₦airaland Forum

We Have Not Endorsed Any Anambra Governorship Aspirant— Ikemba Front



Ikemba Front, a frontline political pressure group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) says it has not endorsed any aspirant for the Nov. 8 governorship election in Anambra.
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Ikemba Front said this in a communique issued after its joint national executive committee and general executive meeting in Awka on Thursday.

The communique which was signed by Mr Ike-Obiegbu Ikeobi, the group's National Secretary said it believed and supported the political zoning arrangement in Anambra State.

Ikemba Front dismissed the purported endorsement of any aspirant as null and void and of no effect as those behind it were not known to the group.

According to the group, we are obligated to stand by the existing zoning arrangement that has seen power move from Anambra Central to North and now South Senatorial Districts

“We hereby state categorically that it is still the turn of Anambra South Senatorial District to complete their term based on the aforementioned zoning arrangement.

“That the purported endorsement of an aspirant by some imposters is not known to Ikemba Front thus, the jamboree called endorsement is null and void and of no effect,” it said

The communique said Ikemba Front founded by Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu and resuscitated by late Sen Ifeanyi was one under the leadership of Chief Sir Arinzechukwu Awogu as National Coordinator.

It announced the suspension and sack of the former National Youth leader of the group and eleven others for their various roles in the attempt to undermine the principles of Ikemba Front.

“Consequent upon their nefarious activities within the organisation and deliberate attempt to trade with the name of Ikemba Front have been suspended and subsequently sacked,” it said

Ikemba Front announced new appointments including an Elders Council with Prof. Melie Onyejegbu and Mr Obidi Nwabueze as Chairman and Secretary, respectively, to function as the apex decision making body of the group.

Obi Commends Zenco Boss For According Mother A Befitting Last Respect




Chief Uzo Obi, Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer of Jozo Environmental Services Limited has congratulated Mr Cletus Oragwa (Zenco Group) for the successful burial of his mother, Madan Margret Oragwa in Ukpo, Nnewi South LGA on Jan. 10.

Obi in his message, commiserated with Zenco on the death of his mother saying that mother's love and sacrifice were invaluable as it had a lot of influence on laid the foundation for the future of any child.

According to him, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the visionary young man and CEO of Zenco Group, on the successful funeral celebration of his late mother.

“The event was a powerful testament to the pivotal role that women, especially mothers, play in shaping the foundation of a home.

“The memorial celebration, in many ways, mirrored the essence of Zenco’s life, a life of deep love, purpose, and dedication.

“It also showed the strength and wisdom which his mother deposited in him which resulted to the development of the Zenco brand,” he said.

Obi applauded the business acumen and dedication of Zenco which started at an early age and grew to a business empire that spanned across Nigeria and beyond.

Zenco’s international partnerships and engagements, particularly in the telecommunications sector, have not only propelled his brand to global recognition but also contributed significantly to the economic prosperity of Nigeria.

He commended Zenco for his selfless contributions, strategic foresight, and exemplary leadership.

“Your doggedness in business, combined with his unwavering commitment to fostering meaningful relationships, reflects a profound selflessness that goes beyond profit.

“It is clear that for Zenco, success is not just measured by financial growth but by the impact he has made in the lives of others.

“So, as we step into 2025, I wish Zenco continued success and advancement in both his personal and professional endeavors.

“May his network of relationships, his innovative spirit, and his unmatched dedication continue to bring people together, strengthening the bond between Nigerians both at home and abroad,” he said.

Onitsha Residents Bemoan Surge In Crime, Urge Anambra CP To Intervene



Some residents of Onitsha, the commercial capital of Anambra, have called on the Commissioner of Police in the state to take urgent steps to address the deteriorating security in the town.

The residents decried what they described as resurgence of crime especially in the Fegge area of Onitsha.

A trader who gave his name simply as Chidozie said the case of one-chance robbery had become rampant as the criminals operated without resistance.

Chidozie said it was dangerous to move about anytime from 6pm because of the lack of presence of security personnel.

“We agree that there is insecurity in Anambra state but Onitsha is worse now.

“It was not like this about six months ago, that time we still used to have the presence of Policemen who patrol and ensure that criminals do not operate freely.

" But now, the road block they mount us just to collect money and harass motorists while the insecurity continues.

“I want to commend the CP in Awka, I heard he is trying his best but we need him to pay attention to Onitsha like Upper Iweka, Port Harcourt road and all that area so that we can enjoy some sanity,” he said.

Joseph, a tricycle transport operator in Onitsha said kidnapping and robbery was a common occurrence in the town.

He said the Police used to come out for operations but the target was mainly on collection of money from transport operators.

He said “we do not have security here, Police only come out in the nigh but their interest is money, they are not for us, they just collect money from us and change location and once it is 5pm, you do see them again.

“So, Governor Soludo and the Police Command should do something about Ochanja, Upper Iweka in short, the Fegge area, this is just an appeal.

“AT times, you will see kidnappers missing their way, there was this particular case when kidnappers lost their way with their victim inside their vehicle and almost entered Fegge Police station, but they still reversed and escaped without challenge by the Police.

NFF Should Resolve Anambra FA Board Puzzle—- Stakeholders


Som football stakeholders in Anambra have called on the Nigeria Football Federal (NFF) to take a stand on who is in charge of the Anambra State Football Association.

This became necessary because the last election into the board of the association was conducted on October 31, 2020.

Every board of the FA according to the NFF Statute has a life of four years after which a new election shall be conducted to either renew or remove it via democratic means.

The election produced four members of the 9-man board including Victor Aniekwena, Vice Chairman, Ralph Chiedozie George (member), Oliver Ndigwe(member), Cordelia Alanna (member)

Chikelue Iloenyosi, the sole candidate chairmanship position in the waa not returned immediately because he scored one (YES) vote out of 19 votes cast and did not secure majority of valid votes according to the decision of the Electoral Committee.

Aniekwena who emerged the Vice chairman of the board piloted the affairs of the association with the three others for about two years even though Ndigwe one of the members travelled to Europe almost after the election.

The decision of the electoral committee not to return Iloenyosi did not go down well with him, consequently, he appealed the decision at the NFF.

The NFF did not take a decision on the matter until July 28, 2022 when a circular was issued directing Iloenyosi to assume as the chairman of the board following the upholding of the petition.

This was just before the expiration of the NFF board led by Amaju Pinnick, a move some people considered a parting gift.

Many had expected that a bye election would be elected to fill the vacant five positions to make up the composition of the board following the assumption of Chikelue but that was neither considered nor executed.

Going by the date of its election, the board which is headed by Iloenyosi expired on October 31, 2024 but the NFF has not issued notice of election or made a statement on the status of the board.


However, there are two conflicting but related puzzles in the Anambra FA which only the NFF can resolve if the good people of Anambra must a decent and clear headed football administration which they deserve.

Firstly, given that the board headed by Iloenyosi took life in 2024 with other validly elected members serving on it before he came on board midway, when is it supposed to expire the light of NFF Statute.

Secondly, if the Chairman came on board midway into the board life, is he supposed to serve out the life of the board or serve for four years in that position, thereby elongating the lifespan of the board and violating the statute of NFF.

Assuming but not conceding that the chairman is to serve for four years, will run a one-man board because others who started the race in 2020 have become statute barred.

The stakeholders say this NFF under Ibrahim Gusau should not look away from the Anambra FA debacle but take a definite stand to restore constitutionality in the Anambra FA and avoid setting a precedence that will plunge Nigeria football into crisis.


“All we want is for the NFF to tell us who is in charge of Anambra State FA because constitutionally, there is no valid board and we consider it that football in Anambra is ungoverned," the said.

Orsu Insecurity Worsens With 40 Deaths As Conspiracy Of Silence Lingers


No fewer than 50 person have been gruesomely murdered in communities within Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State from January 1 to date

Orsu is a border local area in Imo State with administrative headquarters in Awoidemmiri, it shares borders with communities in Ihiala Local Government Area and Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State.


The killing spree bestrides the communities in the LGA including, Awoidemiri, Orsuihiteukwa, Eziawa, Asaubirielem, Umuhuokabia, Ihitenansa, Amaebu and others.

It is revealed recently, the gang of killers use machetes and axe to hack their victims to death instead guns in the to carryout their heinous activities without attracting attention.

The criminal gangs who purport to be agitators fighting for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of IPOB storm the homes of people who they often accuse of sabotage (leaking information about them to security agencies) at night and murder them in cold blood.

Their victims also include people who allegedly visit to Owerri to collect government rice or money on the invitations of some political leaders of their locality like their peers in other areas.

What baffles many is how these guys who live in the bush get wind of the missions of their would-be victims to Owerri such that before they returned home, they storm their doorsteps and waste them.

The last of the murderous attacks took place in Ihitenansa on Wednesday January 8 when about nine youths sitting out were gruesomely killed.


A local resident said the victims were ambushed just before dusk and killed without altercation or scuffle.


A Human Rights Lawyer, Prof Chidi Odinkalu reported a widespread killing across communities in the LGA on Jan 6.

Odinkalu in his verified X- handle said now fewer than 23 persons had been murdered at the time he posted noting that they could be more.

According to him, information is coming through of what appears to have been systematic slaughter last night (Jan. 5) across several communities in Orsu LGA of Imo State, SE #Nigeria.

“The communities included Amaebu, Awo-Idemili, Eziawa, Umuhu-Okabia, interim casualty count ATM is 23 but it looks like it could be higher,” he said.

