nurture our planet Earth. Bamboo and rattan plants are among the forest resources and we must all join hands to promote their sustainable utilization towards meeting the overall objective of the World Biodiversity Day”

“Bamboo and rattan resources have the extra ordinary power to restore degraded lands. This offers opportunities for those working in agriculture and forestry as well as investors in nature based solutions for mitigating the effects of climate change and adaptation”.

Ogbodo happily remarked that SIBRED inaugurated six months ago under the leadership of the outgoing Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Charles Esimone, to provide services to 16 countries in West and Central Africa, has recorded some modest achievements in line with its mandate including its inauguration and invitation of its director as a guest speaker at the first Bamboo Day celebration in Abuja in December last year.

“We entered into partnership with the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, which has yielded a positive result with one of our research associates, Dr Temple Nwankwo, currently in Beijing, China, for a two-week training. We are also in partnership with not less than ten international organizations to help us in achieving our common goals”.

Mrs. Diana Doheny, the Chairperson of the International Planning Committee for the Congress, in a roundtable discussion, solicited the need for the Sahelian region to embrace regenerative agricultural practices, which promote natured-based approach to agriculture and contribute to the fight against climate change.

In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Occasion, Dara Chijioke Okechukwu, noted that bamboo has gone beyond the level it is in Nigeria and Africa, hence the need for deliberate efforts towards reversing the trend. “Today is not late to maximize the benefits of bamboo. We must resolve to go ever forward and never backward again”.

The Minister of State Environment, Dr Ishaq Salako, represented by the Director, Forestry, Dr Moses Ama, remarked that bamboo and rattan are valuable resources with immense potentials to further sustainable development and environmental sustainability in the West African region. 

The Minister commended the theme of the congress, which is “Research, Knowledge Transfer and Capacity Building and Techniques for Sustainable Bamboo and Rattan Cultivation and Conservation in Sub-saharan Africa”.

“By coming together to share our essential needs, exchange knowledge and build our collective capacity, we are taking a significant step towards unlocking the potentials of these great resources".

The keynote Speaker, Dr Ratan Lal Banik, enumerated the benefits of bamboo which Africa and other parts of the world can enjoy.

“Bamboo is now widely gaining recognition as the fast renewable biomass resource of the future. Bamboo Cultivation of bamboo on a large-scale outside forests is an emerging trend in many countries of the world to meet the growing demand is due to the newer applications than the fast renewable bamboo has been put to in recent times as alternative to timber and plastics and as raw material for biofuel.

Dr Banik also appreciated the immense potential of bamboo in the fight against climate change and in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. “Managed bamboo forests sequester more carbon than most fast-growing forest tree species and harvesting and converting into durable products locks up carbon for long time.
“Bamboo plantations improve economic status of bamboo farmers through livelihood improvement options and carbon credits. Disaster-resilient bamboo construction provides relief from extreme weather events and natural disasters while the plantations themselves help prevent soil erosion, landslides and floods”.

The Regional Director, Latin America and the Caribbean and Coordinator, International Network of Universities and Research Centers related to Bamboo (RUICI), Ecuador, Pablo Jacome Estrella, described bamboo as a symbol of sustainability. 

“Bamboo plays a very huge role in environmental sustainability and boost the fight against climate change. Sahelian region current being bedevilled by climate change can benefit immensely from it for land reforestation and to stop desertification"

For his part, Chief John Ogwu, the National President of the Bamboo and Rattan Farmer Association of Nigeria, (BARFAN), described SIBRED so far as the best thing to happen to bamboo in Nigeria even as he called on the government to yield management of bamboo to the private sector.

“Bamboo is badly neglected in Nigeria. SIBRED came to reverse the trend. Unless bamboo is private sector-driven, we will keep going round the circle”. 

SACOBAR '24 featured exhibition of various bamboo-made items by selected secondary schools and UNIZIK's Department of Fine Arts as well as a roundtable discussion, featuring Dr Muralidharan Maviton, the Chairman, INBAR Taskforce on Sustainable Bamboo Management, India and Dr Yigardu Mulato, of the Ethiopian Forestry Department (EFD), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Umueri President-General Lauds Governor's Wife For Introduction Of HPV Vaccine In Anambra-East


BY RAYMOND OZOJI, Awka


The President-General of Umueri community Anambra-East Local Government Area of Anambra State, Amb. Dr. John Metchie has commended wife of the state governor Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo for the introduction of free Human Papilloma Virus(HPV) vaccine to curb cervical cancer in the area.

Speaking exclusively with this journalist, Metchie said the HPV vaccine which is very expensive was introduced by the governor's wife free of charge to help fight cervical cancer diseases in girls from 9 to 14 years of age.

He said the initiative underscores Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo's efforts in providing affordable quality healthcare to the citizenry especially those in the hinterlands, pointing out that the construction of more general hospitals as well as the renovation and refurbishment of primary healthcare centres across the 326 political wards of the state is a testament to government commitment to saving lives.

Metchie said that the present administration has revamped the health sector making reference to Umueri General Hospital where he acknowledged that the state government has committed huge resources to make it functional and accessible again.

He therefore reiterated the fact that the introduction of HPV vaccine will help safeguard future mothers from the virus that is the remote cause of cervical cancer, adding that the governor's wife through her Healthy Living Initiative has provided more enlightenment and sensitisation for women and the girl child.

Metchie also made a clarion call on all mothers and guardians in Anambra-East and the entire state to take their eligible daughters to primary healthcare centres or vaccination points nearest to them and get their daughters vaccinated against the HPV disease.

