₦airaland Forum

Erosion taking over our land,
Achina Community laments, appeals for help

Kenechukwu Ofomah

Achina Community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State has lamented over the ravaging erosion menace in the area,which is taking over their land.

The community with small land mass compared to its neighbours is being taking over by massive erosion menace.
In Achina Community, many buildings are on the verge of being swallow by the ravaging erosion.
The erosion menace is seriously
shrinking the inadequate land space and has eaten deep into the people’s lands, many residents have vacated and flee their homesteads,just as families have been separated with their kits and kins.
Our correspondent who visited the community recently, reports that the inhabitants are living in fear, as the clouds gather for another season of rain.
Our reporter reports that the Community has over 10 active erosion sites and it appears that the state government intervention in those sites are grossly inadequate to arrest the situation.

The massive erosion sites are majorly in Iheokwaranwa erosion site in Umueleke, the gully around the Ezeokoro stream and the gully ravages along the Ugwunganga road.
These erosion sites are occasioned by the abandonment of construction work on the road.
The community are calling for help from the state and federal governments as well as international agencies and development partners to save them from extinction.

Speaking on the development, the President-General of Achina Town Union, ATU, Mr Tony Ezenwaka lamented that his community is facing an existential threat by erosion with 10 active erosion sites.
According to him, the community has through several self-help initiatives, deployed a huge amount of resources towards the checking of the disaster, but it appears the situation is getting out of hand.
He regretted the abandonment of the Achina-Onneh-Agbudu-Ogboji road, by the previous government of Chief Willie Obiano.
According to him, the road abandonment had worsened the erosion sites along the Ugwunganga axis of the road,which had sacked many homesteads.

“Erosion is almost everywhere in Achina but the worst is the Ihe Okwaranwa site in Umueleke village. Ihe Okwaranwa is a classic example of government failure. Governor Obiano had in 2014 performed National Tree Planting Campaign in the area, but the site has long been abandoned and this is causing erosion to expand ferociously.
“This was further complicated by massive constructions of roads and houses due to delays in completing the projects.
“Ugwu Nganga road is deteriorating now that work is on hold and the rains are coming fast.
“Modern residential houses pose serious erosion threat from excessive use of long roofing sheets and concretes to beautify the houses with little or no provision for catchment pits or flood water control.
“Government intervention is not usually effective due to delays in contract execution like the Achina -Onneh road project and the worsening Ugwu Nganga slope,” he said.
Ezenwaka, who was a former Permanent Secretary in the State Civil Service, noted that with the rains fast approaching, the people of Achina are living in fear because of the speedy encroachment on lands, economic trees, and homesteads.

He appealed for urgent intervention from the State and Federal Governments, as well as international organizations and development partners, towards addressing the challenge.

“We are appealing to the government to draw the attention of the donor agencies to our plight. We are no longer save in our lands.
“Our economic trees are gone, same with our farmlands.
“The agriculture which our people are known for is gone because we cannot farm again due to this menace. The kind of devastation that has visited our community in the area of erosion is unimaginable.
“We hope Mr Governor, Prof Charles Soludo will hear our cries and as a solution governor, he will make genuine move towards our problems ” he lamented.

According to the PG, the community has on its own taken steps to ensure that the community members protect their environment and save lives and property by taking proactive measures before the rains become heavy.

“We are advising residents to open up every water channel like catchment pits at homes and public spaces and to de-silt water drainages to allow free flow of flood to nearby flowing streams.
“We are also asking every family, ward, or village to declare a sanitation day to clean up the environment, remove all materials blocking the free flow of water in our gutters, cut down overgrown weeds and trees around our houses, and plant trees in homes and public spaces to provide shades and protect the environment,” he said.

Govt, contractor, residents debunk viral video of road wash in Anambra


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Anambra state government, Contractor and Ochanja residents on Tuesday dismissed the allegation in a viral video that the last Monday down pour washed away the Ochanja More- Upper Iweka Road Project.

