₦airaland Forum

Emeka Offor endows N100m in UNN

Titus Maduako Eleweke

The Executive Chairman of Chrome Group of Companies,on Saturday donated N100m endowment fund for the development of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN).
Sir Offor,who is philanthropist, made the donation shortly after he was awarded the degree of Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa) during the 52nd Convocation ceremony of UNN in Nsukka.
Offor, who was represented by one of his managers, Chief Steve Ahaneku, said that the Vice Chancellor of UNN, Prof. Charles Igwe had discussed the mode of disbursement and the area of development in the university.
According to him, -Sir Emeka Offor Foundation - has been in the fore-front of educational, health and youth empowerment.
He stated that UNN has been a great beneficiary of his foundation with Books for Africa to the tune of multi-million worth of books in various disciplines.
According to him, the foundation and Books for Africa have donated books worth $30 million to institutions in 18 African countries in various disciplines, they include law, computer science, business administration, political science among others.
Offor said that not long ago during the COVID-19, the foundation donated 100 fully fitted hospital beds to the University of Nigeri Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Ituku-Ozalla near Enugu to reinforce the desire for Nigerians to have sound health.
According to Offor, in 2010 the foundation endowed a professorial chair worth N20 million in the UNN, noting that it has been quite a time a comprehensive report had been sent across on the endowed chair.
"I appreciate this great institution for this rare and high honour to me and my group," he said.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof Charles Igwe, said that the university carefully chose world class personality that met the stringent criteria stipulated for the award of the honorary degrees of the UNN.
Igwe, before Offor's citaton was read, said as a student and great ambassador of the institution, Offor had distinguished himself in the oil and gas sectors as well as other endeavours he had engaged in.
"Sir Emeka Offor has exceptionally done well in all God has blessed him to engage in; a shining example of simplicity, humility and someone who is fully out to uplift humanity in its entirety" he said.
Reacting, Igwe Austine Ndigwe, Eze-Uzu III of Awka Ancient Kingdom, said that Offor deserve the award for his numerous work of charity and philanthropy, stating that Offor gives to everyone and group without limit.
Ndigwe called on Nigerians to emulate the spirit of selfless giving of Offor.
He said said due to his spirit of giving and weeping tears of many, God has keep on blessing Sir Emeka Offor.
Chief Ikenna Ofodeme, Majority Leader of Anambra State House of Assembly, said that Offor has been a great blessing to humanity and has been instrumental to development in communities and institutions in the country.
Ofodeme, who is a member representing Ekwusigo State Constituency, said that "the people of Anambra are proud to associate with their illustrious son and foremost philanthropist.
Offor and three others received honourary doctorate degrees from UNN.

ASATU Youth vote Onitsha South LGA Boss Best LGA Chairman in Anambra

Titus Maduako Eleweke

The members of Anambra State Association Of Town Unions ASATU Onitsha South Youth Wing have voted the Chairman of Onitsha South local government area, Chief Emeka Joseph Orji as the best Council Chairman in Anambra state.
In a statement signed by ASATU Youth Mayor Onitsha South local government area, Comerade Dunu Chiadikaobi stated that Chief Orji has transformed the council since two years he assumed office.
He said that since the advent of his administration more than two years , Onitsha South local government area have witnessed tremendous successes in taking governance to the masses at the community level.
"Reasons for this endorsement are indeed gearing for all and sundry to see;
1, Urban regeneration of the Council area as well as Urban restoration of the commercial city which also includes the desisting and clearing of water ways which has stopped the perennial flooding in Fegge and it's environs .
2. Recovery of public property and allowing local government system to function optimally and demolition of illegal structures that had in the past affected free flow of traffic and defacing the Commercial City.
5 Skill acquisition in conjunction with the Non Governmental organizations that has led to the training and empowering of youths in the Council area.
3, Attracting more than five road projects that has led to the ease of traffic and giving Onitsha South the befitting look and providing access roads to traders and other business men and women.
4. Capacity building of staff of the local government area by providing descent working environment which has improved productivity for the staff as well as repainting of the multipurpose hall , concrete paving of the compound and public toilet and shower and provision of new seats for religious and social activities.
5. Attracted the ongoing building of General Hospital in the Council area and providing medical services to the aged and vulnerable in the Council area.
6. Restoration and beautification of major centers in the Local Government Area" he stated.
He also commended Governor Charles Soludo for appointing him the Chairman of the local government area.
According to him ,his appointment has continued to provide positive multiplayer effects in the area.
"We commend the governor for delivering on his promise to make Anambra state livable and prosperous Homeland through the fighting of insecurity in the state , massive road construction as well as provision of social security in the state.
We also salute Gov Charles Soludo for bringing to bear expertise and professionalism in government through the appointment of the best brains in all sectors of the state" he said .

We generate over N61billions yearly to Anambra government-- drivers

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Transport Company of Anambra State ( TRACAS) Drivers have stated that they remit over N61 billions to the company every year and yet the management continue to maltreat them.
The Vice President of High way TRACAS Drivers, Mr. Okwudiri Felix Okonkwo stated this on Friday at a peaceful protest against the company's management extortion,ill treatment against them to government House Agu Awka.


According to him,the purpose of the protest was to bring to the attention of governor Charles Soludo the ill treatment being mated on them by the management of TRACAS.

He said every driver who ply Lagos and Abuja highways, pays N15,000 per loading and if they made over 10 trips to Lagos and Abuja a month,that 20 loading.
"If you make a five trips to and from a month ,you are to pay N300,000 every month . Calculate N300,0000 into 1700 vehicles N5,000,000,100 and tax it by 12 months it is N61,000,000,000. This does include the local vehicles.
We don't know why the management want to stifle us with multiple levies. We are doing the protest to get the attention of the governor to the bad treatment being mated to us management of TRACAS despite our contribution to Company" he said.
According to him, despite all the money they pay on every trip the company does have any park of its throughout federation.

He said that recently,the management of TRACAS ordered that they pay N45,000 to fix trackers to their private vehicles cars to monitor their activities.

"We accepted to have trackers in our vehicles but they must pay for the fixing and give us a written agreement that if anything happens to our motors they will pay ,but they refuse. At a stage Chairman ,Anambra State House committee on transport intervened and just after three days ,they asked for enforcement.
They stop us on highway and collect N85,000 for the trackers and renewal permit as a fine. We are crying to the governor to intervene and save us from TRACAS intimation,harrassment and extortion. We are in support of the governor but the management of TRACAS is sabotaging our efforts' he lamented .
The Secretary to TRACAS Drivers, Benjamin Ogbonnaya ,said that management is not treating them fairly as partner in the business and appealed to Soludo to come for their rescue.

"The current management of TRACAS is not doing well. In 2019 they forced us to pay N29,000 for speed limit till today they have not install any and they want to force us again to pay N45,000. We are not against the tracking devices but they must pay for them and signed agreement that anything that happen to our vehicles in highway, they must take the full responsibilities" he said.
Addressing the protesting TRACAS drivers, Secretary to the State government,Prof Solo Chukwululobe commended them for the peaceful conduct and promised to relay their complaints to the governor.
He assured that within a week they will hear from the governor.
He also promises to speak to the management of TRACAS to step down the enforcement pending the resolution of the crisis.
Mean while managing director of tracas Mr Chike Obiakor said they have the choice to obey the policy of the company or leave,though, he is not asking them to leave
According to him, the drivers normal load their vehicles Caption

Secretary to government Prof Solo vhukeulobe addressing protesting tracas drivers at government house Agu Awka on Friday without coming to TRACAS parks to pay their loading fee.
He said that his record are clear and open for any audit.
"We are trying to install trackers to monitor their movement because they are not paying their loading fees in out parks. We have even stationed dome people on highway to check if they pay at parks and we are paying heavily for that their actions" he said.

We generate over N61 billions yearly to Anambra government,yet treat like us salves-VP

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Transport Company of Anambra State ( TRACAS) Drivers have stated that they remit over N61 billions to the company every year and yet the management continue to maltreat them.
The Vice President of High way TRACAS Drivers, Mr. Okwudiri Felix Okonkwo stated this on Friday at a peaceful protest against the company's management extortion,ill treatment against them to government House Agu Awka.


According to him,the purpose of the protest was to bring to the attention of governor Charles Soludo the ill treatment being mated on them by the management of TRACAS.

He said every driver who ply Lagos and Abuja highways, pays N15,000 per loading and if they made over 10 trips to Lagos and Abuja a month,that 20 loading.
"If you make a five trips to and from a month ,you are to pay N300,000 every month . Calculate N300,0000 into 1700 vehicles N5,000,000,100 and tax it by 12 months it is N61,000,000,000. This does include the local vehicles.
We don't know why the management want to stifle us with multiple levies. We are doing the protest to get the attention of the governor to the bad treatment being mated to us management of TRACAS despite our contribution to Company" he said.
According to him, despite all the money they pay on every trip the company does have any park of its throughout federation.

He said that recently,the management of TRACAS ordered that they pay N45,000 to fix trackers to their private vehicles cars to monitor their activities.

"We accepted to have trackers in our vehicles but they must pay for the fixing and give us a written agreement that if anything happens to our motors they will pay ,but they refuse. At a stage Chairman ,Anambra State House committee on transport intervened and just after three days ,they asked for enforcement.
They stop us on highway and collect N85,000 for the trackers and renewal permit as a fine. We are crying to the governor to intervene and save us from TRACAS intimation,harrassment and extortion. We are in support of the governor but the management of TRACAS is sabotaging our efforts' he lamented .
The Secretary to TRACAS Drivers, Benjamin Ogbonnaya ,said that management is not treating them fairly as partner in the business and appealed to Soludo to come for their rescue.