The Umueri PG who described Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo as mother Theresa of our time, called for more of such life-saving programmes as he believes they would help encourage healthy living amongst Ndi-Anambra especially as it concerns women and teenage girls.


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2025: I Will Personally Ensure Soludo Gets Second Term -- Igwe Akwaeze


BY RAYMOND OZOJI, Awka


The traditional ruler of Akwaeze in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State His Royal Majesty Igwe Christopher Ndubuisi Okpala, Ezenebo III of Akwaeze has unequivocally stated that he will personally ensure that Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo gets second term come 2025.

Igwe Okpala who was the royal father at the APGA Anaocha Stakeholders political summit held at Golden Tulip Hotel Agulu at the weekend, said although traditional rulers were not supposed to be partisan or engage in politics, he was of the opinion that Governor Soludo has done exceedingly well and therefore deserves another term in office.

The Akwaeze monarch maintained that opposition or no opposition, he will prevail on the people of his community to vote massively for Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo's reelection because of his sterling performance.

Igwe Okpala who spoke exclusively with this journalist shortly after the summit said he loves the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and he has also been an ardent supporter of Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo's government from inception.

Okpala who is fondly called Igwe APGA, said Soludo is really working hard especially on infrastructure. He noted that while the governor emphasized on concrete infrastructure like roads and others, he should also consider working on human infrastructure.

Igwe Akwaeze therefore reiterated the fact that Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo is a good man and loves Anambra State from the depths of his heart. That he didn't mince words when he categorically stated that he would personally ensure that Soludo is reelected in 2025.

According to the monarch, from the zoning arrangement in the State, after the South senatorial zone, it would be the turn of Anambra-central and it would amount to a total collapse and disruption of the zoning system should another political party win the 2025 governorship election in the State.

Ezenebo who is the Chairman of Anaocha Traditional Rulers Council as well as former Chairman of Anambra-Central Traditional Rulers Council maintained that Governor Soludo not only needs the support of Ndi-Anaocha but equally require the entire State to rally round him especially as the 2025 election season beckons.

He said APGA has given Ndi-Anambra what he mentioned as transformational leadership with monumental results and it would be much better to deal with the Devil you know than the Angel you don't know !


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Nigerian Hunters, NSCDC Dislodge Fake Hunters' Oil Bunkering Camp In Rivers



BY RAYMOND OZOJI



The Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) has discovered and dislodged a fake hunters' oil bunkering camp at Obrikom manifold forest after Idia bridge in Rivers State.

The said fake hunters known as Professional Hunters specialised in pipeline vandalisation and oil bunkering in the forests with all manner of destructive weapons including fire arms in their possession.

Speaking exclusively with this journalist on the recent operation of the Rivers State Command of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS), the Deputy Commander-General in charge of anti-oil bunkering DCG Amb. Dr. Nwachukwu Adah, said it was a joint operation of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Adah noted that the NHFSS got intelligence about the illegal operations of the said professional hunters in the forest and quickly co-opted the anti-oil bunkering squad of the NSCDC and together both agencies swooped on the fake hunters in the forest and arrested wife of the leader of the said professional hunters while the husband fled.

Adah said items found at the location include two pistols, one generator, three welding machines, three drilling machines, instruments used in opening pipelines and some others, adding that the said professional hunters equally impersonated the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) as they committed all sorts of crimes in the guise of hunters.

The DCG anti-oil bunkering squad Rivers State Command of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) therefore advised the general public to disregard any group called professional hunters because they were not members of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS); that NHFSS does not engage in illegality and that its core mandate is to ensure that forests are not safe abode for miscreants and criminals.

DCG Adah however commended the Deputy Commander-General (Technical Operations) of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) DCG Amb. Dr. John Metchie for technically supporting their operations in Rivers State and across Nigeria, stressing that such supports were unquantifiable.

He also extolled the NHFSS Commander-General CG Amb. Dr. Joshua Osatimehin for his directives and guidelines in ensuring that the forests were reclaimed from hoodlums and criminal elements.


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Nobody Rejected Amaka Obi 's Nomination As Idemili-South TC Chairman -- Igwe Alor


BY RAYMOND OZOJI, Awka


Contrary to sponsored media propaganda against Honourable Amaka Obi that her nomination as Idemili-South TC Chairman was rejected by stakeholders in the council area, the traditional ruler of Alor kingdom in Idemili-South Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty Igwe Mark-Anthony Chinedu Okonkwo Ezedioramma iii of Alor kingdom, has debunked such notion saying categorically that nobody rejected Amaka Obi 's nomination.

Igwe Okonkwo who gave an eye witness account of what transpired at the Idemili-South council headquarters Ojoto last Saturday while speaking exclusively with this journalist, said himself, Igwe Nnobi and Igwe Ojoto were present at the stakeholders meeting that preceded the selection cum nomination process.

He said that the nomination was done in an orderly manner devoid of rancour and in accordance with the governor's directives, all the contestants for TC Chairmanship position were asked to move to the field for the selection proper.

He said Amaka Obi was in the field for the contest and two others but some contestants according to him, boycotted the selection process for reasons best known to them.

That in the end, Amaka Obi carried the day with 36 votes while the two other candidates who contested the TC Chairmanship position with her got 21 and 12 votes respectively, adding that there was no hanky panky in the selection process and everybody accepted the outcome.

The monarch who stated that there was no document signed by anybody to show that they rejected Amaka Obi's nomination, maintained that the process was transparent.