The video was claiming that the project being constructed by Prof Charles Soludo administration is sub standard , stating that the governor has failed in his pledge to provide quality roads to the masses.

Our reporter who visited the site of the road on Tuesday discovered that the ongoing road construction is not washed by rain as alleged in the video.

The state Commissioner for Works Engr Ifeanyi Okeoma who spoke on the viral video, said it was an affront to throw spanners into the good works of the state government .
According to him, nothing of a sort ever happened to any of the road either ongoing or completed in the state.


"Everyone of us are here on this road and you can see that nothing happened at all. We actually saw the video last night and first thing this morning, we came here to find out that nothing like that happened as you can see for yourself"

"The Contractor worked on Sunday and closed for the day and he stopped at a small potion that is about one foot and there was a heavy down pour and the base was blocked and that point is about one foot that got washed off "

"As you can see that we are all standing on the stone base material that was primed, so we are shocked at that mischievous video sponsored by the opposition to throw spanners into the good works of the state government and as you can see work is in progress" he said.

The Manager of Zodic Construction Company Mr Mark Chu ,the contractor handling the project , said that the company has about one foot left out of the entire More- Upper Iweka Road Project Ochanja and they are still working .

He said that the company is continuing from where it stopped.

"We want to reiterate that our company is providing Anambra state good quality and durable road infrastructure and we cannot be distracted by mischief makers and the public should disregard those false stories" he said.

Mr Mark Chu further noted that the Ochanja road project is currently having a water fountain at the round about which used to be a mountain of refuse dump in the past before contract was awarded .

"The project apart from the water fountain would also have street lights with wide water drainage system which empties at a larger canal in order to protect the road and the market from flooding and also protecting the goods being owned by traders.

Mr Mark Chu urged the traders and residents in the area not to block the drainages with wast, adding that provisions are being made for the dumping of waste which would be cleared as quickly as possible.


According to him,the More - Upper Iweka Road Project is 2.3 km and up to 1. 7 km of the project has been completed .

Spokesman for the residents of Ochanja , More and Upper Iweka area who is also the Chairman of Fegge landlords Association Mr Okwudili Obinwanne described the viral video as capital lie.
According to him, they are residents of the area and they witnessed the heavy down pour yesterday which did not in anyway impact negatively on the road.



"We find it difficult to believe that someone in his right frame of mind would go to the extent of blackmailing the governor with such falsehood"

"You here to see for yourself and make on the spot investigation into what happened and from what you have seen so far , you can attest that this is the hand work of mischief makers and we the residents of this area wish to warn that we will not tolerate such misinformation of the general public by renegades" he said.

Council dissolves Anambra Landlords Association Exco ,set up caretaker

Titus Maduako Eleweke

The Executive member of the Fegge landlords Association, Onitsha South local government area of Anambra State has been dissolved by the chairman of the council,Chief Emeka Joseph Orji.

The dissolution followed the leadership of the association failure to conduct fresh election at the expiration of their tenure in office .
Immediately after,the dissolution of the body chairman of the council Chief Orji set up a seven man Caretaker Executive led by Okwudili Obinwanne to oversee the affairs of the body for three months.

Speaking shortly after the inauguration the Chairman of Onitsha South local government area Chief Emeka Joseph Orji said they received petitions from some members of the association which stated that the four year tenure of the former executive has expired on March 19th 2024 and we informed the former executive about the petition and also gave them a copy of the petition

" I also asked them when they were elected and they said that they cannot remember but we have a copy of the Constitution that stipulated a four year tenure of office "

"The Council equally demanded for the minutes of the association's meeting which which they failed to produce and later the Council directed the former executive to call for a meeting to look into the petition which it failed to convene "

"Since the tenure of the past executive has expired nature abhors vacuum we had to set up a Caretaker Executive that will over see the affairs of the association for three months pending the conduct of a fresh election " he stated.