"The current management of TRACAS is not doing well. In 2019 they forced us to pay N29,000 for speed limit till today they have not install any and they want to force us again to pay N45,000. We are not against the tracking devices but they must pay for them and signed agreement that anything that happen to our vehicles in highway, they must take the full responsibilities" he said.
Addressing the protesting TRACAS drivers, Secretary to the State government,Prof Solo Chukwululobe commended them for the peaceful conduct and promised to relay their complaints to the governor.
He assured that within a week they will hear from the governor.
He also promises to speak to the management of TRACAS to step down the enforcement pending the resolution of the crisis.
Mean while managing director of tracas Mr Chike Obiakor said they have the choice to obey the policy of the company or leave,though, he is not asking them to leave
According to him, the drivers normal load their vehicles privately without coming to TRACAS parks to pay their loading fee.
He said that his record are clear and open for any audit.
"We are trying to install trackers to monitor their movement because they are not paying their loading fees in out parks. We have even stationed dome people on highway to check if they pay at parks and we are paying heavily for that their actions" he said.

AKDF: AiRS MD threathens to declare Keke Drivers' Co-ordinator Enemy For Life


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Chairmen of Anambra State Internal Revenue Services (AiRS), Dr Greg Ezilo has threathened to declare the coordinator of Anambra State Keke Drivers Comrade Osita Obi enemy for life.
In a leaked WhatsApp communication between Ezilo and Obi,the former accused the later of blackmail.
Obi, however said that he is not worried to be declared enemy for life by any body,as it is one's choice to choose how he relate with him or anyother person.
In trending online Publications , Keke Drivers said they have commenced mobilization for imminent protest over alleged aiding of activities of Touts by Anambra Internal Revenue Service (AIRS) through indiscriminate opening of various revenue windows.
The story said ,the agitated group noted that operators of the revenue windows recruit touts and cultists as revenue agents to collect various forms of levies from them thereby subjecting them to multiple taxation, a development which contravenes the stance Governor Charles Chukwuma SOLUDO's (Prof), administration in his revenue mobilization drive.
They further appealed for digital and electronic forms of revenue collection alleging that the current system whereby illegal agents recruited by operators of revenue windows are collecting cash is exploitative and fraudulent as revenue are mostly diverted.
The Drivers revealed that the motive of the planned protest was to demonstrate their displeasure to the current system by AIRS, while urging Governor Charles Soludo to intervene.
According the story, checks confirmed the existence of aforesaid revenue windows, some in forms of partnership with the AIRS with intent to assist recoup funds for the State.
Reacting to the story, Greg Ezilo said "Above refers: Osita my friend. I hope you are not involved in this blackmail, because if you are, I will declare you an enemy for life"
Obi in his response, he said that he has a character and anyone can choose how to relate with him ,noting that he is not worried about who declares him enemy for life.
He, however said he takes exception for Ezilo associating him with blackmailing because he can talk to any person he wants to address, stating that he does not need blackmail to communicate

"Well, Comrade Osita Obi is not worried being declared an enemy for life. Anambra keke drivers forum has a WhatsApp platform for keke drivers created by me. This platform harbours keke drivers, senior government officials, senior security personnels, journalists and including you. Compliants are brought here by keke drivers from all over Anambra state. Sometimes i share the information brought to this forum with you. But because you hardly have time again to interact with me or go through the platform there is a communication gap. The journalists in this forum lift some complaints here and use it for story. Comrade Osita Obi has a character and you can choose how to relate with me. That's your choice but i take exception for associating me with blackmailing. I can talk to anybody including His Excellency. I don't need to resort to blackmailing in other to communicate. Remain blessed. Comrade Osita Obi"he said

High Chief Oba Nwaeri, task Nri, Igbo on promotion of Igbo culture

Titus Maduako Eleweke

High Chief Eddie Nwaeri, alias Okutaoloibe has described culture as beliefs, social forms and material traits,religious,ideas,and social behaviour of a particular people or society .
He urged every Nri and Igbo man to hold tanaciously to values and the culture of the land.
Nwaeri made the assertion at the sideline during the grand unveiling ceremony of the statue of Eze Nri Obalike, The Legend ,The 14th Eze Nri of the Ancient kingdom and Hegemony, Nri Obalike 1 of Umu- Nri Omalo, Royal Lineage, who Reigned AD 1889 -1936.
According to him, the significance of day’s unveiling ceremony, was an opportunity to immortalize the 14th Eze Nri of Nri, Eze Obalike and bring to limelight the role he played in preserving the tradition and culture of not just Nri people but the entire Igbo race in general.
High Chief Nwaeri said that Eze Nri Obalike reign witnessed a major assault on the culture, traditional institution and authority of the Priestly king of Ndi Igbo “Eze Nri” by the colonial masters who forced the Eze at a gunpoint to abrogate the Nri values and instructs the people to only pay respects to the whiteman.
" Yes, he did accept that just to save the lives of his people knowing that such pronouncement cannot hold in Nri and Igbo land since the Igbo have a degree of control over external forces and Internal politics of the older Igbo settlement.
"This belief is ingrained with the concept of peace , harmony and truth,ritually symbolised and enacted in the ceremonies of the Ozo title men who were the political elite would be difficult to abrogate with one forced ceremony"he said.
Oba Nwaeri noted that Professor Paul Basau of Oxford University, UK in his good will message at the unveiling ceremony and other anthropologists, gave a vivid attempted rape on the Igbo culture which did not lead to the expected annihilation of Igbo civilisation as the truth cannot be buried.
He called on the Nri people to come in huge numbers as the time is very apt to change the narratives and inculcate the Igbo ideology and value into the younger generations.
" It is in the recognition of the fact that we must leave a legacy for our children. Who are in a better position to tell the story of Eze Nri Obalike, his educated grandson who by the grace of God is 98 years old and as fit as a fiddle has set the pace.
"It is a clarion call for us to assimilate other cultures that will bring progress to our society but retain those that defines us as a unique creation of God “Chukwu Okike”.
" These include but not limited to respect for our elders, mastering the English languages but preserving our mother tongue, our dress code, cultural heritages and others.
" Our cultures and traditions have evolved over thousands of years and defines who we are. We cannot let it go without handing over to our children in a manner they can appreciate.
" Oral tradition has served us well in the past but now we need to document and create sculptures and films to immortalize our cultural heritage.
' We need more professors of Igbo language, professors of anthropology, professors of traditional Africa religion and professors of music -cultural heritage to ensure our cultures are preserved." he said.
Oba Nwaeri said that the Indigenes of Nri Kingdom, worldwide celebrated on May 4th 2024 the unveiling of 14th Eze Nri of Nri, Eze Obalike. I greet the proud people of Nri globally.
" I commend Prince Ben Egwuatu Okolo, Onwa of Nri, grandson of Eze Nri Obalike for this amazing insight, also the chairman of the event professor Perer Umeadi" Eze -Otosi Nri, chief Judge Emeritus, Anambra state and the unveiler, Prince Ikenna Onyeosoh. Regent,Eze Nri Enweleana and Oba Larry Nwagwu,Head Nri Traditional council ."Nwaeri greeted.

Stakeholders take over Eziowelle Community town Union leadership


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Stakeholders in Eziowelle Community in Idemili North local government area of Anambra said they have takenover of the leadership of the town following the expiration of the tenure of the former President General Bar Titus Akpudo whose tenure expired three years ago.
The stakeholders led by the respective branch Chairmen across the country also said they will approach the court to stop Bar Titus Akpudo from parading himself as president general since his tenure has expired in 2021.
The stakeholders said the Traditional Ruler of the town Igwe Micheal Ugoji Okonkwo and the firmer President General of the town are imposing an illegal government on the town through the sit tight leadership of Akpudo style.
According to them,they are taking over the leadership to save the community from serious crisis pending when the Town Union election is conducted.
They said that that since the tenure of Akpudo expired in June 30th 2021 he has refused to vacate office and allow the conduct of a general election to elect a substantive new Executive Committee to pilot the affairs of the town rather he secretly amended the Constitution of the Town to suit his sit tight ambition.
According to a release signed by the stakeholders, Chairman of Abuja branch of Eziowelle Improvement Union EIU Mr Ezenwa Azie , Secretary of Abuja branch Bar Ekene Arubaleze , Lagos branch Chairman Anthony Oragui, , Onitsha Branch Chimezie Chukwuka and their respective Secretaries stated that
"Hon Barrister Titus Akpudo whose second term tenure elapsed on the 30th of June 2021 has held the EIU Nigeria since then through subterfuge , innuendo, , name dropping and lies . It will interest you Gentle men and Women of the press to know that after serving for six year as Vice President General and another six years as substantive President General of Eziowelle Improvement Union from which position he contested and won ASATU President, Barrister Titus Akpudo has been absolutely corrupted by power and entertainment megalomania to the point of running Eziowelle into his full time job and fiefdom with the active support and connivance of HRH Igwe Micheal Ugoji Okonkwo."
"The branch Chairmen of here by wish to inform the general public that the administration of Eziowelle Improvement Union Nigeria has taken over by the General Assembly to enable them to convene an emergency meeting to chart a new course for our beloved Eziowelle"
They further stated that the Administrative Secretary of the Town Union Mr Frances Mbakwe can no longer write or sign letters or issue directives in the name of the Union without written instructions from the General Assembly.
The stakeholders equally urged the Traditional Ruler Okonkwo to respect the terms and content of the letter of recognition dated 16 the August 2018 with reference no ODG/ GHA/ CM / 262 / T/77 and copied HRH by the office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy and Town Union Matters, noting that his continued recognition of Bar Titus Akpudo as President General of Eziowelle Improvement Union Nigeria is in clear breach of the directives of the Government of Anambra.
They contended that there was no time the Town convened a meeting to amend the Unions Constitution ,stating that the date 19th December 2020 was a season of global lockdown orchestrated by the COVID-19 pandemic hence social gathering was prohibited.
Several calls to Bar Titus Akpudo for his response could not be picked.