A local source said the number of deaths in Orsu Local Government Area have exceeded 40 since January 1, 2025 noting that Orsu have been under siege of agitators and criminal gangs in the past four years.

The source said people had not had it easy as military forces and Ebubeagu security operatives of Imo State government that should be their refuge often fell victims of their operations.

“They come with the mindset that everybody is a suspect, this is why many natives have abandoned their homes and villages and they no longer for occasional events like burials and weddings or yearly festivals like New Yam, Easter or yuletide.

“We no longer hold traditional marriages, church weddings and funerals here, they now hold them outside this are in the past three years for safety reasons,” it said.

investigation also reveal that several Catholic parishes and churches in the area are closed to worshippers, public schools have been shut down and converted to military camps.

Death has become common place because healthcare services is near absent as there are no functional healthcare centre while private facilities operate at lowest capacity.

Eke-Ututu market which served the people of old Orlu province, the Aguata, Nnewi and Ihiala areas in Anambra for over two centuries and has been the economic life wire of the people has been totally shutdown and occupied by soldiers for two year.

The place is now a ghost town and an emerging forest.



“In the last four years, there is no one kilometre of road graded talk more of asphalted or a sheet of zinc on the roof of any government primary or secondary school in area in spite of all the Federal Allocation received on behalf Orsu Local Government Council,” the source said.

Continuing source said it was sad that the insecurity and dark cloud that have eclipse Orsu is not discussed anywhere apart from the occasional celebration of arrested ‘alleged bandits’ most of who were picked from their homes while the siege on the area continued.

Orsu is blessed with notable and well placed politicians including former and serving commissioners, former House of Representatives members, a serving House of Assembly member and a panoply of other appointees who had the capacity to bring the Somaliarisation of Orsu ti national and international limelight.

It is certain that these have not visited their homes openly in the last four years but rather they parade the streets of Owerri and sometimes Abuja as political leaders.

It is not in any record that they have discussed the guillotine state of Orsu with the people for a the possible way out of the circus or presented to the Chief Security Officer of the State who doubles as their principal as a problem.

The dilemma is that these people are unlikely candidates to be at the table where the problem or solution is discussed because as bad as the situation is, they have successfully conducted and returned election results for which their are beneficiaries either as winners or entrenched political leaders.

For a people who are comfortable to stand or supervise election for 11 political wards in one compound under the protection of heavily armed security agents and submit results generated from that travesty for announcements as reflection of the will of a people, it would tomfoolery to think that they will be sincerely commit to normalcy.

The state of anomie in Orsu seems to be a new normal especially as it suits poses no challenge to the activities of some class of the society.

The sustained attacks and killings seem to be a ploy to run people out of the communities and engender desolation and desertion, both of which are oxygen for continued reign of terror.

Orsu Insecurity Worsens With 40 Deaths As Conspiracy Of Silence Lingers


No fewer than 50 person have been gruesomely murdered in communities within Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State from January 1 to date

Orsu is a border local area in Imo State with administrative headquarters in Awoidemmiri, it shared northers with communites in Ihiala Local Government Area and Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State.


The killing spree bestrides the communities in the LGA including, Awoidemiri, Orsuihiteukwa, Eziawa, Asaubirielem, Umuhuokabia, Ihitenansa, Amaebu and others.

It is revealed recently, the gang of killers use machetes and axe to hack their victims to death instead guns in the to carryout their heinous activities without attracting attention.

The criminal gangs who purport to be agitators fighting for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of IPOB storm the homes of people who they often accuse of sabotage (leaking information about them to security agencies) at night and murder them in cold blood.

Their victims also include people who allegedly visit to Owerri to collect government rice or money on the invitations of some political leaders of their locality like their peers in other areas.

What baffles many is how these guys who live in the bush get wind of the missions of their would-be victims to Owerri such that before they returned home, they storm their doorsteps and waste them.

The last of the murderous attacks took place in Ihitenansa on Wednesday January 8 when about nine youths sitting out were gruesomely killed.


A local resident said the victims were ambushed just before dusk and killed without altercation or scuffle.


A Human Rights Lawyer, Prof Chidi Odinkalu reported a widespread killing across communities in the LGA on Jan 6.

Odinkalu in his verified X- handle said now fewer than 23 persons had been murdered at the time he posted noting that they could be more.

According to him, information is coming through of what appears to have been systematic slaughter last night (Jan. 5) across several communities in Orsu LGA of Imo State, SE #Nigeria.

“The communities included Amaebu, Awo-Idemili, Eziawa, Umuhu-Okabia, interim casualty count ATM is 23 but it looks like it could be higher,” he said.

A local source said the number of deaths in Orsu Local Government Area have exceeded 40 since January 1, 2025 noting that Orsu have been under siege of agitators and criminal gangs in the past four years.

The source said people had not had it easy as military forces and Ebubeagu security operatives of Imo State government that should be their refuge often fell victims of their operations.

“They come with the mindset that everybody is a suspect, this is why many natives have abandoned their homes and villages and they no longer for occasional events like burials and weddings or yearly festivals like New Yam, Easter or yuletide.

“We no longer hold traditional marriages, church weddings and funerals here, they now hold them outside this are in the past three years for safety reasons,” it said.

investigation also reveal that several Catholic parishes and churches in the area are closed to worshippers, public schools have been shut down and converted to military camps.

Death has become common place because healthcare services is near absent as there are no functional healthcare centre while private facilities operate at lowest capacity.

Eke-Ututu market which served the people of old Orlu province, the Aguata, Nnewi and Ihiala areas in Anambra for over two centuries and has been the economic life wire of the people has been totally shutdown and occupied by soldiers for two year.

The place is now a ghost town and an emerging forest.



“In the last four years, there is no one kilometre of road graded talk more of asphalted or a sheet of zinc on the roof of any government primary or secondary school in area in spite of all the Federal Allocation received on behalf Orsu Local Government Council,” the source said.

Continuing source said it was sad that the insecurity and dark cloud that have eclipse Orsu is not discussed anywhere apart from the occasional celebration of arrested ‘alleged bandits’ most of who were picked from their homes while the siege on the area continued.

Orsu is blessed with notable and well placed politicians including former and serving commissioners, former House of Representatives members, a serving House of Assembly member and a panoply of other appointees who had the capacity to bring the Somaliarisation of Orsu ti national and international limelight.

It is certain that these have not visited their homes openly in the last four years but rather they parade the streets of Owerri and sometimes Abuja as political leaders.

It is not in any record that they have discussed the guillotine state of Orsu with the people for a the possible way out of the circus or presented to the Chief Security Officer of the State who doubles as their principal as a problem.

The dilemma is that these people are unlikely candidates to be at the table where the problem or solution is discussed because as bad as the situation is, they have successfully conducted and returned election results for which their are beneficiaries either as winners or entrenched political leaders.

For a people who are comfortable to stand or supervise election for 11 political wards in one compound under the protection of heavily armed security agents and submit results generated from that travesty for announcements as reflection of the will of a people, it would tomfoolery to think that they will be sincerely commit to normalcy.

The state of anomie in Orsu seems to be a new normal especially as it suits poses no challenge to the activities of some class of the society.

The sustained attacks and killings seem to be a ploy to run people out of the communities and engender desolation and desertion both of which are oxygen for continued reign of terror.

Resident Doctors Applaud Soludo Over Payment Of MTRF, Hazard Allowance


The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) Branch has commended Gov. Chukwuma Soludo for payment of 50 percent Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to members.

Dr Joy Okwumuo, president of ARD-COOUTH who made the commendation in Awka on Wednesday, confirmed that members had started to receive payment of 50 percent of MRTF.

She expressed the hope that the Medical Residency Act would be domesticated in Anambra and that subsequently, resident doctors would receive 100 percent MRTF on a yearly basis as promised.

“This will facilitate our training programme and help achieve the ultimate goal of boosting the medical consultant cadre that will serve the populace,” she said.

Okwumuo said ARD-COOUTH members were happy that Soludo had joined the league of governors who were paying medical doctors in their states full hazard allowance,

“We, the resident doctors in COOUTH wish to applaud our innovative and proactive governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo for responding to some of our welfare demands.

"This includes the commencement of the payment of 50 percent Medical residency training fund and we are hopeful that he will pay 100 percent annually from next year as has assured us.

“However, we want to plead with him to also fulfill his promise to comply with the basic salary increment of 25 percent as contained in national salaries, incomes and wages commission circular of July 25, 2023.

"We also call on him to help the hospital to secure full accreditation for a few departments, this will help us take examination in the affected departments,” she said

Okwumuo said the doctors were proud to associate with the numerous strides of the Solution administration especially in the infrastructure and workforce in the state's healthcare system.

She appreciated stakeholders who intervened to ensure that there was industrial harmony including Dr Afam Obidike, the Commissioner for Health, our Chief Medical Director and the Head of Service.

“We also wish to express our gratitude to the leadership of the Nigeria Medical Association and Medical and Dental Consultant Association of Nigeria, COOUTH branch as well as the National Association of Resident Doctors.

SEDC: Mark Okoye, Tinubu's Development Agenda And Imaginary Ogbuoji


The nomination of Mr Mark Okoye as the Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer of the Southeast Development Commission (SEDC) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been adjudged as strategic, competitive, meritorious and devoid of partisanship

No doubt, the SEDC which has the onerous task of laying a new foundation for a geopolitical region required a youthful, intelligent, time proven and forward looking youthful technocrat in the mold of Mark Okoye.

The people of Southeast region and beyond received the news of nomination with so much satisfaction, applauding the president for looking beyond politics but giving the job to the most suitable candidate.