According to Orji, the Council has the right to set up a Caretaker Executive, noting that there is no law prohibiting the Council from setting up a Caretaker Executive.

Speaking after the inauguration of the Caretaker Executive, the Chairman Mr Okwudiri Obinwanne promised that his executive will have a smooth transition .
He said that his executive will strive to sustain the developmental strides of the Governor Charles Soludo and that of the Council leadership.

"This a call to work and we as members of the Caretaker Executive will strive to sustain the developmental strides of the state government as well as that of the local government Council"

"Our duty is to continue to over see the affairs of the association and also ensure that issues such as sanitation and security of lives and property in Fegge and we solicit the corporation of the people of Fegge to actualize these goals" he said.

Ngo gives scholarship to 100 Anambra kids, sets up health facility in community

Titus Maduako Eleweke

A nongovernmental organization known as Onyinyeomachukwu Empowerment Foundation has given scholarships to 100 indigent primary school pupils in Anambra State.
The scholarship is targeted at laying good foundation for the children of less privileged in the society.


The Foundation also distributed over 700 basic cleaning kits containing toothpaste and brushes, hand wash, and sanitizer, among other materials to encourage children to live a clean and healthy lifestyle.

The beneficiaries are pupils of varying classes at Living Christ Nursery and Primary School, Onitsha, the commercial city of the state.


The event themed: "Save The Mother Earth," a driver of its " Nurture Mother Nature Initiative", was held , with the official commissioning of Onyinyeomachukwu Foundation Health Post by the wife of the State Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo.

Speaking at the event, Mrs Soludo, represented by the Executive Secretary Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, ASPHDA, Pharm. Chisom Uchem urged people to maintain healthy living to enjoy the good life.

According to her, Healthy living is a very conscious practice and a crucial way of life.

“You must make up your mind to sacrifice certain unhealthy habits that do not go well with your body formula. You must understand that to live healthy is to live happily.

She commended the Foundation for the initiative to erect the project and promised that it would be maximally used and properly maintained.

The founder and Chairperson of the Foundation, Amb. Onyinye Gift Uwaechia noted that the idea was for the Health Post to serve the people in the locality.


She stated that her Foundation still looks forward to instituting a Health Centre to accommodate more health services and population in the area.

She noted that the idea behind the Nurture Mother Nature Initiative was to save Mother Earth.

According to her , the goal of the foundation remains to impact positively on people's lives as well as sensitize young stars to take responsibility for their environment and health.

"The goal is to empower as many people as possible, one at a time. When one person is meaningfully empowered, he can go on and empower others, setting a chain of positive impacts in society.

"I chose my first port of call to be Living Christ Nursery and Primary School School, Onitsha, Anambra State, to teach and sensitize the young stars on the need for them to take responsibility for their environment and health. If we can catch them young and help them inculcate the duty of care and responsibility, the future is sure."

Onyinye said the vision of the foundation had been replicated in other places including Abaji, Federal Capital Territory, Zango-Kataf community in Kaduna, where it donated cash, food items, and other humanitarian materials to the less privileged.

She however called on well-meaning individuals to key into the United Nations Goal 17 approach of partnership and collaboration for the advancement of the society.

Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Patrick Ahamba, commended the foundation for the gestures to the children, noting that the initiative was in line with Governor Chukwuma Soludo's agenda on human capital development.

Ahamba said the current administration in the state is passionate about the health needs of the people and urged stakeholders to embrace the Public Community Private Partnership, introduced by Governor Soludo to ensure that the state is moving forward.

Earlier in her address, the Executive Chairman, ASUBEB, Assoc. Prof. Vera Nwadinobi described primary education as the fundamental stage in the life of every human being and urged that every school key into the Healthy Living Garden initiative of the government.