TRACAS drivers to embark on strike over tracking devices


Tension mounts as Transport Company of Anambra State ( TRACAS) Drivers embark on a peaceful protest against forceful installation of tracking devices on their vehicles with N45,000 cost.
The management of the company had ordered that every driver in the company must install tracking device at the cost of N45,000.
Speaking to our reporter, the Vice President of TRACAS drivers, Okwudiri Okonkwo Felix said they may embark on peaceful protest on Friday to draw to the attention of the governor Prof Charles Soludo to their plights.

He said the forceful imposition of N45,000 to install tracker devices in their private vehicles was uncalled for.

According to him,the management of the TRACAS has said that if anybody refuses to pay the N45,000 for the tracking device,the person will not be loaded in any of company's Parks across Nigeria.
"We cannot pay N45,000 to install trackers in our vehicles . If the management want trackers,they should finance it and not pushing the expenses to us
Our problem with management started a month ago when we wanted to renew our vehicles permit,which we do every year at the cost of N2000. When we went to renew our permit,this year,they said we will pay N10,000 against N2000. We objected and later agree to pay for peace to reign,but while trying to pay, they told us that we must pay N45,000 to install tracker devices in our private vehicles. We said no, but we later agreed on the condition that they must sponsor the fixing of the trackers and they said no ,we must pay for it. Last time, we paid N29,000 for speed limit and they never installed them " he said .
According to him, the management has stopped loading their vehicles among those who ply highways because they want us to pay N45,000 to install trackers.
He said the MD has given instruction that no body should load anyone who does not pay the renewal N10,000 and N45,000 for tracking devices.

"Today ,our drivers who went to Lagos,Abuja and other places are driving back to Anambra state empty after spending over N65,000 to buy fuel. This is because MD refused to load us. We cannot continue to be slaves in our state. We are from Anambra state,nobody shall treat us as slaves.
We are going to protest against this obonixious policy ,we own the vehicles and not the TRACAS. They are putting trackers to monitor the movement of private motors. We had even asked them to go ahead and put the trackers ,but they said we must pay N45,000. TRACAS collected N29,000 from over 2,500 highways Siena cars to put speed limit some years back,it did not do that . Today they are asking us to pay N45,000 to install trackers in our motors and they are targeting over 15,000 Siena" he stated.
He also stated that because of the issue ,the chairman House Committee on Transport, Hon Commissioner for Transport, the MD of TRACAS held meetings and agreed to step down the enforcement pending the final decision.
According to him,to their greatest surprise,three days after , the MD wrote a letter directing enforcement of N10,000 renewal and when we want to renew our permit they asked us to pay the N45,000 for trackers.

He also stated that they learnt honourable House member had called the MD for over three times and he refused to pick his calls, because he does not want to listen to him on the issue.
He also stated that the drivers had written to the governor and the Commissioner for transport and non of them replied those letters.
According to him,this gives them the impression that the governor knew what is happening because the MD is his brother.
"Do you know that the MD will boastfully and boldly tell us that we cannot do anything and that if we like, we can protest from Awka to Abuja, Lagos,weeks,months,and nothing will happen to him.
I pay N15,000 to TRACAS in every loading to Lagos and N15,000 loading coming back to Awka. I make over 10 trips in a month ,that is to say I pay TRACAS N300,000 every month and sometimes, I will make more than 10 times. I maintain my vehicles, fuel it and solves other problem on the roads. When you have problem on the road and ask for intervention, they will ask to go and solve your problem" he said .

He regretted that despite all the money TRACAS makes from drivers,it does not have permanent office in Awka,Lagos and Abuja.
According to him,the money TRACAS is generating every day is enough to take care of needs of the company and much left for the government.

He said that about 15,000 Siena cars pay over N300,000 each every month to TRACAS and yet the MD wants to stifle the drivers because they are using the state brand name.
He described those that ply local route as oil wall for the TRACAS because they are uncountable.

"The local routes are just like oil wall,the kind of money TRACAS get from them is very enomous and yet the management is not happy with us" he said
The chairman , TRACAS local routes, Mr Ebere Chukwu said that local route which comprise Owerri, Port-harcourt,Umuahia, Enugu and all routes within Anambra state pay 20% of their loading cost to TRACAS on each loading.
According to him,the management wanted force them to pay N45,000 for tracking devices,though they said the local routes are not involved, but we knew that they will still come to us after dealing with the highways.

"I think they want to use the tracking devices to make more money for themselves, they should fund it. Ordinarily,if you want to monitor our movement you put the trackers by yourself. Most car owners and drivers don't want that and they have held serveral meetings with management, Commissioner for transport, House members without meaningful outcome" he said .
He said, if the highways go on strike or protest, they will join them because injury to one is injury to all.
According to him,after dealing with highways, they will come to local.
"Last time they forced the highways to N29,000 for speed limit and said we were not involved but after the highways they came to us and collected the same amount ,yet they did not fix the speed limit. We knew tomorrow after the highways they will come after us" he said.
He appealed to the State Governor Prof Charles Soludo to critically look into the activities of TRACAS across the country.
According to him, TRACAS is creating job opportunities for Anambra youths and any thing that will dislocate the operate will increase crime in the state.

"Most of the young men in Anambra make living from TRACAS either directly or indirectly. Iam from Anambra state and I have been in TRACAS for over 10 years. We don't want anything that will create problem for TRACAS and Drivers because of the multiple effects on the state. Many youths are pulled away from crimes because of the opportunities created by TRACAS" he added.
Reacting,the the Managing Director of TRACAS Mr Chike Obiakor , said the purpose of the tracking devices is to monitory the movement of drivers because many will go out to load without paying the company.
According to him, when he assumed office they were paying 12% of their loading,but when they pleaded and I move it down to 10% and that is what they are still pay till date.
Recently,we discovered that the drivers will go to passengers houses , especially during festive period because they have many customers.
"They will go to their houses carry passengers and leave without going to our deport to pay their 10% as result we recruited about five man monitoring team stationed at Asaba, Delta State. They check all motor with our brand ,check the manifest and find out if they were properly loaded in their office with normal payments.
All the TRACAS owned vehicles have tracking device and we know where our drivers are at everytime. We said that every motor that want to work with us must have tracking device. And I told them that we are installing the trackers because of their attitude toward the company" he stated.
He advised that whoever they does not want to obey the management policy can leave, though we are not asking them to leave our company.
On the issues of N45,000 ,he said initially,they agreed to share it into two and gave them time limit under which to pay.
According to him,when the time expired they are demanded to pay full.

He said the time has elapsed and they must pay full now, noting that the bad ones among them are the people instigating the problem.
"The bad ones among them said that they cannot fix trackers in their motors and they are pressurising others not to pay.
"We even asked them to put the trackers and just give the link to us so that we can monitor their movement and make the appropriate revenue for the company" he said .
According to him, the company will like every body do his work according to the policy's of the TRACAS.
On Drivers welfare, he said they spend much to keep them free from harassment on the roads
"We settle Police, Vehicles Inspection Officer VIO and Road Safety so that they don't disturb them, but the problem is that most of them forge the authority letter from the company and when the police call, we will tell them they are not with us" he said .
According to him, himself and the Secretary to state government signed letter of authority, but now we are trying to make it difficult for anybody to forge.
" I think the tracking devices is for their good because it will assist the company to know where and when they have problem " he said .

Rotary Club organises seminar for incoming leaders for prudentency,purposefulness



Titus Maduako Eleweke

Rotary Club, Anambra State on Saturday organised a seminar to train its elected officers for purposeful and prudent leadership management.
The District Wide Club Officers Training Seminar (COTS) held simultaneously across Districts was targeted at Training Club Officers elected to lead deligiently and prudently for the year 2024/25.
However,it is a Pre-Year statutory Training holding annually to ensure that the rotary get it right in its leadership in order to achieve success in Membership, Foundation Giving and Public Image.
Speaking on the training,the President elect of Awka Smith town,Rotarian Alex Arinze described the training as one of the core programme of the club because it always demands for the right things.
According to him,the training helps to equip the incoming leaders to be focused and not to be distracted by the offices.
According to him, rotary club is all about intergrity and honesty of purpose .
"If you don't have intergrity, you cannot lead. Rotary are for men and women of hunour and intergrity. We always demands intergrity and prudency" he said .
Also the president elect of Rotary Club Awka Dr Nwabufor Nwankwo promised to aligned himself with the vision and goals of the club for Humanitarian services, which the club stands for.

Nwankwo who is Permanent Secretary in Anambra State said that he would demosticate all the virtues of rotary club in their localities to give a life meaning.
"We are going to focus on environment, child dedication, mental mortality and others.Rotary club is an avenue for selfless services and I will focus on the areas of services to humanity and make sure I domesticate them around" he said.
According to him, rotary club creates hope for the hopeless and it is helping people to find their bearings in life.
He assured of using whatever resources that is available to him by the virtue of his position as the president to serve humanity and add value to the world.
The Assistant Governor designate of zone 13,Anambra Rotarian Engr. Chidi Obiudu said that the club put much premium on the leadership intergrity,hence the training every year.
He said that the purpose of the training was to equip the incoming leaders with the knowledge of what they need to know and even the ones they already knew." We refresh their for successful year"
According to him, rotary club is a service organisation,that requires one's time , energy, resources and others to remain afloat.
He said that most of job they do in rotary club are just for rendering selfless services to humanity and putting smiles on the faces of the lessprevillage thereby creating a better society.
"To achieve the purpose of helping people, creating a better society we go out of ways to seek for supports from individuals, organizations, government agencies and others. It is what we get and the little ones we contribute that we use to execute most of the projects. And for you to be supported and trusted,you must be prudent and accountable. If you are not prudent and accountable,nobody will look at your side and give support to achieve the goals of rotary club. And it will affect the memberships and give the rotary bad image" he said.
The past Assistant Governor and the Districts Secretary 2024/ 2025, Mrs Joan Olachi Emegoakor said the training is purposefully designed to equip the new leaders on their responsibilities to the society as Rotarians.
According to her, rotary club is interested in creating and growing leaders with necessary skills to take positive responsibilities in the society.
" In rotary club,we try as much as possible to get it right all the time. We get seasioned facilitators every year to give new ideas and train the young ones. We don't get it wrong and we make sure that club officers meet the desire goals for qaulity Services and for the good of humanity. We also have mechanism to checkmate officers in rotary club" she said.
In his presentation tittled " The Does and Don't of Public: what You Stand " by the Public Relations Officer of the Club, Mr Tochi Amalu the personalities and image of the club is very dear to members.
According to him,the character or attitude of individuals or organizations presented to the public to create in the minds of people matters alot,hence the annual training and seminar.
He urged the club leaders to promote rotary activities in their various locals to increase community understanding and strengthen the ability to improve lives around the world.
He stated that some of the ways of increasing the Public image of rotary club are being good ambassadors, telling the rotary stories and following the right branding.
"A good Rotarian must communicate the image of the club with professional look to create better and good image" he said.