Regrettably and curiously, there has been a campaign of calumny circulating in the social media with a lame attempt to blackmail mark and put him against the president for partisan political reasons.

The hack, written by one Dr Chikwenze Ogbuoji a self acclaimed Prominent Anambra social commentator, claimed that Mark Okoye led a campaign against President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 General elections.

He further said that Okoye was a card carrying registered member of the Anambra ruling All Progressive's Grand Alliance ( APGA ) which is the ruling party in Anambra State.

It must be noted at this point that the so called Dr Chikwenze Ogbuoji is not only faceless but does not exist as the best you can get from a google search the article entitled “S'East Dev't Commission: How Nominee Discredited Tinubu,APC in 2023 Elections” which was credited to the name after the announcement of the nomination.

For someone who described himself as a Prominent Anambra social Commentator, it is expected that the internet will be replete with articles, options and views attributable to him.

The bellyaching writer or opinionist said "It is therefore surprising that the President will appoint such a hater to head a very strategic federal government parastatal such as Southeast Development Commission as this cradle stage of the Commission".

Apart from not having any substance to support the allegations against mark, the writer failed to provide any reason why he should not be so appointed other than that he was not a member of the All Progressives Congress, saying that Tinubu ignored those who “took bullets” for him.

It is unfortunate that when the society is looking for problem solvers, seasoned technocrats and time proven achievers, the likes of Ogbuoji or the faces under his masks are talking of political patronage and business as usual.

Lovers of good things in Southeast and those who wish to see the region succeed will rise in unison to condemn the unwarranted assault on the sensibilities of the people by the faceless Ogbuoji and his co travellers.

For a young man of 38 years who has served consistency and delivered meritoriously for 12 years in the Anambra State government, Okoye is no less capable and befitting of nomination to run the day to day affairs of the SEDC from the starting line.

He was first appointed into the government of Anambra by Mr Peter Obi as a Senior Special Assistant from Afrinvest West Africa where he worked as an Investment Banker.

Chief Willie Obiano after his election appointed him as a Senior Special Assistant on Investments and also as Executive Director at the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency(ANSIPPA).

At 28, Okoye headed the ministry of Economic Planning, Budget and Development Partners as a Special Adviser and confirmed Commissioner after attaining the age of 30 in 2016.

At the expiration of the Willie Obiano’s administration in March 2022, Okoye bowed out of service to Anambra government

“I have had the rare privilege of representing Dunukofia in government for 10 years, so I am stepping down, so that other people who are equally endowed can serve,” " he said.

Okoye was called back by Prof. Chukwuma Soludo in 2022 to oversee affairs at ANSIPPA as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ANSIPPA, a position he actively and credibly holds till date.

Under him, ANSIPPA had been able to drive the Industrialisation agenda of the Soludo's administration with conceptualisation and initiation of landmark projects including the Anambra Mixed-Use Industrial City, Anambra Intra-City Rail, Onitsha New City, Awka New City, Awka Shopping Mall, Awka ICC Hotel

ANSIPPA also attracted investment in various sectors including agriculture, real estate, infrastructure, transportation, technology, tourism/hospitality and retail market.

Under his watch, ANSIPPA has had two editions of the Anambra Investment Summit which attracted millions of dollars investment from Development Finance Institutions, Corporate and private individual investors to Anambra State.

Okoye is a recipient of numerous national and international awards and honours including 2023 Public Servant of the last Decade, Anambra Man of the Year Awards 2022, Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council 2019 and the Obama Leaders Africa Programme from Obama Foundation in 2018.

Mark Okoye holds a Bachelor's Degree in Finance from The George Washington University, USA.

He possesses Executive Certificates in Public Policy Implementation, Development Economics, Public Finance Management, Budgeting, Public Finance Management and Innovation for Economic Development all from Harvard University

It is important to conclude that Okoye in spite of finding relevance in the eyes of the various governments of Anambra has restricted himself to public policy, finance, economy, innovative thinking and technocracy without necessarily getting involved in politics.

No wonder, when SEDC law was signed, while the likes of Ogbuoji were waiting for politics based appointments, Okoye wrote a blueprint on how the Commission could transform the Southeast region in an article entitled “ "South East Development Commission as path to economic revival”.

In that article, Mark Okoye demonstrated sound understanding of the peculiar challenges of the Southeast geopolitical economy and lucid knowledge of how the SEDC can be used to drive and actualise the desired change.

The article: Last month, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the bill establishing the South East Development Commission (SEDC) into law. First introduced in the National Assembly in June 2016, the bill aims to reconstruct and rehabilitate the region’s infrastructure damaged during the Nigerian Civil War of 1967-1970. This move by the Federal Government has been met with a mix of jubilation and anticipation, raising the question: what comes next?

Today, the SEDC presents a unique opportunity for regional integration and transformation in the Southeast. It holds the promise of addressing the infrastructure deficits that have long hindered the region’s development while also offering a means to heal the deep wounds left by the Civil War. However, for this promise to be fulfilled, several critical factors must be carefully considered. We need to assess whether the SEDC can indeed serve as the catalyst for the Southeast’s development, whether the challenges facing the region have been comprehensively captured within the SEDC’s framework, and, crucially, whether the financial provisions outlined in the law are adequate to bring about the substantial changes that the region desperately needs… continue reading:
https://thenationonlineng.net/south-east-development-commission-as-path-to-economic-revival/amp/

https://www./establishing-south-east-development-commission-path-revival-okoye-ii-4szzf

Ezeh, Elder Statesman Calls For Electoral Reforms, Service To People 




Chief Gaius Ezeh, an elder statesman has called on the federal government to initiate a process towards reforming the electoral process before the next election.




Ezeh, who is the Chairman “Equity Movement Turn by Turn”  made the call in Awkaon Sunday.




He said it had become necessary because a strong electoral system was crucial to good governance.




He called on the Federal Government to pay attention to the growing opinions of critical stakeholders across the country and embark on constructive engagement for greater national good.




According to Ezeh, every good leader is supposed to leave a good legacy behind for which he would be remembered.




“Some people are talking about the National Conference, while others  are talking about electoral reforms, I do not see what we are going to do differently in 2027 without these.




“My humble appeal to the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is that he should do something serious about electoral reforms.




“It is very important for the survival of this Country,” he said.




Ezeh recalled that Musa President Yaradua was still a hero long after his death because acknowledged faulty system that brought him to power and started a process to correct it.




He said Yar'adua went ahead to address the specific challenges of the various regions including going into the creeks of Niger Delta to pacify and calm down Niger-Delta agitators.




“May his soul continue to rest in peace wherever he is.




“The question our leaders of today should ask themselves is, what do they want to be remembered for after I must have either left office or gone to their maker,” he said.

Ex National Team Captain Backs Atula For NWF President





Coach Garba Lame, a former Nigerian wrestler has thrush his weight behind Maurice Atula for the position of president of Nigeria Wrestling Federation.




Lame, a member of Seoul ‘88 Olympic wrestling team said this while speaking to journalists on Friday.




He said Atula was the most suited to take over the leadership of the Federation given his passion and knowledge of wrestling in which he had been actively involved as fighter and coach for decades.




Lame  said though other aspirants may be good, Atula was the best among them given his antecedents as a fighter, a coach, an administrator and a unifyer.





According to him, Atula is from Edo State but he served in many places including Niger State, he sees everybody as one, he unites the wrestling family 




“Ecen though Maurice Atula lives  in England, he reaches out to us every time to find out how wrestling fighters and coaches are faring.




“Maurice Atula is somebody who will spread wrestling around so that youths will not become useless in their area, we need somebody like him  who will encourage coaches everywhere by providing them with technical support and opportunities.





“That is why he is the best man for the position of NWF president,” he said




Lame said Veteran wrestling wrestlers had the soul of wrestling alive by serving in different capacities including coaches and administrators.




He called on Nigerians and lovers of wrestling specifically to adopt Atula as his candidacy was not just the choice of veteran wrestlers but the entire wrestling family.




He said for more than eight years nobody from Bauchi or from the North had gone to Commonwealth Games or Olympics because the game was not popular, due to lack of spread.




“Veterans have been doing well to keep wrestling, veterans are people who fought, retired and are now working as coaches and administrators, so we are 




“Not that we can not do well here in the North but we do not  have encouragement, this is what we want Atula to come and change.

How Anambra CP Shunned Victims Protesting Brutality Of His Men



CP Nnaghe Itam, Commissioner of Police in Anambra on Tuesday ignored members of Maureen Madu Kiddies Football Academy who thronged his office to protest alleged brutality against officers attached to Anti Cult Unit, Ukpo under his Command.

Nnaghe who zoomed through the players, their parents and Madu numbering about 100 did not stop to find out their grievance in spite the fact that they gathered at the gate boring placards with varying inscriptions for hours.

Speaking to journalists at the Command Headquarters, Awka, Maureen Madu said she and her players were attacked, humiliated and bundled in handcuffs by personnel attached to Anti Cult Unit, Ukpo without investigation.

Madu is the proprietor of Maureen Kiddies Football Academy for boys and girls registered in 2021 and has featured in state and national championships since inception.

She said one Uchenna handed over his daughter over to her in Awka on June 16 for summer football coaching in her academy during the long holiday.