My party members betrayed me in 2021 Anambra governorship election – Ozigbo

Maduako Igbokwe

Transactional PDP politicians betrayed me in 2021 Anambra governorship election – Ozigbo


The Anambra State People’s Democratic Party PDP governorship candidate in 2021, Mr. Valentine Chineto Ozigbo has stated that he was betrayed by his party members.

Ozigbo ,who is now a chieftian of Labour Party LP made the remark at the weekend during an interaction with some journalists in Awka, Anambra State capital .

According to him,he lost the last governorship election because of huge betrayal from the transactional politicians in PDP.

“Those I thought I was working with in PDP betrayed me . I used all the time I would have used for campaign trying to pacify those who lost in the primaries but instead they decided to gang up and betrayed me. All the time I used in trying to build a united PDP were wasted. I hope it will not repeat again.

As a first comer in politices,there are a lot of lessions one must learn. I have learnt some. When I came in ,many of my co-aspirants never trusted me. We saw the signs of the betrayal but we ignored them ,but this time, when we see any ,we will act immediately to minimize the betrayal level. I will do my best to get discerning Spirit,even if I want to make the mistake it will be minimal” he Said .

According to him,those he won in PDP primaries ganged up against him and betrayed the common interest of Ndi Anambra.

“I won them when i was relatively new in politics and i will win them again,this time at the general elections in the field” he said .

He also blast Governor Charles Soludo , saying his performances in two was not impressive .

According to him,he can govern Anambra better than what is happening today.

” We have gone into two years of Soludo’s government, some of you may be happy but iam not . Governance is not all about being an autocratic leadership , you have to listen to people and know their problems. You have to implements superior recommendations,you don’t know it all.

I had wanted to stay two years before speaking about the government of Soludo and now it is two years I want to hold Soludo accountable. I want to tell you,even if you are Soludo’s brother, you will be happier if iam governor of Anambra State” he said .

According to him, he would have approached governance differently and more effectively than what is happening if he had won the November 2021 gubernatorial election.

“Governor Soludo has not performed optimally and has failed to connect with the people he governs. After two years, it is imperative for me, as a citizen, to hold him accountable.

“I believe I can do better. We must not allow our aspirations to fade, especially after the events of the 2023 election. We must collectively strive to change the narrative.”he stated

He also stressed the need of zoning , noting that it must be complemented by competence.

“We should not choose a candidate solely based on their zone, nor should we settle for the best when we can have someone better. I respect the principle of zoning, and I advocate for a single term of four years.

“Iam committed to honouring the zoning principle and iam open to entering into an agreement to serve just one term. Additionally, I echo the sentiments of Mr. Peter Obi, a highly respected politician in Africa, who advocates for a single term for the southern candidate who emerges,” he stated.

Expressing concern over the state’s insecurity, Ozigbo urged the people of Anambra to view the 2025 election as a turning point for future elections in Nigeria. He called for unity among party members, acknowledging the challenges of contesting against an incumbent.

Anambra govt warns residents against dumping waste in gutters





Titus Maduako Eleweke



Anambra State government has warned the people of State to always clean and desilt their gutters .


The warning was dropped by the Managing Director of Operation Keep Anambra State Clean and Healthy, Ocha Bridge Mr Celestine Anere shortly after governor Soludo commissioned 12 kilometers roads in Okpoko community, Ogbaru local government council of Anambra.

Anere ,who witnessed how the newly commissioned roads gutters have become dirty said he will stationed pin down squad in the community to monitor those dumping waste into gutters.

According to him, the squad is to ensure a total compliance to the keeping of Okpoko and others environment in the state clean and healthy.

"Destilting is serious issues in Anambra and it will be taken serious in Okpoko. We cannot allow them to fill the gutters with wastes.
At Obodo road in Okpoko , we are going to have a Pin down station there
The governor had build roads in Okpoko, we are going to make sure they clean the drainages clean " he said .

According to him,the governor is serious about Ocha Bridge enforcing destilting and keeping the environment clean in the state.
He said the Bridge will not limit its operation in Okpoko but in every part of the state.