The unvieling of legendary Eze Nri Obalike's statue,the Divine King

Titus Maduako Eleweke

It was a moment of thinking and flashing back on Saturday,when the people of Nri kingdom in Aniocha local government council of Anambra State
unveiled the statue of legendary Eze Nri, Obalike.
The unveiling which was beehives of activities reminiscented on the Divine kingship of Obalike,the first Nri man to have a handshake with the white man.
The unvieling of the statue recreated nostalgia of man who despites his Divine powers and authorities allowed the whiteman to take him to a court in Awka against the prohibitions of him travelling out of Nri,this he did to avoid bloodshed and violence in the community.
Eze Nri Obalike, according to report found in British archive was striped off his authorities and destroyed the Nri traditions of political assendency to power by an extension Igbo culture and traditions.
Eze Nri Obalike pictures taken by a British Anthropologist Nortthcote Whiteridge Thomas, achived in the British Anthropological institute London reports how Thomas visited Nri between 1910 -1911 during which he interacted with the king and took several of his pictures and that of his palace.
During the Grand Unvieling Ceremony of the Statue of Eze Nri Obalike, christened: "The Grand Unvieling Ceremony of The Statue Eze Nri Obalike the Legend; The 14th Eze Nri of the ancient Nri kingdom and Hegemony, Nri Obalike 1 of Umu- Nri Omalo Royal Lineages Reigned AD 1889-1936,saw the true testimony of a British Anthropologist about the Divine kingship of Obalike.
In a Goodwill message sent in by a British Anthropologist , Prof Paul Basu who discovered the picture in the British Institute and reported to the family in Nri, said he was thrilled to learn of Nri's unique history and it cultural and ritual importance.
According to Paul Basu,his report is based on the work of British government Anthropologist, Northcote Whitebridge Thomas on Eze- Nri Obalike.
'My journey to Nri in the dusty achieve of the Royal Anthropological Institute in London,where the glass plate negative and photograph register book of British government Anthropologist Northcote Whitebridge Thomas have been stored for decades. Here ,among thousands of old photographs,there is one ,which bears the number 2227,of an imposing individual, seated on three legged stool, gazing directly to the camera ( and therefor to us). Upon his head is a crown of Eagle feathers, around his ankles, decorated brass anklets,his forehead bears the distinguished Ichi marks. In the Thomas's photo register, photograph number 2227 is captioned simply: King of Nri.
Thomas was not a colonial administrator,but was engaged by the colonial government of what was then the British Protectorate of Southern Nigeria to conduct a series of Anthropological survey on the people of the region. His second tour between November 1910 -December 1911, focused on the area of Awka district, corresponding approximately with present day Anambra State. While Thomas travelled widely through out the district, visiting many neighbouring towns,it is clear that he spent a great deal of time in Agukwu-Nri ( written as 'Aguku' in his notes and publications). A whole chapter of his Anthropological report on Ibo speaking people of Nigeria (1913)which ranges over many subjects such as religion, kingship and law was devoted to Nri 'Priestly king'.
It appears that Thomas became well acquainted with Eze Nri Obalike as well as with other prominent individuals of the time including Chief Onyeso,the son of Eze Nri Enweleana. Thomas describes many of the functions performed by the king and the many ritual prohibitions he is subject to. His chapter include a list of the kings of Nri discussions of origin of kingship in Nri and account given by Obalike himself concerning how he came to occupy the position.
Thomas's published report include a photograph of Obalike's palace.
The Eze Nri and other elders and attendants are ranged in front of the palace,but the photograph is not very clear. It has therefore been especially very gratifying to be able return the many unpublished photographs of Nri taken by Thomas in 1911 to the town and to present copies of Obalike and Onyeso's portraits to their descendants, including, of course,to Prince Ben Egwuatu Okolo, Obalike grandson and the sponsor of the memorial and to the Regent Prince Ikenna Onyeso,who will lead the unvieling ceremony.
While trust seems to have existed between Eze Nri Obalike and the government Anthropologist,the period in which Thomas was conducting his research was a difficult time for Nri. The British were imposing new forms of colonial governance across Igboland and had little respect for customary practices.
In 1911, District Commissioner S.W Sproston demanded that Eze Nri Obalike attend the newly established " native court' in Awka, forcing Obalike to break an ancient prohibitions that the Eze Nri should never leave Nri.
Correspondence in the archive shows that Thomas impressed upon the colonial authorities the need to respect Obalike spiritually ordained authority as a Divine King,they had no interest in doing so. Instead,the authorities required that a special meeting be held in Nri on 5 August 1911 at which ritual prohibitions ( nso Ana) that were considered repugnant to colonial laws were to be removed.
Chiefs from many surrounding towns were invited to attend,and according to Angulu Onwuejeogwu ( the Anthropologist, historian and inaugural curator of Nri's Odinani museum) Sproston instructed the assembled chiefs that they should henceforth obey the white man and not the Eze. Onwuejeogwu concludes, "Thus ended Nri ritual and political assendency in Igbo land"
Eze Nri Obalike was therefore witness to greate cataclysm brought upon Nri and the Igbo people by violence of colonialism.
The fact that the high office of Eze Nri continues, however, and that Nri remembers and remains proud of its remarkable history, tells us that ultimately the colonial destruction of a civilization was not successful. As well as honouring a king who served in troubled times,it strikes me that it is this resillience in the face of adversity that the statue is commemorates.
The chairman of the unvieling ceremony, Prof Peter Umeadi said Nri people will ever remain grateful to Prof Angulu Onwuejeogwu of University of Benin, Nigeria for collating many previous works on Nri kingdom and hegemony.
According to him, words are not enough to thank Prof Paul Basu of the University of Oxford, United kingdom who unearthed the pioneering Anthropological works by the British government Anthropologist, Northcote Whitebridge Thomas made during his second tour between November 1910 to December 1911 on Eze Nri Obalike.
He stated that it was Paul Basu who gave the pictures of Obalike and materials to Prince Ben Egwuatu Okolo,the Grand son of Obalike.
Umeadi who was the presidential candidate of All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA in 2023 presidential election commended Northcote White bridge Thomas the British Anthropologist for his research on Nri kingdom, photograph and writing on king of Nri, Eze Nri Obalike whose statue was unvieled .
"We learnt of the charity and courage of Northcote Whitebridge Thomas that correspondence in the archive shows that Thomas impressed upon the colonial authorities the need to respect the Eze Nri Obalike spiritually ordained authority as a Divine King,but the Commissioner S.W Sproston on 14th of August 1911 at Nri invited chiefs from many towns and at a gunpoint asked the king of Nri to abrogate the nso ana which the colonial adminstration figured was his hold on the people. They also instructed the assembled chiefs that they should henceforth obey the white men and not Eze Nri. Eze Nri in his wisdom obeyed the White man because he did not want harm to befall his people.
He also narrated how,when Eze Nri Obalike was forced to appear in a court and his appearance was remarkable because when the assembly saw him " the whole assembly rose and prepared to flee... So great was the awe which he inspired.
Eze Nri Obalike considered it degradation of his authority, dignity, reputation, or personality and sacredness , promptly him turn down warrant chieftaincy title as he was not ready to sit and argue with his Ozo in Nri,let alone Ozo and non Ozo of other towns. This was the last British political appointment for any Eze Nri"
Umeadi who was the former Chief judge of Anambra State said the present generation of Nri are grateful for such a remarkable event.
According to him ,the unvieling of Eze Nri Obalike was to re-establish Nri political fabric of the country as a major player.
The 98 years grandson of Eze Nri Obalike, Prince Ben Egwuatu Okolo,said they were unvieling his statue to imortslise his name in Nri kingdom.
According to him,the statue will serve as an hounour to our great grandfather.
He narrated how the journey to building of the statue started.
In 2018,they were doing something in the school of Oriental and African studies in United kingdom and one of the Anthropologists came across the picture of Eze Nri Obalike and contacted us ,he came down and gave us the album. I also went to London because of pictures.
It was after my visit to London, we started the project of building monsum where all the pictures will be placed. The monsum was my brain child.
I never knew the existence of such. He also narrated how the then missionaries tried to convert Obalike to Christian but he refused ,saying that he cannot be but his children can.
According to Prince Ben Egwuatu Okolo, Obalike also warned the British not to tamper with the tradition of Nri kingdom and because of his insistence on town's culture, the Nri culture and traditions are still surviving till today.
According to him,the British were not happy with him for refusing to be Christian and invited him to Awka, Eze Nri as Divine King does not leave Nri for other town. However,when he got to Awka the men there ran away because they were afraid.
He also narrated how they forced him to abrogate all the taboo and he agreed to do so inorder to save the lives of his people
The Regent Nri Prince Ikenna Onyeso,said that having the statue of Obalike up,brings everybody back to history.
Obalike fought a lot adversities with the colonial masters but with patience, perseverance he won.
According to him,he did not use his power to fight because that may cause harm to his people and he tactically decided to play along,that is a great wisdom.
"It very gratifying that his grandson many years ago ,he joined his ancestors is honoring him. Where ever he is ,he would be happy about them" he stated.
"Eze Nri Obalike Instituted the spirit of love and peace in Nri and every Nri person hates violence and does not shed blood because we know the importance.
"Mind you ,it was in Nri that women first came out enmasse to fight against the killings of twins. We are peaceful people" he said.
Also one of chiefs ,A.D Nwaeri described Obalike as a great man who brought honour to Nri kingdom.
According to him,the event of the day should be an eye opener to Ndi Igbo to conduct more Anthropological researches on Igbo tractional Institutions.
"We need more Anthropologists to do more works on Igbo history. This will help to drive our culture and traditions" he said .
He commended the grandson of Eze Nri Obalike, Prince Ben Egwuatu Okolo for having interest in Igbo culture and traditions and above for erecting the befitting statue of Eze Nri Obalike in the town, noting that it is a mark of honour and respect for the great the Eze Nri.