Igwe Okonkwo also pointed out that the stakeholders who attended the meeting which heralded the election, unanimously agreed that there was nothing like zoning of appointment positions in Idemili-South and that any choice of TC Chairman must be someone with capacity, political clout as well as a grassroot mobilizer irrespective of the town or community the person comes from in Idemili-South.

The traditional ruler therefore maintained that Amaka Obi should continue in office as the TC Chairman of Idemili-South because there are eloquent testimonials of her developmental milestones in the council area.

Igwe Okonkwo who stated that one of the laudable projects Amaka Obi executed that was very dear to him, was the renovation of the abandoned dilapidated traditional rulers' house in the council headquarters Ojoto.

He said Amaka Obi not only renovated the traditional rulers' house but also invited the governor to commission it. That no TC Chairman in Idemili-South renovated the place except her.

He also described Amaka Obi as a grassroot mobilizer with capacity to lead Idemili-South to the next level of rural development.



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Hunters Recover Vehicle Abandoned By Kidnappers In Imo Forest



BY RAYMOND OZOJI



Operatives of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) Imo State Command have recovered a Toyota Avalon car suspected to have been abandoned by kidnappers at Nekede/Ihiagwa forest Owerri-West in Imo State.

Speaking exclusively with this journalist about recovery of the vehicle, Imo State Commander of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) Dr. Iwuoha Fabian Onyebuchi, said they got intelligence from a poultry farmer near the Nekede/Ihiagwa forest of kidnappers who drove into the forest with their victims and immediately they swung into action.

The NHFSS Imo State Commander said on getting to the forest, they saw an abandoned Toyota Avalon car and suspected that the kidnappers must have taken the occupants into the depths of the forest.

Although he stated that his men were still mounting surveillance in the bush inorder to rescue the victims, he noted that the recovered vehicle has been taken to the police station while the trail on the kidnappers continued.

Dr. Iwuoha equally informed that the Imo State Command of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) has foiled many kidnap attempts as well as offered complimentary services in the security of lives and property in Imo State.

He equally disclosed that they were able to carryout their operations in Imo State with technical support from the Deputy Commander-General of the NHFSS DCG Amb. Dr. John Metchie while commending the Commander-General of the service Amb. Dr. Joshua Osatimehin for providing a conducive atmosphere for their operations in Imo State and across the nation.


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Anambra: Amaka Obi Wins Idemili-South TC Chairman Nomination Despite Conspiracy Against Her


BY RAYMOND OZOJI, Awka


Despite attempts to scuttle Idemili-South Local Government Transition Committee Chairman selection and nomination process, Hon. Amaka Obi has won the nomination to continue in office as chairman of the council area.

The selection which was done at the Idemili-South council headquarters Ojoto at the weekend through the option A4 model, was adjudged to be free, fair, credible and transparent by stakeholders of Idemili-South as well as observers who were on ground to witness the nomination process.

While some contestants for the TC Chairmanship position declined to contest for reasons best known to them, other delegates queued behind Hon. Amaka Obi and two other male contenders where the incumbent TC Chairman Amaka Obi polled 36 votes to win the nomination.

Some delegates who spoke to newsmen about the nomination of Hon. Amaka Obi, said it was not about Awka-Etiti agenda or the grand conspiracy against her but about performance.

They said Hon. Amaka Obi has touched lives and executed life-changing programmes in Idemili-South since she became the TC Chairman and that her developmental strides are second to none.

That it is as a result of the foregoing and some other concrete reasons that they unanimously nominated her to Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo for her to be retained and returned as the TC Chairman of Idemili-South Local Government Area.

One of the stakeholders who was a former Deputy Chief Whip of the Anambra State House of Assembly Hon. Sir Tony Uche Ezekwelu said the idea of some people who knew they would not scale through the nomination trying to cause crisis did not stop the selection process from holding.

Ezekwelu said the process has been done and concluded and the three people whose names would be forwarded to the governor have been selected by the stakeholders that decided to vote.

He said the issue was that some people ganged up against Amaka Obi the incumbent TC Chairman but because she is a strong and performing council chairman, their conspiracy met its waterloo.

The former House of Assembly member equally stated that it was Amaka Obi who brought back Idemili-South APGA members that had left the party to enable them strategise on winning Idemili-South for Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo come 2025.

Although Ezekwelu said that the incumbent TC Chairman was doing well and should be returned, he appealed to the government of Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo for Ojoto to produce the Education Secretary and other appointees to enable Ojoto join in the move to secure Idemili-South for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) come 2025.

The former lawmaker also disclosed that those who were actually behind the grand conspiracy to scheme out Ojoto community from the polity were the ones talking about zoning during the prolonged crucial meeting of Idemili-South stakeholders which preceded the selection process.

Ezekwelu therefore reemphasized that Amaka Obi was doing well and should be returned to continue and consolidate on her good works for Ndi-Idemili-South Local Government Area, stressing that there was absolutely no need changing a performing council chairman.

Meanwhile Idemili-South APGA Local Government Chairman Hon. Kizito Anoliefo described Amaka Obi as a grassroots person which he said was the remote reason she won the nomination.

He said the nomination process was free, fair and transparent and not a kangaroo process as erroneously described by some stakeholders who boycotted the selection process on their own volition while others participated.

Also Hon. Augustine Ejibendu, the Returning Officer who moderated the process, said Amaka Obi and one Mrs. Ngozi Mbamalu were the women contestants for the TC Chairmanship position but Mrs. Ngozi Mbamalu declined and didn't participate in the selection process.