How shuttle bus drivers ambushed Soludo in Anambra

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Shuttle Bus Drivers in Anambra State on Monday ambushed governor Prof Charles Soludo at Ugwu Nwasike, Oyi local government council, along Onitsha - Awka expressway .

This time,the ambush is not to attack but to shower praise on the governor for meticulously using their tax money to build roads and other amenities for the common people.

The Coordinator of the Shuttle Bus Drivers in the state , Comrade Osita Obi who led the group told Soludo, that they had decided to inspect his roads projects in Okpoko in Ogbaru local government council, but becuase he was there to commission some roads, they decided to wait for him at Ugwu Nwasike.

According to him,the purpose of this thank you ambush was to show their appreciations to the wonderful work he is doing in the state.

"We are so pleased with your work. The shuttle bus drivers are happy with you as their buses are no longer being taken to mechanic for repair everytime"
Initially,the shuttle bus drivers had wanted to go to Okpoko to see the roads you constructed, but they learnt that the governor was there and there is no way they could carry out their inspection plans when the governor is there, they decided to wait for him at Ugwu Nwasike,one of the roads he built within two years in Office"he said .

Governor Charles Soludo who expressed emotion, thanked the shuttle bus drivers for the gradual return of activities in Onitsha, the business hub of the nation.

"Iam happy that you are coming out on Mondays and live is gradually returning to normal in Onitsha . You cannot keep staying at home on Mondays. Most of you are daily workers who live on daily earnings, it would be wrong for anybody to stop you from taking care of your families. Iam happy that you came out today and Onitsha is coming back to live on Mondays. The poor must feed their families " he said.

The governor also expressed big surprise at the 'love ambush for praise' at Ugwu Nwasike, where his administration constructed a new road.
"Your ambushing me at Ugwu Nwasike was remarkable one and well thought out. Your taxes are working. This Ugwu Nwasike road nobody plied before now,and it is motorable now. I told Ndi Anambra that any money given to me shall be used to develop the state. I don't need Ndi Anambra money, God has blessed me.
When I saw people by road in hundreds,I was thinking about what was happening and I told me convey to stop. You have done well,this point of ambush was strategic" he stated.

According to the governor, great things are happening again in the state, noting that Onitsha the biggest market in West Africa must be rebuilt.
"We will rebuild Onitsha, the biggest market in West Africa. It appears like it is dying, Onitsha will rise up again. We are trying to give Onitsha a better face lift. We are doing great thing there" he stated.

According to Soludo, the testimonies some bus drivers are giving are touchy and his administration is in government to touch the lives of everybody in the state.

"One of your colleagues, who saw me at Port Harcourt Street Onitsha falled down before me and gave me all the money he made for the day, thanking me for the roads construction in the state. He gave me all the money he made as he made them, N100,N200. I thanked him and blessed him and told him, that his money will be in millions " he stated.

The governor also said that he was just coming from Okpoko where he commissioned 12 kilometers roads and pipe born water.

"Since time immemorial Okpoko people have not drank water from pipe born water. This is the first time the people of Okpoko is having general hospital,there have never been general hospital there. We are committed to making Okpoko great. Okpoko people are parts of Anambra State" he stated

2 years anniversary:
You have done well, Prof Ibe tells Soludo

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Founder, Gregory University Uturu and Member Ohanaeze Ndigbo Presidential Advisory Council, Prof Gregory Ibe has congratulated the governor of Anambra State Prof Charles Soludo on his wonderful performances in office just in two years.
He said Soludo has done well within two years in Office noting that his performance should be a pointer to other governors in Nigeria that it is possible to transform their states within a short time.

Prof Ibe who was the governorship candidate of All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA in Abia State,2023 general elections in a congratulatory message,he personally signed described Soludo as champion of peace and unity.