“A man registered his daughter for summer football coaching and abandoned his daughter for four months only to petition the Police alleging armed gangsterism, cultism. attempt murder child trafficking and threat to life against me

“The Police personnel neither investigated the allegations nor came with any warrant forced themselves into the camp, traumatised the players, seized their phones and took her away in handcuffs

She said they lost over a total of N3.5 million in damage of property, medical bills and other costs as a result of the incident.

“The Police acting on a petition invaded my academy while we were resting after our morning training and started beating everybody, smashed our phones and took me away in handcuffs without asking questions.

“They destroyed our phones worth over N800,000, I have spent N2.7 million in medical bills and other expenses on this matter.

“We want justice, we want them to replace our phones, pay us our expenses uncured and damages for character assassination for handcuffing us like common criminals.

“I want to thank the AIG for taking interest in this matter because it is insulting that the man who petitioned boasted that he has the AIG in his pocket, we believe that justice will be done,” he said.


Meanwhile, the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 13 Ukpo in Anambra, Mr Godwin Aghaulor has ordered an exhaustive investigation into the matter.


Aghaulor gave the order when the proprietor of the academy, Maureen Madu, an ex Super Falcons Striker, her players and parents of the humiliated players protested at the Zonal Headquarters, Ukpo having been snubbed by the CP in Awka.

The AIG directed the investigation officer to ensure that allegations of unprofessional conduct and brutality against officers were thoroughly investigated and justice delivered.

Ex Falcons Striker Seeks IGP Takeover of Case Of Invasion of Football Academy



Maureen Madu, former Super Falcons Striker has called on inspector General of Police to take over the case of Human Rights abuse against her and players in her football academy by officers from Anti Cult Unit, Zone 13, Ukpo in Anambra

Madu who made the appeal while speaking to newsmen in Awka on Tuesday said she had lost confidence in the ability of the State Command and Zone 13 Ukpo to give her justice.


The four world cup and two Olympics football Amazon said both commands have failed to reprimand the officers who forced themselves into her academy on Oct. 19, beat up her players and destroyed their phones.

They later bundled her into their vehicle in handcuffs to sleep in the cel without investigating the petition nor making the man to substantiate his allegations against her


Narrating the story, Madu said one Mr Uchenna Onyekwunife registered his daughter for summer football coaching in June this year and abandoned her in the camp for four months without visiting or paying upkeep only to send an unknown cab man to come pick her up.

She said she refused to release the girl to the cab man because she said she did not know her.

“It was later they showed me a petition signed by one B.B.M. Maduekwe Esq dated Oct. 7, 2024 entitled a case of “Armed Gangsterism, Cultism. Attempt Murder Child Trafficking And Threat To Life” against Maureen Madu.

“How can a man who registered his daughter in my football academy on his own, gave me custody of the child and sent money for underwear and sanitary pads tell Police that his child has been kidnapped.

“The Police, without carrying out any investigation or asking for my response, just invaded my academy led by the man who is owing to beat up everybody on site, seized and smashed their phones and arrested me in handcuffs.

“I am demanding that Ayuba Ahmadu, the Officer in Charge of Anti Cult Unit Ukpo annex and the SP Sunday Aleke, be investigated for such abuse of power and unprofessional handling of a case.

“The sad thing is that the man goes about boasting that nothing will happen because he has the AIG Zone 13 in his pocket.

“I am calling on IGP Kayode Egbetokun to handle this matter, the Police should not be an institution for the oppression of Nigeria masses, not me who served this country with all my youthfulness and is currently supporting youth players,” she said.

NAU Medical School Suffers Another Shutdown As MDCAN Commences 7-Day Strike


Lecturers and Consultants at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU) Medical School and Teaching Hospital, Nnewi have withdrawn their services effective Monday ,Nov. 18, for the second time in two months

The shutting down of the institution is in compliance with the 7-day warning strike embarked upon by the national body of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN).

MDCAN in a notice of strike signed by Prof. Mohammed Aminu Mohammed and Prof. Diyabu Ibrahim its national President and Secretary General respectively on Monday said the industrial action was to protest alleged irregularities in the appointment of NAU VC.

“NEC observed the reckless and utter disregards to due process by the Governing Council Chairman of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, leading to the selection of a Vice Chancellor despite government's clear and unequivocal directive halting
the process,” it said.


Confirming the compliance of NAUTH-MDCAN to national directive, Dr Victor Modekwe, the Branch Chairman said they could not do otherwise.

Modekwe at this moment, academic and clinical services at the Teaching Hospital involving the senior medical experts have been shut down.

He said the demands which included dissolution NAU Governing Council for failure to follow due process in the appointment of NAU VC and an increase in retirement age of Medical Consultant to 70,

He said there were also universal implementation of CONMESS for lecturers in Nigerian higher institutions as we all Payment of 2023/ 2024 Clinical Duty Allowance arrears, and 25-35 percent CONMESS arrears of 2023.

“I think the nationwide strike embarked upon by MDCAN is clear and simple, the body is protesting the exclusion of members from contesting for the post of NAU VC.

“MDCAN is demanding the dissolution of the Amb. Greg Mbadinwe led Governing Council for appointing a VC against Federal Government directive and for saying that medical fellowship is not equivalent to PhD, a criterion for University VCship.

“We are demanding an increment of the retirement age of medical consultants to 70 to address the depleting manpower caused by 'JAPA syndrome' in the healthcare sector.

“Lastly, MDCAN is calling for the universal application of CONMESS for doctors across all sectors where medical doctors are employed,” he said.

SWAN Calls On IGP To Investige Invasion Maureen Madu's Academy In Anambra


The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN,) has called on the Nigerian Police to investigate the alleged invasion of Maureen Madu Kiddies Football Academy, Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area on Oct. 9.

Madu, one of the most decorated Super Falcons Stars, had alleged that personnel suspected to be operatives of Anti Cult Unit Ukpo invaded her academy, beat up players, smashed and seized their phones before taking her away in handcuffs.

The two-time Olympian said it was a case of a parent who handed over his daughter to her for summer coaching and later leveled allegations of Armed Gangsterism, Attempted, Child Trafficking and Threat to Life against her.

SWAN, Anambra State Chapter in the Statement signed by Chimezie Anaso and Uche Ndeke, Chairman and Secretary respectively on Monday called on the Police hierarchy in Anambra to investigate the matter and ensure justice was done to all parties.

The association said Maureen Madu had paid her dues to Nigeria's football with five Nations Cup, two Olympics, four World Cup and over 100 appearances for the country did not deserve the humiliation of arrest in handcuffs before the public.

“While we may not have the details of events leading to the incident, SWAN wishes to condemn the dehumanisation and arrest of one of the icons of female football in Nigeria in the person of Maureen Madu and battery of young footballers

“The report that she was taken away in handcuffs with two hands behind her like a common criminal, the children in camp beaten and left with varying degrees of injuries is most unfortunate and calls for condemnation by all.

“Having played the game and enjoyed the fame, Maureen Madu decided to come to Anambra and set up a Football Academy as a way of giving back to the society and open opportunities for Nigerian girls in football

“She should be encouraged and not be humiliated, we therefore call on the Inspector General of Police to take special interest in the matter, investigate it thoroughly and ensure just is done,” it said.

SWAN also called on Anambra State government and sports stakeholders to wade into the matter to ensure that sports administrators, sportsmen, sportswomen and budding athletes were protected in the state.

Man Uses Police To Humiliate Ex Falcons Maureen Madu In Anambra



Maureen Madu, a veteran Super Falcons striker and five-time Olympian has demanded justice over her alleged dehumanisation in the hands of security personnel following an uninvestigated petition against her by a parent.

Madu who is the proprietor of Maureen Kiddies Football Academy for boys and girls made the call on Sunday while interacting with sports journalists in Awka on Sunday.

Narrating her ordeal, Madu said one man identified as Uchenna handed over his daughter over to her in Awka in June this year for summer football camp during the long holiday.

She said she invited the man to come to the camp and where she was and how she was fairing several times but he declined and never visited but rather sent money for purchase of her needs including underwear and sanitary pads.

Maureen said when it was time for school resumption, she invited Uchenna to come and take her child, but rather asked her to look for a school and enroll the child which she also turned down saying it was not her duty.

“That was how this man abandoned his daughter with me for four months without showing up until he sent a cab driver to come and pick and take her home but the girl said she was not going to join and because she did not know the driver, that was late September,” she said.

Continuing, the grassroots football coach said nothing was heard from the man until Oct. 9 when security personnel stormed the Ozubulu Camp of the Academy, beating up everybody in sight including the players and taking her away in handcuffs.

Maureen who showed the petition against her said the officers beat players with gunbutts, took their phones and smashed them and left some of them wounded and in the pool of their own blood.

The petition signed by B.B.M. Maduekwe Esq dated Oct. 7, 2024 was entitled a case of “Armed Gangsterism, Cultism. Attempt Murder Child Trafficking And Threat To Life” against Maureen Madu.


Maureen said the personnel who neither investigated the allegations nor came with any warrant forced themselves into the camp, traumatised the players, seized their phones, handcuffed her like a common criminal and threw her into their vehicle.

After feeding the girl for four months without paying any upkeep, we went to bring men from Anti Cult Unit, Ukpo.


“They handcuffed me like a common thief, seized my phone and those of my players, they beat them and some of them ended up in hospital.

“AllI ask for justice, my image has been severely damaged, I feel very embarrassed, the Police should return all the phones in their possession.

“The man who abandoned his child and petitioned against me should should be investigated and made to defend his frivolous claims " she said.

Madu recently represented Avaldsnes IL, a first Division team based in Norway’s West Coast before returning to Nigeria to contribute to the development of football.