AKDF to embark on street protest against harassment, intimidation, extortion

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Anambra State Keke Drivers Forum(AKDF), has been directed to mobilize its members for protest against continued harassment, intimidation, exploitation and extortion of keke drivers in the state.
The State Coordinator of AKDF, Comrade Osita Obi in a statement urged the members of the Union to seriously mobilize for the protest to draw the attention of Governor Charles Soludo to their plights.
He said that, governor Charles Soludo had "after listening to the complaints and cries of keke drivers brought the amount payable from N15,000 to N10,000 and further to N8,000 as a result of fuel increase. But today keke drivers pay up to N18,000 monthly as a result of some obnoxious revenue windows introduced by Anambra State Internal Revenue Services (AIRS). The worst part of this is that these revenue windows are given to notorious and greedy businessmen who in turn recruit touts and cultists for collections. Today on account of these, keke drivers are harassed, intimidated, exploited and extorted even leading to their keke being impounded for days. In the light of the above issues, i direct that keke drivers begin the mobilisation of keke drivers for state wide protest to draw the attention of His Excellency, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo to the matter"
According to him,Anambra AKDF is worried about the continued harassment, intimidation, exploitation and extortion of keke drivers in Anambra state.
He said that from Onitsha to Nnewi, Ekwulobia and Awka, the story of harassment, harassment, intimidation, exploitation and extortion are the same.

According to Obi,these revenue touts will either impounded Keke for days on account of payment not reflected on AiRS system which is not their fault.

Obi also stated that Keke Drivers are not allowed to load in a government park, if the drivers questioned the legality of extra financial burden on them by the way of revenue windows.

He stated that Keke drivers are at the mercy of touts who are recruited to enforce these obnoxious revenue windows.

" The Anambra keke drivers forum(AKDF) demands for the immediate withdrawal of these revenue windows as it is obnoxious in nature. It run counter with His Excellency's digital revenue policy. It also encourages and breeds touting and touts which His Excellency seek to eradicate. AKDF warns that there could be state wide protest to draw His Excellency's attention if the situation remain unchanged" he added.

AKDF to embark on street protest against harassment, intimidation, extortion

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Anambra State Keke Drivers Forum(AKDF), has been directed to mobilize its members for protest against continued harassment, intimidation, exploitation and extortion of keke drivers in the state.
The State Coordinator of AKDF, Comrade Osita Obi in a statement urged the members of the Union to seriously mobilize for the protest to draw the attention of Governor Charles Soludo to their plights.
He said that, governor Charles Soludo had "after listening to the complaints and cries of keke drivers brought the amount payable from N15,000 to N10,000 and further to N8,000 as a result of fuel increase. But today keke drivers pay up to N18,000 monthly as a result of some obnoxious revenue windows introduced by Anambra State Internal Revenue Services (AIRS). The worst part of this is that these revenue windows are given to notorious and greedy businessmen who in turn recruit touts and cultists for collections. Today on account of these, keke drivers are harassed, intimidated, exploited and extorted even leading to their keke being impounded for days. In the light of the above issues, i direct that keke drivers begin the mobilisation of keke drivers for state wide protest to draw the attention of His Excellency, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo to the matter"
According to him,Anambra AKDF is worried about the continued harassment, intimidation, exploitation and extortion of keke drivers in Anambra state.
He said that from Onitsha to Nnewi, Ekwulobia and Awka, the story of harassment, harassment, intimidation, exploitation and extortion are the same.

According to Obi,these revenue touts will either impounded Keke for days on account of payment not reflected on AiRS system which is not their fault.

Obi also stated that Keke Drivers are not allowed to load in a government park, if the drivers questioned the legality of extra financial burden on them by the way of revenue windows.

He stated that Keke drivers are at the mercy of touts who are recruited to enforce these obnoxious revenue windows.

" The Anambra keke drivers forum(AKDF) demands for the immediate withdrawal of these revenue windows as it is obnoxious in nature. It run counter with His Excellency's digital revenue policy. It also encourages and breeds touting and touts which His Excellency seek to eradicate. AKDF warns that there could be state wide protest to draw His Excellency's attention if the situation remain unchanged" he added.

Grant Thornton Nigeria emphasizes ESG Power for Business Success, applauds ICAN-NGX Award



Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues and increasing pressure on companies to achieve sustainability-related goals as components of business success, were some of the key topics discussed when Grant Thornton Nigeria hosted the leadership of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) to a courtesy call at its corporate headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The ICAN delegation comprised the 59th president, Dr. Innocent Okwuosa, FCA; the Vice President, Chief Davidson C.S. Alaribe, MA, CFA, FCA; Registrar/Chief Executive, Lanre Olasunkanmi, Ph.D., FCA, and other council members.
They were received by members of the board, partners, directors, and managers of Grant Thornton Nigeria, including Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Ogwo, the Managing Partner/CEO; Mr. Orji Okpechi, Mr. Victor Usifo, and Mr. Nkwachi Abuka, heads of the Advisory Services, Audit and Assurance, and Tax Services, respectively.
Dr. Ogwo commended the leadership of ICAN on the many innovative projects it executed within a year of its inauguration, emphasizing particularly the ICAN-NGX award, an advancement from the ICAN Accountability Index (the institute's advocacy tool for accountability and transparency in the management of public funds), to advocacy to the private sector through the ICAN-NGX Corporate Reporting Award.
“We at Grant Thornton support the award initiative because we understand that ESG and sustainability are strategic requirements for sustainable success and relevance as embracing and integrating ESG criteria drive innovation, attract investors, and build resilience,” she said.
In his speech, Dr. Okwuosa reiterated the Institute's commitment to undertaking projects that facilitate capital inflows to the market and collaborating with NGX RegCo on such initiatives to promote market growth among accountants and other professionals.
He stated that the partnership between NGX RegCo and ICAN is expected to significantly benefit the Nigerian capital market by enhancing investor confidence, improving regulatory oversight, and raising professional standards.
The ICAN president said that some of the notable projects and initiatives embarked on by the Institute include the successful signing of an Audit Delegation Agreement after more than four years of negotiations with the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) of Nigeria, a turning point that allows ICAN to closely monitor its members' practices; encouragement of mergers of small firms, like SIAO, to increase capacity, and the establishment of Small, Medium Practice (SMP) firm help desk to assist SMEs with technical issues and provide training on quality and professionalism, etc.
“Another significant development is the internationalization of ICAN, which would enable qualified members to take up membership of ICAEW and Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) UK, without having to write any exams. This arrangement is at its final stage with CPA Canada and exists for CIMA,” said Dr. Okwuosa.
Mr. Nkwachi Abuka, head of the Tax Service line in Grant Thornton Nigeria, explained how finance leaders can add value to the ESG agenda.
“This could be achieved by understanding where your organization is investing the most in terms of environmental, social, and governance factors, this is crucial. “This may involve discussing with the sustainability lead in larger organizations or the board/owners in smaller ones. Once you have a clear picture, you can align your tax efforts accordingly to support the organization's ESG agenda,” he added.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) was established by Act of Parliament No. 15 of 1965, with the mission to produce world-class Chartered Accountants, regulate and continually enhance their ethical standards and technical competence in the public interest. There are over 38,000 Chartered Accountants certified by the institute who are engaged in value creation in various sectors of the economy.
Nigeria is a strategic growth market (SGM) within the Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL) global network which comprises independent assurance, tax, and advisory firms made up of over 76,000 people across 151 countries. Grant Thornton is recognized Globally by capital markets, regulators, and international standard-setting bodies.
The professionals at Grant Thornton are deeply connected to the businesses and communities where they operate. They effortlessly integrate into your team, adopting your culture, language, and the unique operational and regulatory environment of your organization, regardless of its location around the world.
Grant Thornton Nigeria operates from three locations and four offices with two hundred (200) staff and ten (10) partners.

Anambra PASAN accuses lawmakers of recruiting Corps members for illegal sitting

Titus Maduako Eleweke

The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Anambra chapter on Tuesday staged a peaceful protest and accused the State House of Assembly of conducting illegal sitting , recruiting members of the National Youth Service Corps to perform the functions of the statutory staff of the Assembly.

The peaceful protest followed the PASAN demands for improved welfare of its members in the House of Assembly as obtained in other states.

They also stated that because of negligence of the management of the house ,the house complex environment is unkept and they kill reptiles on daily basis.

PASAN during the protest carried placards and banners to the Assembly gate and the State Secretariat chanting protest songs demanding for their entitlements.

The Deputy National President of PASAN Comerade Promise Chijioke Onwukwe during the protest said that they embarked on the protest because of the insensitivity of the lawmakers to staff of the state Assembly.