The Returning Officer also announced that eight men contestants for the chairmanship position but six of them declined and refused to be involved remaining Mr. Smart Ebuka Nriama who got 21 votes, Mr. Ifenna Okafor has 12 votes while Amaka Obi polled 36 votes and won Idemili-South TC Chairmanship nomination landslide.


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2025: Soludo Will Get 100% Vote In Ajali -- APGA Chieftain Declares


BY RAYMOND OZOJI, Awka


Comrade Kanu Victor Igboanugo, former Provost General Ajali Welfare Union Nigeria and APGA stronghold in Orumba-North Local Government Area of Anambra State, has declared that no matter the malignant tendencies and plots of anti-APGA agents to thwart the second term election of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo in Ajali come 2025, the APGA stalwart has assured Soludo that contrary to the plans of anti-party agents, he will get 100% votes in Ajali.

Igboanugo who is the Group Chairman Terryvic Global Limited , said so long as Ajali ward one and two are in his domain, Soludo's victory in Ajali is already a done deal and that the anti-party activities of an insignificant few can not stop Governor Soludo from winning landslide in Ajali come 2025.

Speaking exclusively with this journalist, the business mogul noted that those plotting to sabotage APGA in Ajali do not have any electoral value and as such they should not be taken serious.

Igboanugo said that apart from Ajali ward one and two, he will ensure that APGA win elections in the entire Orumba-North and beyond.

He said Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo has done so well by restoring peace in Ajali community through the enthronement of a widely accepted Eze in line with the tradition and selection of Ezeship in Ujali.

The APGA chieftain maintained that the Ezeship stool in Ajali was not an all-comers affair and that His Royal Highness Eze Augustine Nwangwu Ezeohazurume 1 of Ujali, is the traditional ruler of the community. That they are happy with what Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo has done and that Ujali people are jubilating and making merry.

Igboanugo however pointed out that anyone who is not happy with the choice of Augustine Nwangwu as Eze Ajali should go to supreme court and seek redress and not destabilize the peace and tranquil atmosphere Ajali community currently enjoys.

He also recalled that the likes of one Barr. Uka Obasi Noel Obu and his cohorts betrayed APGA in the last State Assembly Election through anti-party activities even as he appealed to him and his gang to desist forthwith from sabotaging the efforts of the real APGA faithful in Ajali and Orumba-North at large.

The industry tycoon reiterated the fact that only the royal families in Ajali produced the Eze; that every Dick and Harry can not be Eze Ajali because it is not an all-comers affair. He therefore expressed gratitude profound to Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo for giving Ajali community the opportunity of having a king after 21 years without a traditional ruler.

Igboanugo stated that they are solidly behind His Royal Highness Eze Augustine Nwangwu and solidly supporting Governor Soludo while assuring him that Ajali is APGA and nothing can change it not even anti-party agents.

He also lent credence to the fact that the three royal families in Ajali are the real aborigines of the community because they were the first settlers in Ajali having migrated from Arochukwu in Abia State.

According to him, the Ezeship of Ajali was not done through Oku or Ogbako Ujali as claimed by other sections of the community. He said there was a consent judgement of 1986 which bestowed exclusive right upon the three royal families to rotate the Ezeship of Ajali amongst them.

Again, Igboanugo opined that those kicking against the consent judgement now were silent about it and they didn't raise any objections upon the birth of the document. He equally stated that he was not aware of any agreement reached with late Calistus Nwosu that the Ezeship of Ajali will rotate amongst the 17 families in the community.

He said so many falsified documents have been brandished by some destructive elements in the community but the only document Igboanugo said he was aware of was the consent judgement of 1986 that brought Calistus Nwosu to the traditional stool of the community.

According to him, it was only a mere threat that Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo will lose election in Ajali as he authoritatively posited that APGA will not only win Ajali but in the entire communities of Orumba-North Local Government Area.

Igboanugo also disclosed to this journalist that it was his signature that made the younger brother of Uka Obasi Noel Obu a Councilor in Orumba-North Local Government yet he is threatening that APGA will fail woefully in Ajali describing it as the height of ingratitude and a betrayal of the All Progressives Grand Alliance.


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2025: Soludo Will Get 100% Vote In Ajali -- APGA Chieftain Declares


BY RAYMOND OZOJI, Awka


Comrade Kanu Victor Igboanugo, former Provost General Ajali Welfare Union Nigeria and APGA stronghold in Orumba-North Local Government Area of Anambra State, has declared that no matter the malignant tendencies and plots of anti-APGA agents to thwart the second term election of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo in Ajali come 2025, the APGA stalwart has assured Soludo that contrary to the plans of anti-party agents, he will get 100% votes in Ajali.

Igboanugo who is the Group Chairman Terryvic Global Limited , said so long as Ajali ward one and two are in his domain, Soludo's victory in Ajali is already a done deal and that the anti-party activities of an insignificant few can not stop Governor Soludo from winning landslide in Ajali come 2025.

Speaking exclusively with this journalist, the business mogul noted that those plotting to sabotage APGA in Ajali do not have any electoral value and as such they should not be taken serious.

Igboanugo said that apart from Ajali ward one and two, he will ensure that APGA win elections in the entire Orumba-North and beyond.

He said Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo has done so well by restoring peace in Ajali community through the enthronement of a widely accepted Eze in line with the tradition and selection of Ezeship in Ujali.

The APGA chieftain maintained that the Ezeship stool in Ajali was not an all-comers affair and that His Royal Highness Eze Augustine Nwangwu Ezeohazurume 1 of Ujali, is the traditional ruler of the community. That they are happy with what Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo has done and that Ujali people are jubilating and making merry.