Veteran Wrestlers Congratulate Dikko, Tackle Igali Over Ploy To Install Ally As NWF President



The Veteran Wrestlers Association of Nigeria (VWAN,) has described the appointment of Shehu Dikko as Chairman of National Sports Commission (NSC) as a square peg in a square hole

The veteran Wrestlers who commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment said this after paying Dikko a courtesy call in his office to congratulate him and to discuss wat forward to wrestling in Nigeria.

Members of the contingent that visited the NSC Chairman were Nigeria wrestling greats including Austin Atasie, Philip Olawale Garba Lame, Olawale Akala and Iliyasu Bawa.


Speaking on Friday, Maurice Atula, Chairman of VWAN said they were confident that the reintroduction of NSC and appointment of Dikko was a lifeline for the Nigerian sports sector

"Sports persons will ideally manage sports better, and Shehu Dikko is one of us, we are convinced that he will do well.

“The Mr President got it right on this one, we want to thank for giving sports a lifeline by the appointment of Shehu Dikko as Chairman NSC,” he said.

Atula said as the Nigeria Wrestling Federation election approaches, the veterans were still of the strong opinion that a wrestling technocrat should succeed the outgoing president to prevent the sports from going into extinction.


The chairman said the wrestling community, especially the veterans, rallied to ensure that a core wrestler became president 12 years ago adding that the success recorded in the period was attributable to the decision.

He said another wrestler should be supported to takeover and that it was expected that the outgoing president should throw his weight behind another wrestling technocrat to take over the mantle of leadership.


“The Chairman of NSC met face to face with the real wrestling champions on Thursday and considered our demand to have wrestling technocrats as the next President of NWF.

“Nigerian wrestlers galvanised to support the current President of NWF to take care of wrestling, after 12 years we expect that the President will reciprocate the respect we gave him by supporting another wrestler.

“One who has capacity. who was a wrestler, coached the game and a good administrator, uch is the right person for the next NWF,” he said.

The Veteran Wrestlers chairman said the association was appreciative of the philanthropy and support of the a certain uniformed man who is still in service and called on him to continue the gesture.

He said such a personality would be very busy with official national duties that he would not be able to devote time to the development of wrestling as the task demanded.

“We appreciate all what he is doing for wrestling and we encourage him to continue sponsoring wrestling

“We call on him to continue to play the role of a philanthropist because of his love for wrestling.

“We know his hands are full, he is a very busy man and adding wrestling to it will mean that wrestling will not have the attention it requires.,” he said.

IPMAN Boss Honoured As Anambra Community In Enugu Celebrates New Yam Festival



The beauty and richness of Igbo Culture resonated Saturday afternoon when the Association of Anambra State Indigenes in Enugu State gathered to celebrate the New Yam Festival at the Micheal Okpara Square.

The event, the biggest of it's kind attracted participants from both Anambra and Enugu States including captains of industries, business community and officials of state governments.

Deserving personalities were according special recognition for their outstanding contribution to humanity and business fields.

One of those who were celebrated at the event was Mr Chinedu Anyaso, Chairman of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) Enugu Depot Community in Charge of Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States.

Anyaso who entered the Square with a rousing ovation was accompanied by the full complement of downstream operators of petroleum sector in Enugu and members in surrounding states.

Anyaso was conferred with an award of “Outstanding Business Personality” for way the way he had conducted his personal business and piloted the the affairs of marketers in the three states under his jurisdiction.

The Ekwulummiri business mogul is broke the jinx of serving the IPMAN for terms following his ability to manage the relationship between marketers and government of the member states to the mutual benefit of all parties.

The award was given to him by Chief Linus Mgbakogu, (Atta Obosi) his grand predecessor in the presence of his immediate predecessor, Chief Ikechukwu Nwankwo, an industrialist, Chief Akai Egwuonwu of the Anambra Rice and Zara Fame among other dignitaries.

Presenting the award to him, Mgbakogu urged congratulated Anyaso and charges him to continue to be the worthy of IPMAN that he had been.

In a short response, the Outstanding Business Personality said he was humbled by the award and had only be spurred to continue to do more ‘to the glory of God and good of humanity’.

Earlier in his remark, Chief Chike Obidigbo, Chairmen of the occasion called on governors of Southeast states to do more than constructing roads and building hospitals to evolving a virile economy where youths would be gainfully engaged.

Obidigbo, an elder statesman and CEO of Hardis and Domedas said Southeast had the potential to be a contender in the league of world economic powers but the bad economy in the region was driving youths into many types of vices

He called on the governors in the geopolitical zone to collaborate for coming good adding that Southeast needed statesmen who could say the truth at all times

“Let us be truthful to ourselves, our youths are suffering, it was not bad like this in our time.

“Our New Yam festival has become a world event, we should think about harmonising the festival like the Jewish festival and nation day of western countries,” he said.

The New Yam cutting formality was conducted by Chief Pete Edochie, the iconic nollywood personality alongside Chief Don Onyenji, Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism who represented Gov. Chukwuma Soludo among other dignitaries.

IPMAN Threatens Shutdown In Ebonyi Over NSCDC, IG Monitoring team by Extortion


The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has said it would no longer tolerate the intimidation and criminal exploitation of marketers in Ebonyi State by Nigeria Civil Defense Corp and IGP Monitoring Team.

Mr Chinedu Anyaso, Chairman of IPMAN, Enugu Depot Community in Charge of Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States said this while reacting to the protest by marketers in Ebonyi State against alleged illicit activities of OC Anti Vandals NSCDC bunkering and IGP monitoring team.


Anyaso called on the Ebonyi State Government to intervene by stopping the criminal exploitation of marketers in his state by the NSCDC OC Anti Vandals team and the IGP monitoring team which criminalised their legal business just to extort money from them.

He said IPMAN may decide to shutdown operations in Ebonyi State without further notification if the exploitation and intimidation did not stop.

He said even after his meeting with the NSCDC Commandant on the matter, personnel of the anti vandal team still arrested two trucks belonging to marketers in the state and collected N70,000 from them for allegedly insulting them.

“It is unfortunate that the NSCDC anti Vandals team in Ebonyi State under one Ben has made marketers their cash cow, they harrass, arrest and extort money from my members at will.

“They say we must inform them when we want to pump product from one underground tank to another within the same station or elsewhere, this comes with the sum of N10,000 which is not duty or captured by the Petroleum Industry Act.

“If they see my member moving product to another station, they seize the truck and collect as much as N400,000 in the name of diversion.

“The IGP monitoring team stops them at the borders leading into Ebonyi State and collects N5,000 on every truck, this is why products are more expensive in Ebonyi State.

“This is additional burden on our stressed businesses and we will no longer accept this, so we are calling on the Ebonyi State Governor, Commandant of NSCDC and IGP to investigate and stop these infractions to avoid shutdown of the system,” he said

Anyaso said the cost of doing has become high that two or three marketers now pooled resources to buy a truck of product under one waybill noting that nobody should take advantage of them.

Engr. Nwibe Weeps Over Mass Murder In Nibo, Anambra Community

Chief Barth Nwibe, a businessman and philanthropist has condemned the gruesome murder of youths in Nibo Community In Awka South Local Government Area on Sunday.

Nwibe who commiserated with the community in a Statement on Monday described the incident as mass murder which was not acceptable in contemporary society.

It would be recalled that no fewer than 10 youths were killed in Nibo on Sunday when yet to be identified gunmen attacked the community leaving the streets littered with corpses.

The Police Command in Anambra through SP Toochukwu Ikenga, the Police Public Relations Officer said it was a case of suspected cult-related clash

Nwibe said the increasing trend of cult related killings was regrettable especially in Anambra where high value was placed on human life.


The governorship hopeful said the killings was another sad reminder of the degenerating security which was reducing Anambra to a failed state under the current administration.

“It is with a heavy heart and deep sense of loss that I received the news of the senseless mass killing of Nibo youth during the Onwa Asaa' festival.

“Mass murder is condemnable and unacceptable in any sane society. It is more worrisome that the incident happened in broad daylight yet the preparators escaped unchallenged.

“I want to express my heartfelt condolences to the traditional ruler and people of Nibo for this huge loss,” he said.

Nwibe reiterated his call for better ease of doing business and industrialisation which will create employment opportunities, reduce poverty and keep the youth economically engaged.

He said insecurity had become a major threat to lives and property, noting that no state will be a liveable homeland under an uncertain and vulnerable atmosphere

Nwibe Weeps Over Mass Murder In Nibo, Anambra Community

Chief Barth Nwibe, a businessman and philanthropist has condemned the gruesome murder of youths in Nibo Community In Awka South Local Government Area on Sunday.

Nwibe who commiserated with the community in a Statement on Monday described the incident as mass murder which was not acceptable in contemporary society.

It would be recalled that no fewer than 10 youths were killed in Nibo on Sunday when yet to be identified gunmen attacked the community leaving the streets littered with corpses.

The Police Command in Anambra through SP Toochukwu Ikenga, the Police Public Relations Officer said it was a case of suspected cult-related clash

Nwibe said the increasing trend of cult related killings was regrettable especially in Anambra where high value was placed on human life.


The governorship hopeful said the killings was another sad reminder of the degenerating security which was reducing Anambra to a failed state under the current administration.

“It is with a heavy heart and deep sense of loss that I received the news of the senseless mass killing of Nibo youth during the Onwa Asaa' festival.

“Mass murder is condemnable and unacceptable in any sane society. It is more worrisome that the incident happened in broad daylight yet the preparators escaped unchallenged.