According to him, Anambra State House of Assembly has failed in its responsibilities to workers.
"We are talking about the payment of enhanced salary called CONYLESS , we are talking about staff training, we are talking about provision of laptops, we are talking about establishment of ICT unit , we are talking about employment of more staff , utility vehicles for the Assembly"
"You go to collect or submit mails and you will be trekking from one office to the other under the sun while those that you are working for are cruising in air condition vehicles"
"It might not be far from the truth that Governor Charles Soludo may have provided all these things but they are no where to be found and this is unfortunate"
"Go round the Assembly compound and you will see that it has been over grown by grasses and staff of the Assembly kill all manner of reptiles, snakes and scorpions almost every week and that shows that this place is not conducive to work" he said.
According to him,the Anambra state House of Assembly is conducting illegal sitting without the staff of the house.
"The lawmakers think only about themselves and treating others staff as slaves. We don't enjoy all the salaries and allowances as the other states do. What they only give to us is the N1000 , outfit allowances.
The legislative arm of Anambra state government has failed us . The Honourable members talk about their welfare and neglecting their staff.
They also barred staff from adminstration of duty in the state. They are borrowing corps members to work with in the house" he said .

Speaking to our reporter,the chairman of Anambra state PASAN comrade Okoye Abraham said initially,the house had only three corps members and immediately they commenced strike,they got more corps members to replace them.
"We had only three corps members deployed to the house and for the house to sit, it must have 15 of us and instead of them addressing our problem they decided to get more corps members to carry out the business of the house" he said.

Speaking the journalists, the Majority Leader of the House Hon Ikenna Ofodeme Sylvester dismissed their claims accusing them of disrupting the activities of the legislature.

"It is only the Anambra state PASAN that is on strike and they are not on strike because their statutory payment are not being paid . They are on strike because they are talking about their welfare which has to do with their allowances and what are the allowances for ? '

"It has to do with the internal payment which you need to settle based on the status or the area that you are working"

"In as much as you are asking for allowance you need to be in the compound where you are working so that we can have the opportunity to know exactly what you are doing and your number and take decisions on what is needed and render the services expected of them "

"To crown it all, this is Anambra state House of Assembly and most of those staff are strictly under the office of the Head Of Service and they are posted to come and work with the state Assembly members "

"They are duty bound to listen to where they are posted and know exactly what they are expected to do and if they don't want to work at the House of Assembly, they are free to go back to the Head of Service and not to come here to disrupt the activities of the House of Assembly " he said.
On whether,he is disturbed,by the strike ,he said he is not border about their not coming to work.
However,the Public Relations Officer of NYSC Emeka Ugwu told our reporter via phone that he was not aware of additional corps members deployed to Anambra state House of Assembly.

Wife of kidnapped Anambra LP candidate writes prisons, demands probe of alleged VIP treatment to suspects



Titus Maduako Eleweke

Wife of the abducted Labour Party LP governorship candidate during the 2021 Anambra State governorship election, Obiora Agbasimalo, Mrs Eucharia Agbasimalo,has petitioned the state correctional centre, seeking a probe into "VIP treatments" given to the two suspects in custody al in connection with her husband abduction.

According to her, the suspects allegedly behind her husband’s "mysterious disappearance" were now being given "Very Important Persons" treatment and are "visibly living large, even in custody".

In her open letter to the Controller of Correctional Services, Anambra State, she alleged that the two suspects - Chukwudi Odimegwu and Maxwell Nwokolo - were always online on the social media, boasting to her and members of her family that "nothing will come out of their trial in court".

The open letter, dated April 9, 2024, with the family letter heading, signed by her, on behalf of the Agbasimalo family were copied to the Comptroller-General,
Nigerian Correctional Services
Headquarters, Abuja, Department of State Services, Awka, Anambra State, Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, Anambra State Attorney General, Chairman, Anambra Truth, Justice and Peace Commission.

A copy of the petition was also sent to journalists in Awka, on Monday.

In the petition,Agbasimalo, called on the prisons authorities to look into the matter and ensure justice is served as the family members have been depressed since the abduction of her husband in 2021, while the suspects "continue to leave large as kings in custody".

The letter with the caption, "Petition/Alarm over undue VIP treatment given to two suspects in custody at the Correctional Centre, Nnewi, Anambra State', is coming barely a month after the counsels to the suspects had sought for their bail at the Nnewi High Court.

The letter read in part, "My name is Eucharia Agbasimalo, the wife of Mr Obiorah Agbasimalo, the kidnapped Labour Party governorship candidate during the 2021 Anambra State governorship election in Anambra State.

"This is to bring to your attention the case of two suspects - Chukwudi Odimegwu and Maxwell Nwokolo – that were arrested in connection with the kidnap of my husband, Mr Obiorah Agbasimalo, and are presently detained at the Nnewi Correctional Centre while the matter is in court.

"My husband, Agbasimalo, was kidnapped on September 18, 2021, during his governorship campaign days at Lilu in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. He was on his way to Azia community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, to honour an invitation for a ceremony. Since his kidnap, his whereabouts have remained unknown till date.

"The two persons who were members of my husband's campaign team as of the time he was kidnapped, were fingered as principal suspects in the kidnap saga and consequently arrested, charged to court on two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and kidnap, and were remanded at the Nnewi Correctional Centre in Anambra State from where they are currently standing trial at Ihiala High Court sitting at Nnewi.

"While I was testifying before the court as 1st Prosecution Witness, PW1, I observed that the two suspects were always boasting that they had the backing of 'powers that be' and that they would be released without any hassle.

"I want to bring to your attention that the duo of Chukwudi Odimegwu and Maxwell Nwokolo, as inmates of the Correctional Centre at Nnewi do not come to the court in the uniform worn by those awaiting trial just like other suspects do. They are allowed to walk about the court premises freely with no handcuffs. My lawyer from the DPP has called the attention of the prison warders to this anomaly, but nothing changed.

"The two suspects do not also come to the court on handcuffs like other suspects do and considering the magnitude of the case, they are supposed to be at the court on handcuffs.

"My investigations and findings have shown that the two principal suspects might have compromised some officials of Nnewi Correctional Centre, where they are currently being remanded to the extent that they are released to go to their respective homes after court session.

"The suspects only return to the correctional centre a day when they are to appear before the court, just to create an impression that they are in custody.

"Investigations further revealed that the suspects had an understanding with officials of the Correctional Centre, where they are giving a VIP treatment.

"They were usually brought to the court on mufti and in luxury vehicle without the normal Black Maria that would normally convey suspects to court.

"There is no sign to suggest that the two suspects are in prison custody. This is noticed from their outward appearance whenever they come to court.

"Findings also showed that the two suspects have sponsors providing all their needs at their disposal so far throughout their trial period, an indication that they are enjoying all the ransom amounts they extorted from our family members.

"The two suspects are always online on the social media, but it is believed that they should not have access to such privileges being suspects in a kidnap case.

"The latest now is that they have hired lawyers at all costs to canvass for their bail in a kidnap case that is not a bailable offence.

"I am therefore pleading with you to use your good offices by taking necessary actions to avoid creating a general impression that criminal suspects who are remanded in prison custody for various non bailable offences are usually given VIP treatments if they and their sponsors can dance to the bid of prison officials."

She, however, urged the prison authorities to investigate to ensure that the suspects are at the custody and are also stripped of these privileges that they have been allowed to have access to.

When contacted on the telephone, the Controller, Anambra Correctional Services, Usifo Joseph, he acknowledged the receipt of the letter, saying he was still going through the content and would act appropriately.

"It is not something to be discussed over the telephone...my friend, if you claim you are journalist, come to my office, let's talk about it," he added and then dropped the call" he said.

Negative news scaring investors away from Anambra - CEO of Pool King Estate


Titus Maduako Eleweke

An Abuja based businessman Hon Gabriel Chukwunwendu has stated that negative news of Cultism,kidnapping and killings being churned out of the state are scaring away investors.

Hon Gabriel Chukwunwendu, who is Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pool King Estate, disclosed this at his birthday celebration in Awka, Anambra State at the weekend.

He said there is a high rate of negative news reports on crime and insecurity being churned out from Anambra state daily and there are very scary.
According to him, such reports are not adequately reacted by the government to stop people from the fear of returning to their home state to invest.

Chukwunwendu emphasized on the need for a timely reactions or debunking of certain negative security reports for the sake of the image of the state and the curiosity of potential investors.
"Governor Soludo's government should try to react and debunk stories of crime and insecurity that make people afraid of returning home from their abroad base. This would encourage the indigenous developers and investors living outside the state to return home and invest in our dear state."he said.

The Nnewi-born businessman lauded Governor Chukwuma Soludo for "attracting modern infrastructure home."
According to him, Soludo's road infrastructural projects have opened up communities making the value of lands in Awka and in the state to appreciate.


"If you check three years back, nobody remembers Awka but since Soludo came in, he has done many roads that attracted people home, even ones leading to our sites, " he said.

He urged the governor to review the tax system of the government to encourage investors to invest in the state.
"Government should have mercy on us that are developers because the tax we are paying is much and before we minus taxes , we have nothing left. We are begging the governor to help us. Some of us that returned home ,did so because he (the governor) came to Abuja and told us to answer the call of the think-home initiative. Now that we are here, We want him to help us cope with the system" he stated.
He also urged President Bola Tinubu to put more effort into finding out why the naira is losing its value every day.

He suggested that the federal government should control the level of people that are on the black market, stressing that it is the place where the devalued naira is being smuggled.


"Nigeria is a work in progress because we were taught that before you rebuild, you demolish. So, Tinubu is in the process of demolishing. It is not up to three years since he took over power.
Let us patiently wait to see what he has for us, " he added .

EFCC arrest of Bobrisky,others clear misplacement of priority,Human activist


Titus Maduako Eleweke

A human rights activist Barr Anthony Kelechi Agbasiere has described the crackdown on some Nigerians by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC for publicly abusing the naira and spraying of naira notes as a misplacement of priority.
Top Nigerian celebrities including Idris Okuneye, a popular cross-dresser known as Bobrisky, and Cubana Chief Priest have recently been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for flouting the naira law, with the former serving a six-month prison term.
Agbasiere who spoke to journalists in Awka, Anambra State capital, faulted the anti-graft agency for not prioritizing the arrests, stating public spray of Naira is not the major problem facing the country and does not contributed to the devaluation of the country's currency.