Igboanugo however pointed out that anyone who is not happy with the choice of Augustine Nwangwu as Eze Ajali should go to supreme court and seek redress and not destabilize the peace and tranquil atmosphere Ajali community currently enjoys.

He also recalled that the likes of one Barr. Uka Obasi Noel Obu and his cohorts betrayed APGA in the last State Assembly Election through anti-party activities even as he appealed to him and his gang to desist forthwith from sabotaging the efforts of the real APGA faithful in Ajali and Orumba-North at large.

The industry tycoon reiterated the fact that only the royal families in Ajali produced the Eze; that every Dick and Harry can not be Eze Ajali because it is not an all-comers affair. He therefore expressed gratitude profound to Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo for giving Ajali community the opportunity of having a king after 21 years without a traditional ruler.

Igboanugo stated that they are solidly behind His Royal Highness Eze Augustine Nwangwu and solidly supporting Governor Soludo while assuring him that Ajali is APGA and nothing can change it not even anti-party agents.

He also lent credence to the fact that the three royal families in Ajali are the real aborigines of the community because they were the first settlers in Ajali having migrated from Arochukwu in Abia State.

According to him, the Ezeship of Ajali was not done through Oku or Ogbako Ujali as claimed by other sections of the community. He said there was a consent judgement of 1986 which bestowed exclusive right upon the three royal families to rotate the Ezeship of Ajali amongst them.

Again, Igboanugo opined that those kicking against the consent judgement now were silent about it and they didn't raise any objections upon the birth of the document. He equally stated that he was not aware of any agreement reached with late Calistus Nwosu that the Ezeship of Ajali will rotate amongst the 17 families in the community.

He said so many falsified documents have been brandished by some destructive elements in the community but the only document Igboanugo said he was aware of was the consent judgement of 1986 that brought Calistus Nwosu to the traditional stool of the community.

According to him, it was only a mere threat that Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo will lose election in Ajali as he authoritatively posited that APGA will not only win Ajali but in the entire communities of Orumba-North Local Government Area.

Igboanugo also disclosed to this journalist that it was his signature that made the younger brother of Uka Obasi Noel Obu a Councilor in Orumba-North Local Government yet he is threatening that APGA will fail woefully in Ajali describing it as the height of ingratitude and a betrayal of the All Progressives Grand Alliance.


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2025: Soludo Will Lose His Election In Ajali, If He Doesn't Withdraw Augustine Nwangwu's Certificate Of Recognition -- Indigenes Threaten


...Reject Traditional Ruler



BY RAYMOND OZOJI, Awka



Indigenes of Ajali community in Orumba-North Local Government Area of Anambra State have threatened that Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo will lose his second term election in the area, if he doesn't withdraw the Certificate of Recognition given to one Augustine Nwangwu now parading and posing as traditional ruler of the community.

Indigenes of the community who granted an exclusive interview to this journalist on the kingship imbroglio in Ajali on Tuesday 14th May, categorically stated that there is no traditional ruler in Ajali yet because the one who is currently acting as the Eze of the community was not selected by Ogbako Ajali as it was done in 1920 when Nwosu Nwafor was selected and Nwosu Calistus was also selected in 1982 respectively.

They maintained that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) will fail woefully in Ajali in the forthcoming governorship election if they continue with the chieftaincy problem in Ajali unresolved.

They contested that Augustine Nwangwu was never selected by the entire people of Ajali and should not have been issued Certificate of Recognition. That they don't know how the process was manipulated and got the governor to give him Certificate but all they know is that the Certificate will cost the governor his election in Ajali come 2025.

One of them named Uka Obasi Noel Obu, a legal practitioner and chieftain of APGA from Umuobu family in Ajali, told this journalist that the last Eze was Calistus Nwosu who died around 1987 and his father Nwosu Nwafor was the Eze from 1920.

According to him, Nwosu Nwafor ruled Ajali for more than 60 years and when he embarked on the journey to the land of the great beyond, his first son Calistus Nwosu became Eze Ajali. Obu noted that before Calistus Nwosu was crowned Eze, the entire able-bodied men of Ajali known as Ogbako Ujali came together and enthroned Calistus Nwosu as it was done in the days of his father Nwosu Nwafor when he was coronated in 1920.

Obu also recalled that before Calistus Nwosu was made Eze, the community extracted from him in a document he personally signed that he would be the last Eze that would come from their lineage because the community has opted for rotational chieftaincy or Ezeship amongst all the families that constitutes Ajali and Calistus Nwosu agreed hook line and sinker.

He recalled too that after Calistus Nwosu 's nomination and subsequent election which he said took two days, other contending parties approached the Court and got a so-called consent judgement that they agreed with Calistus Nwosu that the kingship of Ajali should rotate amongst them only.

According to him, Ajali people were not perturbed about the said consent judgement because they were not part of the court case. He said the parties to the consent judgement are currently flashing it and displaying it around saying that that was the rule.

The legal practitioner further disclosed that the so-called consent judgement was the origin of a certain tripod in the community where some elements maliciously claimed that Ajali has been sitting on a tripod where the Eze only emanated from a certain three families as against the age-long Ogbako Ujali which allowed the totality of the able-bodied men in the community the franchise to select or elect the Eze in accordance with their customs and traditions.

He said, " We have never had anything like three families ruling Ujali. So all the stories they are putting out are not correct. Ujali people agreed that we will be having rotational chieftaincy. That is why it has been difficult to produce Eze because all manner of tendencies are pulling the community down.