“I want to express my heartfelt condolences to the traditional ruler and people of Nibo for this huge loss,” he said.

Nwibe reiterated his call for better ease of doing business and industrialisation which will create employment opportunities, reduce poverty and keep the youth economically engaged.

He said insecurity had become a major threat to lives and property, noting that no state will be a liveable homeland under an uncertain and vulnerable atmosphere

ARD-NAUTH Seeks Reversal Of Exclusion Of Clinical Lecturers From NAU VC Race


Resident Doctors at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) has urged the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka to reverse the exclusion of clinical lecturers from contesting for the institution's Vice Chancellor.

The doctors under the aegis of Association of Resident Doctors (ARD)-NAUTH made the call on Wednesday as the strike embarked upon by the clinical lecturers entered the fourth week.

The clinical lecturers who commenced strike action on Sept. 25 are protesting the insertion of some criteria which they said did not consider the peculiarities of their career progression path.

The advert had said applicants for the position of VC-NAU must possess a first degree, Master’s degree and a PhD for 15 years . but the lecturers said it did not fit into their academic pathway in NAU and globally

They said the requirements which included attraction of N400 million grants excluded clinic lecturers who were qualified lecturers in the faculties of Medicine, Basic Clinical Sciences and Basic Medical Sciences from
contesting for the position

But in the ARD-NAUTH in their Statement signed by Dr Chiemezie Agbanu and Dr Nwabueze Okeke its President and Secretary Respectively called on the council to reverse the discriminatory criteria and make the contest open to every qualified contestant.

ARD-NAUTH declared its support for the striking teachers and trainers under the aegis of Medical and Dental Consultants
Association of Nigeria (MDCAN)-NAUTH.

“This conscious attempt to sideline mediçal lecturers from vying for the position of the Vice Chancellor of NAU is unlawful according to NAU establishment ACT of 1993 (as amended).

“We appeal to the Governing Council, the university management, National postgraduate College
of Nigeria and the National University Commission to kindly intervene and save our already ebbing educational system.

“We join in solidarity with our teachers and trainers, to demand the immediate retraction of the adverti for position of VC-NAC and advice that an impartial publication be made to enable a fair playing field
for every contestant,” it said.

ARD-NAUTH sympathised with the medical students of NAU, who were gravely affected by the strike action embarked by the lecturers’ protest strike.

NAFDAC Condemns OCHA Brigade For Sealing Beverage Factory In Anambra


The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has condemned the invasion of AliBan De Great Industries Nkpor, a beverage production company and abduction of its workers by Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) for alleged production of fake products.

Dr Martins Iluyomade, Coordinator of NAFDAC, Enugu Zonal office who spoke to the media in Enugu on Wednesday said it was not the duty of the quasi security agency to declare a production activity illegal.

Iluyomade said only NAFDAC reserved the legal mandate to approve and regulate importation, exportation, manufacture, sales and distribution of drug, cosmetics, packaged water and chemicals,

Recall that OCHA Brigade invaded AliBan De Great production factory on Oct. 10 forced themselves in, destroyed their CCTV cameras before carting away document, products and property of the company without prior notice.

Seven workers of the company were taken away as common criminals and locked up in OCHA Brigade detention facility for three days before moving them to State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka.

Iluyomade said OCHA Brigade, a state owned enforcement agency had no right under the law to takeover NAFDAC the job to condemn food, chemical products or arrest workers of regulated products but could draw their attention to such development.

He expressed concern that when the company presented NAFDAC certificate as evidence of compliance and approval, OCHA Brigade staff took and tore the document.

The NAFDAC Director said before the agency made pronouncements on any product, they were subjected to a process where trained professionals test them in standard laboratories contrary to what OCHA Brigade did.

According to him, we saw a recent report that said the Anambra Taskforce, OCHA Brigade bust an illegal production factory in Onitsha.

“NAFDAC is created by law to regulate importation, exportation, manufacture, sales and distribution of drug, cosmetics, packaged water and chemical products.

“Government has invested so much resources in this area that we have nine functional labs that are accredited internationally for testing of samples and issuing approvals,” he said.

Iluyomade said NAFDAC was the lead agent in the field or regulated product where inter agency collaboration existed.

He said regulation of food and drugs was in the exclusive list and that agency or organisation should know their limits adding that Nigeria was a country governed by laws.

“NAFDAC does operate like that, we have processes, NAFDAC is the one which gives license, we are the only agency that can confirm whether a certificate is genuine or not,” he said.

I Have No Hand In Assault Of Suspended Exco Member--- ASMATA PG


Chief Humphrey Anuna, the President General of Anambra State Market Traders Association (ASMATA) says he has no hand in the manhandling of a suspended member of the executive committee, Chief Emmanuel Obiagwu, Vice Chairman of Idemili Zone.

Anuna made the clarification with Journalists on Monday while reacting to the allegation that Obiagwu was beaten up by thugs on his instructions.

The President General who dismissed the claims as sheer blackmail by those who were working to oust him from office unconstitutionally said he could not be the victim and the accused at the same time.

Recall that Obiagwu had scuffle with men of ASTHMA taskforce on Oct 3 within the association's secretariat but alleged that they were acting on the directive of the President General.

Anuna who blamed Obiagwu for his ordeal in the hands of the taskforce said he had no reason to visit the ASMATA Office as he was still serving his suspension at the time of the incident.

He said Obiagwu was suspended from office by the executive committee with effect from Sept. 17 for gross
misconducts.

According to the suspension letter, your indefinite suspension is as a result of taxating low income earners against the directive of the governor, polluting the minds of ASMATA executives, chairmen and secretaries to
disobey the PG and other constituted authorities by open confrontation.

“Brandishing unsubstantiated weighty allegations via petitions to various authorities against the person and office of the PG ASMATA, abuse of office and gross misconduct unbecoming to your high office as ASMATA Executive and ldemili zonal chairman.

“Your indefinite suspension shall be effective from Sept.17 2024 until you purge yourself from the above unbecoming attitude and become of noble character befitting to your high offices,” it stated.

The President General said Obiagwu who was still serving suspension in a bid to force himself into the office attacked the leader of the Task Force team who tried to stop him by slapping him twice.

“I was not involved in the alleged fight with Obiagwu, I was in my office attending to official duties at the time of the incident, when I heard the noise and tried to know what was going on, they advised that I should not because the man wanted to create a scene.

"It is in public domain that ASMATA executive suspended Emmanuel Obiagwu from office, so why should he force himself into the office. As a matter of fact, he snapped the task force leader twice for stopping him and that was how the young man fought back.

“This is part of the campaign he us leading against my leadership, he has been spreading lies, leveling unsubstantiated allegations against me and tarnishing the image of ASMATA just because I said it will no longer be business as usual for those shortchanging the government,” he said.

Anuna said Obiagwu was just the face of a syndicate who were angry with him for stopping revenue accruable to the government from going into private pockets.

He said his team had been able to increase annual revenue to the government from N 400 million to N1.2 billion by ensuring that more markets were brought into the tax net and ensuring that leakages were blocked.

Anuna said he had been able to put in place a remittance compliance mechanism by directing the markets leadership to present proof that they had paid collected monies into the state account.

He dismissed the allegations of corruption against him as his administration was working in the interest of Anambra governments and market community.

We Don't Produce Hennessy, Fake Products—-Anambra Firm Replies OCHA Brigade


AliBan De Great Industries, producers of alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages in Nkpor, Anambra State says the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) Brigade lied in it's claim that the company is involved in the manufacturing of Hennessy cognac.

Recall that operatives of OCHA Brigade invaded AliBan De Great factory on Oct. 10, destroyed property and made away with products and properties of the company.

OCHA alleged that the company produced fake brands such as Classic Heaven, Baron Devanis, Dutch Black, Triple MW, and Hennessy,

“They produced and distributed several types of fake and unapproved wines in large quantities and distributed for general consumption,” OCHA alleged.
.
Mr Barnabas Alih, Managing Director of AliBan De Great told Journalists on Monday that the company only manufactured products that had been registered and approved by the relevant regulatory bodies.

Alih said his company did not produce Hennessy or any products that were registered by anybody or company as alleged by OCHA Brigade.

He wondered why OCHA Brigade, which is not a regulatory body or certification body for beverage manufacturing processes, would force themselves into his factory, destroy his CCTV cameras, uninstall and take away his generators and products.

“In their own account, they said they took away 2,000 cartoons of my products but it was more than that.

“What are you doing with my Lister generator and small generator, my laptops and other valuables?

“For five days, seven of my staff are still being detained without trial in their facility.

"It is laughable that they said we produce Hennessy and other exotic wines, they have simply allowed themselves to be used as agents of persecution and destruction of businesses,” he said.

The AliBan De Great CEO called on relevant authorities to secure justice for his illegally detained staff as he had gone to OCHA Brigade office and Police Command for their release without success.

He lamented that his legitimate business was suffering for offenses he was yet to know about.

How Soludo Police Invaded, Looted My Factory--Anambra Based Businessman Cries Out

Mr Barnabas Alih, Managing Director of AliBan De Great Industries, Nkpor, a beverages manufacturing company, has petitioned the Police against alleged illegal invasion of his factory, by operatives of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) on Oct 10.

A copy of the petition addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Anambra Command.

Alih who spoke to Journalists at the factory at the weekend said the invaders who claimed to come from OCHA brigade stormed the factory without warrant or court order, destroyed the CCTV cameras and took away large quantity of products, generators and other valuables before sealing up the premises

He said nine workers on duties were forcefully taken away out of which two were freed while seven had been held hostage for three days in OCHA detention facility without prosecution.