"A lot of people have been arrested for spraying naira. My take on it is that this is not the major problem we are facing. There is no way the spraying of money has contributed to the devaluation of the naira.
"I have not seen the essence of that law. Everything should have a reason. I don't see any essence of that law. Money is sprayed everywhere in the world; even in the United States of America, dollar with its higher value is sprayed.

"The National Assembly members are just there wasting energy on unnecessary things. This is a clear misplacement of priority. They should focus on the laws that would move this country forward.

"I had advocated and challenged that if the leaders are patriotic as they claim, let them pass laws that would make election rigging a capital offense, diversion of public fund capital offense, an d with these two laws alone, Nigeria would be better.

"Spraying money in public should not be an issue, they should stop all those things. If they want to solve a problem it should be done from the root which is preventing people from stealing Public money. They should channel their satellite into banks because a lot of things are happening there.

"Spraying money on people is a way of showing appreciation to a celebrant or a person who is doing something good, so government should stop harassing people for that."he said.

The legal expert advocated for the enactment of laws that would give solution to the economic hardship, corruption and other crimes that are derailing progress of the country.

Soludo hates Anambra journalists with passion-- NUJ chairman 'Odogwu'

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Chairman of Anambra State Chapter of Nigeria Union of journalists (NUJ), Dr Emeka Odogwu Emeka has described the Governor Charles Soludo as one who hates journalists with passion.
Dr Odogwu who spoke to selected journalists in Awka Anambra State capital said the Governor has no regards for Media men in the state and alot of things are going wrong under his watch in the state.
"Let me leave it at this. So many things are going wrong under his nose ,yet he hates journalists with passion" he said.

According to Odogwu,the governor Soludo, in his over a year in office, has not deemed it fit to interact with journalists in Anambra State, but he has interacts with every other pressure group in the state and country.
" He did one year in office, invited everyone across Nigeria but no formal invitation to Journalists in Anambra. I may be wrong but my men called severally and I said nobody told me anything. Journalists were the agenda setters and the pace setters who will inform him about what is happening in the society, especially areas where he has no knowledge of and where he needs to take a decisive stand. Like ,this one youth, two skills fraud ongoing, what does he know happening but, we know how it’s being sabotaged with trusted people in government compiling just names to pay people who did nothing just to share the dividends into two equals after payment. I saw and heard rubbish when they shared N10,000 each to the youths.So many things going wrong under his nose ,yet he hates journalists with passion" he stated.
According to the Anambra NUJ , Soludo has not been of any help to the union despite serveral letters to him to help the body to complete its Secretariat building.
"NUJ in other States enjoy subventions and have their secretariats built and secured by the state government. But here nothing like that exists. Even when we applied for training, he threw it inside the gutter. We applied for subvention and if you read the reply, he gave, you shall ask if the letter was meant for a journalists body , but we stomached it.
Across the Federation, journalists in various states were appointed into positions of authority and Councils assisted grately like in Kano,
Ganduje built a multi-milllion plaza for NUJ as well as a press conference center and Plateau State Governor did same in different style. Edo state government and Delta State government dis wonders too and across the Federation it’s wins for NUJ, yet our Governor is the most exposed among them, but could not even see us as friends. His first move in journalists direction was to mute closure of National Light Newspapers and sack journalists. Preposterous decision. He employs thousands of other professionals but journalists working with National Light should be rendered jobless and useless"
So far, I’m not happy that he is not carrying the journalists along. Even the journalists working in his office who are called Press Corps were not carried along allegedly. He is acting as if he is not interested in journalists instead he is happy dealing with his group called Soludo TV. He has forgotten the fact that mainstream media remains mainstream media. With the presence of Professionals like us with enormous experience in the field, the governor has the opportunity of getting clues of happenings around him that are unknown to him, but since he doesn’t want us to be telling him things off
record, maybe we would be telling him some of those things on the pages of newspapers for him to read and get himself acquainted with what is happening" he stated.

Arch Bishop Hezekiah commends FG for shunning practice of LGBTQ in Nigeria

Titus Maduako Eleweke

The Arch Bishop of Living Christ Mission Inc, The Most Rev. Professor Daddy Hezekiah has commended Federal Government for rejecting the practice Lesbian,Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer LGBTQ in Nigeria.

Arch Bishop Hezekiah gave the commendation at his Church
administrative headquarters Onitsha, Anambra State, recently.

According to Daddy Hezekiah, the practice of LGBTQ are very immoral, abominable and highly destructive in nature.
Daddy Hezekiah also urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts in combating insecurity across the country .

He expressed deep concern over the escalating insecurity plaguing the nation, characterized by rampant kidnappings and violence that tarnish Nigeria’s international reputation.
He decried the situation where kidnappers demand and receive millions of naira as ransoms often without tracing the bank accounts these are being paid into.

According to him, the primary responsibility of a sovereign government is to ensure the safety of its citizens and their properties, yet many lives are being lost on daily basis due to insecurity in the country.
He also appealed to Federal government to reconsider the issue of removal of Petroleum subsidy,because many Nigerians are suffering due the removal .

According to,Daddy Hezekiah the removal of the Petroleum subsidy by the government has a devastating impact on the masses.

He said the decision has led to an unbearable increase in the prices of essential goods and services, including foodstuffs, transportation, other commodities and exchange rates for the Dollar and other currencies.

The Arch Bishop condemned removal of the oil subsidy, stating that it has brought immense hardship on the populace, including civil servants whose salaries have remained stagnant.

According to him, adequate measures must be taken to mitigate the adverse effects of the subsidy removal on oil and electricity, as it is the masses that suffer the adverse effect.


The clergy also urged the federal government to urgently address the unfavourable policies and practices of commercial banks, which include deductions from customers' accounts for cash deposits or withdrawals as these challenges are significant concerns faced by Nigerians and require urgent attention from the government.

He criticized some policies and practices of the banking industries in the country, particularly the arbitrary deductions made from customers' accounts for cash deposits and other transactions.

The Arch Bishop described these actions as mere extortion and damaging to the reputation of both the country and the banking sector.
He appealed to the Federal Government to intervene and rectify these practices for the well-being of the citizens and the integrity of the banking sector.


Daddy Hezekiah also called on Central Bank of Nigeria to direct subordinate banks in the country to refrain from the practice of converting moneys sent from overseas relatives in hard or foreign currencies into naira when disbursing to the recipients, describing such practice as unfortunate and grossly unhealthy.

He also implored the Federal Government to take urgent action to investigate and address the fraudulent activities of some banks in Nigeria.

Glamour as Chief Nwabude inducted into prestigious Ozo Ezeanni title in Neni

Titus Maduako Eleweke

It was a moment of glamour and celebration at the weekend when Chief Nwabude Mgbemena of Umudioka village, Neni in Anaocha local government area of Anambra state was inducted as Ozo Ezeani Nwafenna Na Neni.

Ozo Nwabude Mgbemena was confered the prestigious Ozo Ezeanni title in recognition of his philanthropic and impactful gesture to his humanity.
Ozo Ezeanni ,an Enugu based business man had in the course of his journey in life trained many people in the business of motor spare parts and touched many lives in and outside Neni town.
Ozo title remain the most respected and revered title in Igbo traditional institution.

This is because the process by which a person passes to be inducted is tedious .
Some of ozo title holders and stakeholders made the disclosure at Chief Nwabude Mgbemena's induction into the prestigious Ozo title as Ozo Ezeani Nwafenna Na Neni.
The event which was a beehive of activities attracted people from all walks of life which include music metro and cultural groups among others.
"In Igbo land, before one is initiated into the Ozo Society, such a person must be of good character, honest and straight forward at all times.
An ozo title holder is expected never to engage in any act capable of bringing his community to disrepute as he is an apostle of peace and unity.
Ozo title is considered, perhaps the most prestigious honour in Igbo land, and those holding the title are highly respected and trusted for their contributions to societal development.
In Neni, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, Ozo Ezeani is the highest Ozo title which is given to people who have in many ways impacted on the lives of people in the community and the nation at large" they stated.
According to them,Chief Nwabude Mgbemena of Umudioka village, Neni did not only merit the revered Ozo title but also went ahead to present same to the public with a ceremony called IKU OFOR which took place at the central Oye Neni market square.
During the initiation,
Chief Nwabude Mgbemena , Ozo Ezeani Nwafenna na Neni was accompanied by his children, friends and well-wishers as he was received by the Ozo group including the Traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Damian Ezeani.
Different dance troops, women groups including Otu Odu and Mgbemena Daughters added colour and fame to the occasion which lasted for three days.

The event witnessed the blessing of the apparels by a priest in his compound.
Food, drinks, meat of all types as well as local Igbo delicacies and gifts were served to the guests including titled men and women who took their turns to pay homage to Ozo Ezeani Nwafenna na Neni who they all described as an upright and honest man .
The ceremony of IKU OFOR which is going to the market square to announce to the entire community and the rest of the world that Chief Mgbemena have been found worthy in character and practices and he was qualified to joined the prestigious traditional Ozo titled group as Ozo Ezeani Nwafenna na Neni.
During the event held at the Neni town hall located at the Oye market square, the Traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Ezeani while breaking the kola nut, prayed God to protect and guide his subjects as well as grant Ozo Ezeani Nwafenna the wisdom to always stand by truth and fairness whenever he is called upon.
Igwe Ezeani also advised other community leaders and title holders to always strive and pray that their children will be greater than them and he also prayed that God will protect the land against all evil.