We have never sat to make anyone Eze and it is a fact that the Eze belongs to Ujali and only Ujali people will decide who will be Eze. There is nothing like three families in Ujali and there has never been such. All these talks they are doing now is to circumvent the rules. Even if the Eze will be selected from the so-called three families, it must be the decision of the entire men in the community. They know that ! "

On the issue of who the real aborigines of Ajali really are, Uka Obasi Noel Obu stated unequivocally that the real aborigines of Ajali were the people of Umuabiama village even as he accepted that Ajali was set-up by the Aro migrants.

Obu said, " The one who is claiming that he is Eze, when did he come back to Ujali ? When did his father come back to Ujali that he is claiming that they are the aborigines? We want to know. I will challenge him anywhere in public for him to tell us when it became the rule that only three families setup Eze in Ujali.

That consent judgement is a piece of tissue paper because it doesn't concern the people of Ujali (Ajali). There has never been anything like three families making Eze in Ujali. It has never happened. So if he claims that his chieftaincy is based on three families, then he is sitting on empty air and he knows it.

Only two families and one compound made Augustine Nwangwu Eze for their own compound and not for Ujali people. So why we decided to respond to their claims in the media is that if we leave all these things unchallenged, they will be peddling them all over the place as if it is the truth.

That was how they got the governor to give him Certificate of Recognition. Now I am an APGA chieftain. If we do election in Ujali, we will fall flat and then they will come and blame us that we didn't work hard, when the governor has put hands in what he is not supposed to. I can tell you 100% that the man who claims to be Eze can not summon the community because nobody recognises him as traditional ruler in Ujali."

Obu emphasized that Augustine Nwangwu is only traditional ruler for Umuokpalaeke-Otti, Umuorji and the Otti family and not for Ujali because the rest of Ujali people have said no because they never selected him.

He said for some obscure reasons, Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo was deceived into believing that Ujali people selected him and no consultations were made by the governor before the certificate was given to him.

He said the truth of the matter remains that only the government can explain how Certificate of Recognition was given to Augustine Nwangwu.

Obu maintained that Ujali people have insisted that the rules of crowning an Eze must be codified before selection. That they have not selected anybody yet. That Augustine Nwangwu was never selected by Ujali people and he does not represent Ujali community.

He was also of the strong opinion that the Anambra State Government can not make Eze for them. That they would make Eze and present to the state government for onward recognition not the contrary.

Obu also emphasized that there is no royal family or royal families or anything called royal dynasty in Ujali and that those were all lies, falsehoods and fallacies concocted by an insignificant disgruntled minority who want to foist themselves on the larger majority of Ajalians.

Uka Obasi Noel Obu equally made it categorically clear that from inception, Ajali Welfare Union has no business with chieftaincy matters. He therefore accused the President-General of the town union of working with the acclaimed Eze to set Ajali ablaze.

The legal luminary expressed deep concern and compassion for Ajali people who have been arrested by the police, following allegations orchestrated by some individuals that operatives of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) were plotting to kill them. Hence police invaded the community on the invitation of the leadership of Ajali Welfare Union and arrested Ajali people for no just cause.

Obu however stated that the prayers of Ujali people was for all to have a roundtable dialogue where the modalities for selecting Eze Ajali would be marshalled out and codified as it was agreed in the past. Thereafter the resolutions would be taken to court as the decision of the entire Ujali people and for it to also become an official working document in the community to forestall future disputes regarding enthronement of Eze Ajali. Then they would ask those interested in the Ezeship of Ujali to indicate for the proper thing to be done and not dwelling on the fallacies and wrong postulations of a certain three families.

Contributing also, Chief Sunday Uzoigwe who is the chairman of Umuobu family in Ajali, disclosed that Ajali consist of 17 families not two and half families. Uzoigwe opined that as it stands at the moment, there is absolutely no traditional ruler in Ujali community.

He said only God knows how Augustine Nwangwu manipulated his way through to get Certificate of Recognition from the Soludo administration. Uzoigwe also recalled that initially the argument was father to son Ezeship. Thereafter a certain group of people came up with what they termed Consent Judgement and within a twinkle of an eye, somebody was made king without the consent of the entire community.

According to Uzoigwe, the self-acclaimed Eze can not summon the community for anything because nobody will obey him. He said there two New Yam festivals in Ajali. That one is being celebrated by the community while the other is being celebrated by the two and half families laying siege to the traditional stool of Ajali as no one attended programmes of the acting traditional ruler.

Another stakeholder in Ajali community, Mazi Mba Ifeanyi Douglas, who is a retired permanent secretary of the Anambra State Civil Service, who had ab initio spoken about the kingship problem in Ajali, noted that a particular family had held the traditional stool of the community hostage and now they have unanimously said no and that the status quo will no longer subsist as they want the Ezeship of Ajali to rotate amongst the 17 families in the community.

Mba however advised Augustine Nwangwu that if it is possible, let him do the honourable thing by returning the certificate wrongly issued to him back to the Anambra State Government so that Ajali people will select their Eze in peace and without rancour.

On the issue of slaves in the community, Mba maintained that they know those who are slaves in the community but according to him, Ujali freed everybody in the 30s and that different families came from different places and set up the present day Ajali community.

He said it should be known that Ajali is presently without a traditional ruler and anyone claiming to be traditional ruler is only chasing the wind as well as basking in the euphoria of his own imagination which he said is tantamount to living in fool's paradise.


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FUBARA vs Wike:: 7 More Commissioners Resign From Governor Fubara's Cabinet


A Second wave of resignations has hit Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration as Commissioners loyal to Minister of FCT, Mr. Nyesom Wike have stepped down from their positions for a second time.