Alih said his business was duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and all products approved and certified by the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) the Regulatory agencies in charge of his range of products.

He said effort to speak with the OCHA brigade officials but was not successful as they refused to talk to him and later confiscated the phones of those on duty because he was not in the factory.

He said his products were genuine with registered trademarks contrary to the claims of OCHA brigade in the social media that the factory was into manufacturing of fake and counterfeit products.

“The first thing they asked for was where the CCTV was, they destroyed it, disconnected the monitor to erase every trace before they started their action.

“I tried to speak to them on phone to know what was happening but they refused to talk to me because I was not around

“These people broke into my office, took my belongings, loaded cartons of drinks from my factory in about five vehicles, took away my Lister generator and a small generator and started asking my workers where my private vehicle was.

“My manager showed them the regulatory approval documents, they squeezed them and threw them away.

“As I am talking to you, I am not aware of our offense, I have called nafdac and they said they are not aware of the operation,” he said.

Alih said he was embarrassed by the illegal invasion of his business premises and that he was losing a lot of money as a result of the shutdown while his workers' human rights were being violated in illegal detention.

He called on the Nigerian Police to kindly effect immediate release of the innocent workers under captivity of OCHA Brigade and investigate their activities they lacked the powers to act as regulatory authority over manufacturers of beverages.

Also speaking, one of the workers who wished to be identified as Happiness said those who came for the operation ransacked the offices wand went away with valuables after they had drank the products to their satisfaction.

Happiness said “when they broke into they factory, they asked for my MD's whereabouts, broke into his office with a hammer, destroyed the CCTV cameras and started carrying our goods.

“They did not show us any documentation, they just said we lie faced down and carried seven of us to their office," he said.

Meanwhile, OCHA Brigade has owned up to carrying out the operation saying the factory was into production of fake beverages.

It said the operation was led by the Federal Government Presidential task force in collaboration with the Anambra State Government against economic sabotage and oil vandalism in the State”.

OCHA Brigade confirmed that Seven workers were in their custody.

Insecurity, Oil Bunkering, Militancy And Anambra Oil Economy


In 2022, Anambra state was recognised as an oil bearing state in Nigeria and got enlisted as the 11th member of Niger Delta Development Commission or 13 per cent derivation beneficial state.

This followed years of administrative process which involved Environmental Impact Assessment Approval and feasibility to ensure that the mineral deposit in the state was commercially viable.

Effort for effective exploration of oil and gas in Ogbaru dated back to 2010 when China Petroleum & Chemical Company (SINOPEC) crossed the River Niger into Ogwu-Aniocha from Okpai in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State, South-south Nigeria for oil exploration.

SINOPEC discovered some oil wells but could not continue for unknown reasons and left in 2011.

In 2013, Sterling Oil Engineering and Exploration Production Company (SEEPCO) moved in and has maintained a significant presence since 2019.

Their operations later become a window of economic prosperity for Anambra as it earned it the status of an oil producing state and making it a beneficiary of 13 per cent derivation in 2022.

Sadly, growing insecurity in the Ogbaru area has become a threat to the operation of SEEPCO.

The challenges range from sprawling militancy, oil bunkering, communal crisis and illegal refining of crude.

This, according to the company, had resulted in a drastic decrease in the volume of production.

Speaking to newsmen in Awka recently, Mr Austin Brown, General Manager of Community Relations and Security of SEEPCO said the problems they were facing included oil theft, insecurity and Community related issues between Ogwu-Ikpele Communities.

According to him, between last year, 2023 to August this year, SEEPCO has recorded over 25 tapping on its pipeline and uncovered nine illegal oil refineries between Akili Ogidi and Obagwe.


“This hostile development is undermining the economic growth of SEEPCO, Anambra State and Nigeria at large.

“Again, insecurity has become the other of the day in Ogwu-Ikpele and Ogwu-Aniocha Communities, this is currently affecting the smooth operations of the company in the area,” he said.

On the recent attacks in the area, the official said SEEPCO workers under military escort were attacked and three Soldiers were killed, one wounded and four rifles carted away.

He said the attack took place on June 11, 2024 led to the abduction of nine workers and murder of one of the workers by the gunmen.

Brown said Community related issues have also been affecting the operations of SEEPCO in Anambra.

He said “ on Aug. 1 and Aug. 2 this year, some youths from Ogwu-Ikpele Community besieged our facilities and damaged the windscreen of about 12 vehicles and vandalised our offices because they wanted the removal of the Community liaison officer of the Community.

“Our operations were shut down over unnecessary issues at various times. These are major problems SEEPCO in host communities in Anambra,” he said.

Stakeholders say declining production will have negative effect on the revenue from Petroleum accruable to Anambra

They called on the Anambra government to endeavour to evolve a secure and conducive environment for the companies exploring in the area.

They called for effective collaboration between SEEPCO and the government in the quest for safe operation and optimal production in the state.

NASME Will Continue To Support Small Businesses In Anambra… Oguegbe



The Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) has been a beacon of hope and a pillar of support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the state.

Mr Chinemerem Oguegbe, Chairman of NASME, Anambra State Chapter who said this in Awka on Thursday said strategic entrepreneurship and business development leadership were crucial to organisational success.

Oguegbe who is the Chief Executive of Geoserve Renaissance Academy said strategic leadership was reshaping the future of small businesses in Anambra which had significantly impacted the local economy.

“Our vision is to create an enabling environment for SMEs to thrive by providing them with the necessary tools, knowledge, and opportunities.

“One of our most notable initiatives is the recent Capacity Building for Master Trainers under the One Youth 2 Skills Program of Anambra State.

“As the lead facilitator I have played a pivotal role in equipping young entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s competitive market.

“By focusing on capacity building, NASME is not only empowering individual entrepreneurs but also strengthening the broader economic fabric of Anambra State,” he said.

Oguegbe said being a member of NASME under the current leadership presents numerous benefits which where designed to address the key challenges faced by small businesses.

The benefits included provision of access to funding for members, facilitation of access to markets for members and increasing visibility in both within and outside the state.

“Other benefits are capacity building, networking opportunities, business support services, access to business growth opportunities, industry news and updates and offering entrepreneurs the chance to be part of a community of like minds.

Oguegbe said NASME had bridged the gap between policy and practice has ensured that the voices of small business owners were heard, and their needs addressed.

He called on youths and small business holders in Anambra to join NASME and benefit from its immense opportunity.


“As the association continues to evolve, we will undoubtedly remain a cornerstone of economic development, providing invaluable support to entrepreneurs who are the backbone of the local economy,” he said.

RRS Awkuzu Fail To Explain For Death Of Mistaken Arrest  Who Died In Custody





The Enugwu, Aguleri Community in Anambra East Local Government, Anambra  are anxiously waiting to get explanation for the death of their son, Chukwuebuka Obiorah  who died in the detention facility of  Police Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu





The community is bleeding over the death of a young man, Anthony Chukwuebuka Obiorah, who died in the custody of Rapid Response Squad (Formerly SARS) Awkuzu.





It was reported that the SARS Operatives were looking for one Obiora ‘Mighty’ from Igboezunu Aguleri but mistakenly arrested the said Obiora in a fit of mistaken identity. 




The young man spend several days in the police cell at the premises of former SARS Awkuzu under intense torture before he died. 




Before the death of the young Chukwuebuka Obiorah, the family had engaged the services of a lawyer who filed an action in Court for the enforcement of his fundamental rights in Suit No: OT/MISC. 102/2024.




The case came up on Aug. 15 2024 and the police IPO informed the Court that the Chukwuebuka Obiorah died in their custody and could not be produced in court.




On that ground the Court presided over by Justice  Jude Obiora (vacation judge)

struck out the case. 




The family of the deceased in their quest for justice filed another case which is Suit No: A/MISC.363/2024 which was filed on behalf of the victim by the mother Mrs Philomina Obiorah. 




The case came up on Sept  5 at the State High Court Awka before Hon. Justice N.L. Oyeka of Vacation Court 3 Awka. 




The respondent, the operatives of RRS nor  their lawyer was in Court. 




The court then  granted an adjournment to Sept  10  for the  RRS to come up with any explanation. 




The youths of Enugwu Aguleri Community who lost one of their members are waiting with bated breath for the verdict of the Court. 




The leadership of the community have warned against any rioting or protests pointing out that the Court which is the last hope of the common man shall mete out justice in the case.

Anambra 2025: Group vows to deliver Gov. Soludo In Dunukofia LGA


Stakeholders in Dunukofia Local Government Area in Anambra have resolved to work to ensure the victory of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo in the 2025 governorship election in the state.

The stakeholders took the stand at the inauguration of local government and ward executive committees of ‘Dunukofia-4-Soludo Pilot' a a grassroots based support group in Ukpo, Dunukofia Council secretariat at the weekend.

Speaking at the event, Mr Emeka Okonkwo, the Convener of ‘Dunukofia-4-Soludo Pilot' said the group was set up for the purpose of securing a comprehensive victory for Soludo in the LGA.

Okonkwo who is the Managing Director of Anambra Road Transport Authority said the governor had develivered dividends of democracy to the people of Anambra and Dunukofia in particular that he deserved a second term.

He said “the major purpose of this event is to Inaugurate this group which is very localised, our objective is to ensure that Mr Governor wins his second term election.