The Chief Protocol and Speaker, Ndi Nze Na Ozo, in Neni, Chief Obiajulu Ebele,( Ezeani Okenwa 2 ) said apart from looking and considering the character of an intending person, one must be married, have a house and have the financial background to undergo the process of becoming Ozo in the town which is almost the same practice in Igbo land in general.
Chief Ebele explained that once the title is taken, the Ozo holder can no longer do certain things including keeping late night, buying items in the market, going to beer parlor and disco hall and not attending any occasion he is not invited .
The Chief protocol of Ozo Neni while commending Ozo Ezeani Nwafwnna for surpassing the necessary screenings done before the event, noted that there were several gains and moral lessons for the younger generations to learn from an Ozo title holder like good morals, Handling of communal matters, upright and fairness in dealing with people among other positive actions.
Another title holder, Chief Professor Bryan Adimma, ( Ezeani Igirigi Ebu Mkpume na Neni) explained that every other traditional title could be awarded by a traditional ruler of any community but not the same in the case of Ozo title which involves serious screening a son of the soil and finding him worthy with respect and integrity.
Professor Adimma said in the case of Ozo Neni, even the traditional ruler is a member and is not in charge as it were in other eight titles that could be purchased in the community and as well other communities in Igbo land.
“First you must be a son of the soil, highly respected in the society with respect to your achievements all over the world, you must have integrity and have degree of influence in the town. The extent to which the person have also contributed towards the development of the community and the country at large is also considered.”he stated.
The first son of Ozo Ezeani Nwafenna, Prince Kene Mgbemena who described tradition and culture as the heritage and mark of the Igbo people, expressed great joy seeing his father taking the prestigious and highest traditional title in the area.
Prince Mgbemena ( Agunnaya na Neni) while eulogizing the credible attitudes of his father, promised not to let him down but rather strive to surpass all the good things done by him.
The Second son, Doctor Nnamdi Mgbemena, while describing their father as an upright and stoic man who put in everything within his reach to better the lives of people around him, expressed joy that he was being celebrated and recognized by the entire Neni community.
Doctor Nnamdi Mgbemena who is a Physiotherapy lecturer at Charles Sturt University, Australia, harped on the need for all to join hands to retain the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo nation irrespective of location.
"Actually, it means a lot to me, growing up, we all knew my dad as a very hard working man, very intelligent, he is a businessman, and we could see all the hard work he put in raising us up to be successful and where we are today with my late mum, we could also see how he was there for his cousins, siblings and relatives, we have gotten to that point where he felt like he needed this thing to happen , so ,it means a lot to me seeing him being celebrated, it shows more about respect, dignity and integrity as a person , for the community to recognize him means he has really done well for himself and for all of us. So we are really proud of him” he said.
In an interview, the first daughter of the celebrant, Mrs Chisom Nwachukwu who expressed happiness over the Ozo outing ceremony by their father, thanked God that they were able as his children to have the capacity to support the event which their father had always looked forward to.
Highpoint of the event was the introduction of Ozo Ezeani Nwafenna to the dance steps of Uvie traditional music as he stepped in grand style to the admiration of the cheering crowd.
Dignitaries from all walks of life attended the ceremony while the popular highlife maestro, Ambassador Eco De Coque and his international band group thrilled the people with scintillating tunes from late Oliver De Coque.

Prof Gregory Ibe mourns death of Dr Ogbonnaya Onu

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Member of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Presidential Advisory Council, Prof Gregory Ibe has bemoaned the sudden death of the first civilian Governor of old Abia state, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu at the age of 72.


Reacting to the demise of the former Minister of Science and Technology on Thursday, Prof Ibe expressed deep condolences to the immediate Onu family of Uburu in Ebonyi state.

He enjoined them to bear the loss with courage while reminiscing on the legacies of the former Governor.
"I am deeply saddened by the disturbing news contained in Thursday's edition of Tribune Online, conveying the sudden death of the pioneer civilian Governor of our state Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, at the age of 72. Let me therefore use this medium to condole with members of the Eze David Aba Onu family of Amata Uburu in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi state, and enjoin them to bear the loss of our political leader with courage while reminiscing on his educational and political legacies. "
Recalling the last close contact and interaction he had with the late former governor, Prof Ibe described Dr Onu as "a peace loving man whose love for his land of nativity and the Igbo nation was exemplary", and prayed for repose of his soul in eternity.
"I recall his last visit to the 7th Convocation ceremony of our institution, Gregory University Uturu, where he was conferred with honorary degree by our college of Natural and Applied Sciences. Since then we have been in constant conversation considering strategies for lasting reformation of our national education curriculum as it affects Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics(STEM) education. In fact our last discussion on the subject only took place just last month.Thats why I feel so sad about this development"
News about the sudden death of Dr Onu, who resigned as former President Buhari's Minister of Science and Technology in order to contest the 2022 APC Presidential primaries was disclosed by family sources on Thursday" he stated.

2025 Poll:
Anambra Non Indigenes Warn Politicians Against dirty Politics

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Association of Non Indigenes in Anambra State has warned politicians against campaign of calumny ahead of 2025 governorship election.
The association also warned politicians against the over heating of the political landscape of the State.
According to the group, overheating of polity would affect the fight against insecurity which is paramount for peaceful coexistence.
The President Anambra Association Of Non Indigenes Prince Newke Chigozie Henry said that Politics is a good game and not a dirty game hence as Anambra gears up for the conduct of the governorship election next year .
He said that it is expected that all campaigns should be issue based and not campaign of calumny among the political parties and Aspirants.
"This would certainly overheat the polity and further rubbish the fight against insecurity in Anambra state and you all know that security of lives and property is paramount for our coexistence here " he stated.
Nweke also urged politicians to see security as the collective efforts of all and sundry and not for the government alone .
"We salute the achievements of the Gov Charles Soludo administration in the fight against insecurity and we also salute the security operatives in the state for their superlative performance in crime fighting and we as non Indigenes in Anambra state would continue to contribute to peace and security in the state as it is not the duty of government and security operatives alone but for all and sundry" he noted .
Nweke however dismissed claims that the cause of insecurity in Anambra state was the handy work of non Indigenes contending that as a body it is ready to work with the security operatives to identify who are their members.
"I will be out of place to alleged that the insecurity challenges in Anambra are caused by non Indigenes because an outsider cannot come into a town and cause trouble without the assistance of those that own the land. We are ready to assist the security operatives to identify who is a citizen of another state and who is not " he said.

NOC handles scholarship grants to athletes with transparency ,says PRO Nezianya

Titus Maduako Eleweke

The National Olympic Committee (NOC) has stated that it obtained scholarships from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) through its affiliate bodies, namely Olympic Solidarity and the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOCA).
In a statement issued by the
Public Relations Officer of NOC, Mr
Tony Nezianya the scholarships fund would be managed transparently.
He said the scholarships are directly deposited into the athlete's accounts.
According to him,the selection process involves a complex, but meticulous system evolved over the years by the Olympic Movement.
"The recommendations commence from the respective federations, continental and international federations.
Athletes must meet specific criteria set out by awarding bodies to be considered eligible for the awards of scholarships.
Once the awarding bodies process the funds, they, then, inform the National Olympic Committees about the athletes who will receive the scholarships.
The NOCs, then, ensure that verified athletes' accounts are provided for the funds to be dispatched.
Athletes are expected to confirm the receipt of their funds to both the NOCs and the awarding bodies" he said .
Nezianya said deliberately spreading misinformation about such an important but complex matter without contacting the Custodians of the Olympic Movement in Nigeria shows a lack of knowledge and understanding of the Movement.
According to Nezianya, the NOC has a credited all recommended athletes, who have met the minimum Olympic standards and qualifications to be in the Olympic Games and this case the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
He also stated that the Ministry of Sports Development pays the Athletes their due and deserved allowances as and when due at Games times.
"Today date, there is no Nigerian athlete now or in the past known to the NOC that has ever complained about not being paid their Olympic Grant.
This is exactly what transpired in Ghana at the 13th African Games and the previous Games. We in the NOC are satisfied that the current Sports Minister, Senator John Enoh followed a transparent process in granting athletes and officials their allowances and winning bonuses.
It is, therefore, disheartening to see esteemed organizations, like Channels TV, promoting fake news through their London-based sports Correspondent, Austin Okon Akpan, who described the NOC officials and those of the sports Ministry as ''incompetent''. This is a strong language easily associated with the 'street' media.
In this modern era of journalism, there is no place for practices that aim at undermining a credible non-governmental organization like the NOC by Channels TV that has deliberately misinformed the General public" he added

Anambra govt to demolish two 4 storey Buildings In Onitsha


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Anambra State government has marked two four storey buildings for demolition at Amobi street in Onitsha South local government area.

This is to avert imminent similar casualties last month caused by two storey collapse that killed over eight people and injuried 26 persons .
One of the buildings had its decked portion collapsed following the use poor and sub standard materials for the project.

The two buildings which are located about one foot close to each other are currently witnessing cracked pillars and weak decking, a development that led to the order for demolition.

About a month ago, the two buildings had been marked for demolition but the owners allegedly removed the demolition marks, commenced heavy business activities at the ground floor of the buildings.

It was equally observed that the contractors had already constructed another set of slabs preparatory for the decking of the fifth floor despite the demolition order.
The two contractors handling projects on getting the information that the local government council would be visiting the area fled to an unknown destinations.

Speaking during the inspection of the site the Chairman of Onitsha South local government area Chief Emeka Joseph Orji expressed worries over the continued building of project,despite the order by government about a month ago.

He wondered why people will chose to risk their lives doing business under a death trap.

"The two buildings must go down in the next two days and that is the order and remember that Gov Charles Soludo had directed that all building plans must personally get his approval before construction but these two buildings do not have the approval of the governor"

"We must do this to save the lives of our people and also avert possible deaths and casualties that has always been the results of collapsed buildings "

"Look at the materials that they are using and you all saw that the back of the building where the two storey have already collapsed and we used the tape to block the entrance of the two buildings but they removed it and cleaned up the marks for demolition " he said.

According to him,the two buildings with over 800 shops have been paid for by traders before the completion of the project.

He disclosed that the shops have been sold to would be landlords before they were marked for demolition.

Recall that in the past three months three buildings had collapsed in Onitsha killing a total of eight persons at the site and the state government had to clear the debris and take over the lands in question.