In December 2023, 9 commissioners resigned at the peak of the political crisis but Governor Fubara reappointed them after President Bola Tinubu’s intervention.

Following the inability of the parties to peacefully resolve their differences, 7 of them have again decided to bow out of the state Executive Council.

They are:

1. Comm. For Works, George Kelly
2. Comm. For Finance, Isaac Kamalu
3. Comm. For Edication, Chinedu Mmom
4. Comm. For Special Projects, Emeka Woke
5. Comm. For Justice Zacchaeus Adango
6. Comm. for Transport Jacobson Mbina
7. Comm. Social Welfare & Rehabilitation, Inime Aguma

2 out of the 7 former Commissioners have already received Federal Government appointments.

Mr. George Kelly recently assumed the role of Director General of the Border Communities Development Agency while Mr. Emeka Woke was appointed as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority.

The exit of Mr. Wike’s loyalists is considered to be a welcome development for Governor Fubara who has gone ahead to swore in Mr. Dagogo Iboroma as the new Commissioner for Justice

Anambra East TC Chairmanship: Aguleri APGA Leaders Gang up against Obiano's Choice.


There are expectations that Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo will announce the names of new Transition Committee Chairmen tomorrow and submit same for confirmation by the State Assembly.
The choice of the new TC chairman for Anambra east LGA has however, thrown the APGA Leaders in Aguleri into crisis.
Our sources gathered that former governor of the state, Chief Willie Obiano had nominated Comr Innocent Nduanya to be appointed as the new TC chairman for Anambra east LGA.
But it appears Obiano’s choice of Nduanya did not go down well with the leaders of APGA in Aguleri his country home.
The Aguleri APGA Leaders it was gathered, have rejected Obiano's nomination and called for election of all those who expressed interest for the chairmanship position.
The election held today at Aguleri, during which all APGA ward executives from Aguleri and their leaders gathered to vote against Obiano's choice of Nduanya.
The decision of the leaders to do away with the choice of Obiano is causing political ripples in the area.
Many believe that it is insulting for APGA leaders in Aguleri to go against the choice of their illustrious son who did so much for them when he was in power.
According to a protest letter from Comr Nduanya seen by our correspondent, his nomination by Chief Obiano was his last wish before he left office.
"For me to participate in the Aguleri Five Ward APGA Executives election scheduled for today, 14th May 2024 does not honor his nomination and would be a sign of disrespect to him and his legacy.
“Just as a child does not dance to a song that dishonors his father, I cannot bring myself to participate in a process that undermines the wishes of Chief Obiano.
"I firmly believe that my candidacy should not bring shame or disrespect to our esteemed son and APGA Bot member, Chief Dr. Willie Obiano.
“I have made the difficult decision not to participate in this proposed election of 14th May 2024, as I wish to uphold the dignity and honor of his nomination.
"I plead for your understanding and support in this matter. I remain resolute in my decision to stand by Chief Obiano's nomination, and I thank you for your attention to this important issue,” Nduanya posited.

Reps to intervene in improvement, physical restructuring of Enugu metropolis slum


The House of Representatives has pledged to intervene in the physical restructuring and improvement of infrastructure such as roads and electricity power in Ugbo-Oghe slum within Enugu metropolis.


Ugbo-Oghe slum settlement is located in the Abakpa axis of Enugu East Local Government ayrea of Enugu State.


The House made the pledge on Sunday when two of its members, Prof. Paul Nnamchi of Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency (LP) and Rep Sunday Umeha of Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency (LP) visited former occupants of 8 Akpugo Street, Ugbo-Oghe, where fire gutted a bungalow.


The bungalow was inhabited by over 50 residents with two persons sustaining serious fire-burn injuries.


The property went into flames on April 26, 2024, following what an eyewitness said was caused by a power surge that reportedly started from the ceiling of the house but had no rescue from the emergency agencies, largely due to the inaccessibility of the property in the slum.


One of the residents of the building, Mr Chika Odo, said that even though he was not around when the fire incident took place, his wife told him it was caused by the fluctuation of electric current in the afternoon of the fate day.


Odo said that his wife told him: "NEPA has been flashing light constantly all afternoon before they noticed that there was smoke coming out from the roof.”


Speaking during their visit, Rep Nnamchi described the inferno as carnage, but thanked God that no life was lost except properties, adding it would be difficult for the occupant to recover their losses due to their low economic status.


Addressing on how to improve on the slum structure of Ugbo-Oghe, Nnamchi said that, “the bane of our national planning is that we don’t take care of our population increase, we produce kids who will also have kids tomorrow and so we need to have a long term plan.


"20 years ago we had fewer people living around here but today we have over 50 people living in this burnt apartment alone, so it’s about planning. But I also think that the Federal Fire Service has just recruited and would be able to step up its services.


“The town planning authority should also look at it but it also involves that the community should give them support because nobody likes his property to be demolished. We need to have clear access to this axis for security, safety and every other thing.


"This place also needs solar power and we are planning to do a bit of that soon but in some areas here, if you put a pole it will prevent entrance of vehicles. So in due course we’ll think along with this community to plan because they are also our own people," he said.


According to him, where you will have issues is when you do not decide with the community and you go along, but when they are involved, they will be leading in the project.


He said that the people would only agitate if they are not part of the plan because "change is difficult and will always be resisted."


"The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has visited here but on our own side we are trying to see what we can do. Some lost their certificates and we can’t provide that but we’ll do our best to ensure that the impact is not as deep as it would have been if nobody came to their rescue.