“With over 500 km of roads across Anambra, Gov Soludo has been outstanding and we have no choice but to send him back to the Government House,” he said.

On his part, Mr Cheta Nwegwu, the National Coordinator said Soludo had done well for Anambra and Dunukofia in particular that the people had no choice than to vote him again for more work.

Nwegwu said Soludo had favoured Dunukofia by way of road construction, appointment of indigenes in his cabinet, recruitment into state civil service and youth empowerment.

He said Dunukofia was setting the pace by being the first to set up a support group that was organic and local, formed out of genuine love for the governor by the people.

‘We understand that politics is local and this is the only way we can return the governor for second term, we all shall be at our polling units on the election day

According to him, Nawgu community got the first tarred road for the first time under Soludo, Dunukofia has been lucky under this government with a good number of appointees in charge of
critical ministries, departments and agencies.

“This is why we, the Dunukofia-4-Soludo, have thrown our wait behind the actualisation of the second term of Mr Governor who has favoured us more than other 20 LGAs in Anambra. So, we want to thank the governor for keeping faith with us,” he said.

Chief Ifeatu Obiokoye, Chairman of the All Digressive Grand Alliance said the party would encourage all the support groups because it would not be able to do it alone.

Obiokoye said APGA was working to ensure that it had to have structure in all the kindreds across the state to ensure it maintained contact with the grassroots.

According to him, this is very innovative, as a party, we shall encourage you like we have not done for any other. We want to see you at the kindred level, we are no longer doing ward politics,” he said.

Inaugurating the group,
Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim Deputy Governor of Anambra said the Soludo administration had brought development to the state more than all previous governments while urging them to continue to support the governor.

Ibezim commended Dunukofia people for attesting to the good works of Soludo and restated the commitment of the governor to continue to deliver on his campaign promises.

“Nobody forced Gov. Soludo to conduct Local Government Council elections is part of his inauguration promises and he is doing it within three years of his administration.

Insecurity, Bunkering, Hampering Petroleum Production In Anambra…SEEPCO


The Sterling Oil Exploration and Engineering Petroleum Company (SEEPCO) , an oil exploration company based in Anambra, has lamented the negative effects of insecurity on its activities.

The company disclosed this when it appeared before the Anambra House of Assembly this week .

Mr Austin Brown, General Manager, Community Relations and Security of SEEPCO who represented the company said the insecurity and environmental challenges in Ogbaru Area had caused a significant decline in its production volumes.

Brown said oil theft, illegal refining and increasing militancy by gunmen had resulted in abduction, loss of lives of some members of staff of the company and reduced output.

He said about 11 illegal refineries had been discovered in Ogbaru with over 25 broken points along the pipelines where oil thieves stole crude oil.

He recounted that on June 11, gunmen attacked their workers, killed three soldiers and abducted nine members of staff who were later rescued in Ihiala.

On their role on insecurity and environmental degradation in Ogbaru, Brown said the company carried out Environmental Impact Assessment(EIA) and was executing some projects under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

According to him, we constituted the Host Community Development Trust where three percent of our annual budget is being paid, we renovated a primary healthcare centre and we are constructing some roads.

On his part, Mr Chidi Ibeneme, Chairman House Committee on Petroleum said SEEPCO was not complying with provisions of local content act as members of the host communities working in the company were largely casual workers

Ibeneme called on the company to invest more on education and healthcare of the people of the area.

He said the Assembly would ensure that welfare, revenue and development benefits accruing to the state and host communities were guaranteed under their oil exploration activities.

Dr Somto Udeze, Speaker of the Assembly who read the resolution of the House said the invitation was sequel to the huge number of petitions against the impact of the operations of the oil companies by the host communities.

Udeze, who hailed from one of the host communities, said SEEPCO should provide documentary Evidence of the constitution of the host communities trust, EIA, CSR and other claims at their next appearance.

“Provide evidence showing that three percent of your annual budget has been paid for 2022, 2023, 2024 and projects executed so far as CSR as well as document showing needs assessment of Host Communities.

“Comprehensive document showing the EIA, natural gas flare elimination and monetisation plan with respect to Section 108 of PIA and your plans for decommissioning and abandonment after work.

“Evidence of out-put metering regarding the quantity of oil and gas produced daily, list of Anambra indigenes who are staff of the company and evidence of payment of tax to the state from inception till date,” he said .

Udeze said other firms invited but did not appear were Sahara Energy Resources , Orient Petroleum CottonWood Gas and the Commissioner of Nigeria Upstream Regulatory Agency.

Further hearing was adjourned to Novrmber

Activist Exposes Silent Infrastructure Revolution Under Gov. Soludo.



Some residents of Anambra have commended Gov. Chukwuma Soludo for the infrastructure revolution going on under his administration.

The residents expressed their admiration when an Activist, Mr Osita Obi took some journalists on a tour of some completed and ongoing projects in the state on Friday.

The projects visited were the completed Amansea-Ndiukwuenu-Awa-Ufuma road measuring about 23km and Anansea-Ebenebe-Ugbenu-Awba Ofemili road measuring about 26km, the Government House/Lodge, Ifite road link bridge, Ekwueme Square and Solution Fun City.

The Amansea-Ndiukwuenu-Awa-Ufuma road has now reduced travel time between Awka and Umunze through Nibo-Awgbu-Amaokpala-Oko from 2h:30 hrs to about 35 mins while the communities on the route are opening up to development.

Some residents of Awba-Ofemili in Awka North Local Government Area, the termination point of the Anansea-Ebenebe-Ugbenu-Awba Ofemili road described Soludo as Godsend.

The people of the agrarian community said life was terrible before the road was constructed.

Mr Ambrose Nweke
said the community was far away from modern civilisation as the road leading to it was impossible.

According to him, we will vote Sudo 10 times if he stands for election 10 times, this road has brought life and light to us.

Also speaking, Chinedu Orekie, a community leader said the access road was not done because of their effort as a people but for the benevolence of Prof Soludo.

According to Orekie, a lot has happened in this community since this road was completed, development has come in, our land has appreciated tremendously and people are coming in.

“I am 47 years old now, this is the first time I am seeing a tarred road in Awba Ofemili, We thank the governor for this, he has promised to link this road to other communities around us,” he said.

The team also visited the ongoing Ifite road flyover across the Awka-Enugu expressway.

The project will connect the traffic from Nibo, Amawbia, Eke Awka, and Agu through Zik Avenue to Ifite and divert unnecessary traffick from the popular Aromma Junction.

The massive Anambra Government House/Lodge which has been abandoned for over 20 years is another wonder in waiting.

The project, sitting on 23 hectres of land, promises to be one of the biggest and best government houses in Nigeria.

It houses an executive council chambers, presidential lodge for diplomatic guests, banquets hall, a chaplaincy, governor's lodge, green area with over 3.2 km of internal roads and well paved flood channels.

It is worthy to note that the site of the Government House/Lodge is part of a reclaimed gully erosion site because it sits at the lowest point in Awka with high susceptibility to flood and erosion.

When completed, Soludo would have succeeded in giving Anambra a befitting and permanent governance edifice that will not only her proud but enhance efficient service delivery in the public sector

The Alex Ekwueme Square, the outdoor state event centre is not spared of the infrastructure transformation going on under Soludo.

The arena is undergoing massive remodeling with conversion of one of the pavilion to a state-of-the-art state box, refurbishing of another as well as the construction of a new one.

According to an engineer on site, the project is nearing completion and would soon be handed over to the people of Anambra.

The Solution Fun City within the premises of Old Awka Township Stadium which will have a Water Park and other leisure facilities will be the most preferred tourism destination when completed.

Speaking to journalists, Osita Obi, a good governance advocate said he initiated the project tour to confirm some of the claims himself and communicate his findings to the masses.

Obi said he was overwhelmed with what he saw, and pleaded with people of Anambra to give Gov. Soludo more time to drive his ‘vision of radical transformation’.

We must not disrupt this progress, Anambra is on the part to sustainable, development,

Anambra Doctors Call-Off Strike, Calls On Soludo To Declare State Of emergency On Security


The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Anambra Branch has called off the indefinite strike embarked upon to protest the kidnap of Dr Stephen Ezeh, an Ihiala based private practitioner.


The NMA also The NMA urged Gov. Chukwuma Soludo to declare a state of emergency on security in the state.

It said the growing insecurity and kidnapping was crippling the economy and health care delivery in the State.

The NMA in a Statement was signed by Dr Princeston Okam and Dr Ifeanyi Obiaeli its Chairman and Secretary respectively on Sunday said the decision followed the release of Dr Ezeh from captivity of kidnappers.


Recall that Ezeh was kidnapped in Ihiala on Aug. 15 following which the NMA directed members to down tools on Aug. 22 after issuing a prior 48 hour ultimatum.

The NMA told members to return to work and appreciated everyone who contributed in whatever way towards securing the release of Ezeh.

“The total and indefinite strike action called by NMA Anambra Branch to protest the kidnap of our member Dr Stephen Ezeh is hereby called off following his release.

“Clinical services resumes 08:00 hours Sunday Aug 25.

“We appreciate the good people of Anambra for bearing with us through this trying times while we earnestly pray that this tribulation will not arise again.

“We appreciate our colleagues for their solidarity and doggedness in the face of the challenges facing the sector, especially insecurity and urge them to remain resolute and committed towards delivering healthcare to Anambra people,” it said.


The doctors called the general public, security agencies, professional bodies and corporate bodies to join hands with the governor towards achieving a peaceful, secure and healthy Anambra.