“We ask them to take heart and take it easy in order not to enter into another problem, whatever has happened has happened and life must also continue and we must also ensure that their lives continue.


"It’s about the well-being of the people and that’s why we were elected. Most of these people voted for us but now it’s not only about voting, it’s about good governance; it’s for everybody, for the community, whatever we can do to ensure that the community feels represented.


"We’re here to show them support and tell them that whatever affects them has affected us. We will also return to know how they are faring and how the community is also doing," he said.


Speaking, Rep Sunday Omeha, the House of Representatives member for Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency, said that the Labour Party is the people’s party through which the people made their will for them to represent them at the green chamber.


"Hence the inferno affected all the representatives of the people," he said.

Report Of Missing 7 Hunters In Anambra Is Fake News --- NHFSS


BY RAYMOND OZOJI, Awka


The Anambra State Command of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) has called on the general public particularly Anambra citizens to disregard news making the rounds in some sections of the online media about the disappearance of seven hunters in Amanuke, Awka-North Local Government Area of the state.

NHFSS described such reports as mere fabrications maliciously concocted by beer parlour journalists and bloggers to tarnish the corporate image of Nigerian hunters who have continued to display their gallantry and intrepidity in providing complementary services in securing lives and property in Anambra state.

The State Hunter Public Relations Officer SH Aloysius Chibuikem Nneke who spoke exclusively with this reporter about the trending malicious story against hunters, said the Command will do everything within its reach to ensure that the peddlers of such false information were brought to book.

He said, " I have contacted the Divisional Hunter Officer incharge of Hunters in Awka North DHO Peter Nwadinigwe who also confirmed that the news is false and fake which we believe was geared towards tanising the image of Hunters in Anambra State and our State Commander is frowning at it and warning all those behind such news to retract them or face the music. "

SH Nneke further disclosed that the Awka-North DHO confirmed to him that after thorough investigations in the area, they found out that the news of the sudden disappearance of seven hunters was purely fake and unfounded.

The State Hunter image maker was however of the opinion that the enemies of Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) were at work and they will not keep quiet over such weighty allegations.

It would be recalled that the officers of Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) had in the recent past recovered a stolen Toyota Corolla at Nise Awka-South Local Government Area of the state.

Hunters have also rescued a kidnap victim on the verge of being killed by her captors on the bank of Omambala river in Anambra-North area of the state amongst other numerous gallant expeditions of the Anambra Command of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS).


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How Some Financially Indebted Eziowelle Improvement Union Branch Leaders Attempted To Blackmail ASATU National President


BY RAYMOND OZOJI, Awka


The President-General of Eziowelle Improvement Union (EIU) in Idemili-North Local Government Area of Anambra and National President of the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU) Chief Barr. Titus Nnabuike Akpudo has responded to the claims made by some financially unstable branch leaders of the town union.

Akpudo who convened a counter press conference at the ASATU national secretariat Government House Awka on Wednesday to set the records straight, said that the branch leaders of EIU who levelled unfounded allegations against him, were the characters constituting a cog in the town union's wheel of progress.

He explained that all the claims by the Lagos, Abuja and Onitsha branch leaders of EIU especially as it concerns the immediate takeover of the EIU office in Eziowelle by the dissident group were all lies from the pit of hell because he is still the President-General of Eziowelle Improvement Union (EIU) until election is conducted for new executives on 29th June , 2024.

He also disclosed that those on a futile mission to blackmail him as well as soil his reputation at all cost, were the same group of people who wrote to the Anambra State Government to disqualify him from becoming ASATU national president, laying all manner of falsehoods and accusations against him.

Akpudo was however of the opinion that the negative propaganda against him were fallaciously and maliciously done to cause confusion and rancour in Eziowelle town even as he pointed out that the town is peaceful devoid of the social unrest being peddled by messengers of rifts.

The ASATU national president opined that it was not the first time his antagonists had raised false alarm about his removal from office. He recalled that sometime in November 2019, a certain Ezenwa Azie and his cronies had gathered under a mango tree on the outskirts of Eziowelle and announced his dismissal from office whereas nothing of such ever happened in the community.

Akpudo who went through the records of indebtedness to Eziowelle Improvement Union, revealed to journalists that EIU Lagos branch is owing the mother union N13, 203 Million. That Onitsha branch is owing about N8,1 Million while Abuja branch is indebted to the tune of N5.8 Million.

He stated that because payment of all the money owed the mother union was one of the criteria to participate in the forthcoming town union election, a few insignificant disgruntled elements in the community conspired to create false impression of disaffection and disunity whereas Eziowelle community is enjoying a very tranquil atmosphere.

Akpudo recalled that it was the same Ezenwa Azie who paid town criers to announce that the people of Eziowelle should not vote for Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo during the election that brought him into office as governor. He said he was the one who made efforts to stop the town criers from making further announcements against Soludo's gubernatorial ambition.

According to him, Ezenwa Azie's group were seriously fighting the government of Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo describing it as an act of felony. He also recalled that it was the same Ezenwa Azie who sent some persons to plead with him to zone the PGship to Umuikpele his village because he would like to become the next PG.

That if the new Constitution of Eziowelle Improvement Union must operate, it must start from Umuikpele, querying how selfish an individual can be.

Akpudo maintained that since 2018 till date, the Lagos, Abuja and Onitsha branches of Eziowelle Improvement Union have not paid a penny into the coffers of the mother union, adding that the town union election has been slated for 29th June this year and all branches of Eziowelle Improvement Union nationwide must be financially up to date to be eligible to participate in the election.


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