The message reads
"Dear Mr Solution,
I hereby write to formally congratulate you on the second anniversary of your tenure as governor of Anambra State.
In keeping with your manifesto you have made good your promise of providing solutions to the numerous challenges confronting Anambarians. Subsequently, you have made great strides in promoting economic development, improving infrastructure, offering quality education and providing healthcare to the people.
Without any iota of doubt, your dedication and hard work in the past two years have continued to be a source of inspiration and motivation to us all.
Mr Governor, you have also been a champion of peace and unity, working tirelessly to bring people together and promote a more inclusive and prosperous society.
I am confident that you will continue to make positive impacts on the lives of the people of Anambra, the South East region and the nation in general.
While praying God to grant you good health, I again offer my support and partnership as you labour to leave Anambra state better than you met her.
Please accept my sincerest congratulations on this momentous anniversary"

APGA chieftain dumps party, joins LP to support Otti for new Abia

Titus Maduako Eleweke

The Deputy State chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA Abia State chapter,
High Chief Okeri Christian Chinyeaka has dumped the party for Labour Party LP.
Chief Okeri who was the former Chairman of Isiala Ngwa LGA, in a letter he personally signed,sent to Chairman of Isiala Ngwa LGA of the party and copied to the state chairman of APGA said he that he has left APGA for good.

"I, Hon Christian Okeri,the state deputy chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA, Abia State chapter hereby wish to inform the party of my clear intention to withdraw my membership of the Party
This letter serves as a notice of my resignation from APGA" he stated .

However, information from close associate said that Okeri dumped APGA for Labour Party LP inorder support the new dawn in the state.

The associate said he left APGA to support Dr Alex Oti of new Abia State,which is doing wonderful well in the state.


According to associate ,the Labour Party in the state is new dawn that needs strong support of every Abian to move the state forward

Soludo is God's sent to Ndi Anambra ,Abian - Anambra Permanent Secretary


Titus Maduako Eleweke


One of the newly appointed permanent Secretaries in Anambra state Mr Joachin Achor has described governor Charles Soludo as a man of good heart and a believer in commitment to hardwork.
Achor, from Abia State said that Soludo is a man of righteousness and a man who believe so much in merit and hardwork.
The new permanent Secretary made the statement on Monday shortly after being sworn at the Anambra State government house Agu Awka.
Achor who expressed happiness over the appointment said he is fulfilled in his life and would devote the rest of his life serving humanity doing his work .
He said that God used governor Soludo to elevate him the prestigious position of permanent Secretary in the state.

Achor, who spoke with insideoutnews at a reception in his honour, Awka said he was employed into Anambra state civil service through National Youth Service Corps NYSC in 1997 by the military governor of state
Rufai Garba.
According to him,the then governor gave him a special Award as the best corp member in 1997

Garba was the Military Administrator of Anambra State from 21 December 1996 to 6 August 1998 during the military regime of General Sani Abacha.
According to him, during his service year he emerged as one of the best corp member and they were three and three of them were employed.

"I was one of the best corp member in 1996/97,we were three and three of of us were given automatic employment into Anambra State civil service. Since 1997 I have been in Anambra State civil service" he said .

According to him,he had good and rubost working experiences which gave him the opportunity to work in a state other than his own.
He also stated that the employment gave him the privileges and rights to work in Anambra state seamlessly.

"Why some people may feel that one is not supposed to there, but governance is more than that , governance is more of efficiency and it requires the goodwill of whosever is the governor to accommodate and all the governor have been nice and good to accommodated us. The appointment of permanent Secretary is prerogative of the governor . Normally, PS is given or allocated to town unions, villages and local government councils and since by the local government arrangement, iam not there and have nobody to speak for me. But this one is that Soludo as the governor, God used him to achieve this because he insisted on merit. When he wanted to appoint PMs, the pressure also came on him from different angles about their turn and right but he insisted on merit and called for exams, the exams took me up as a good candidate for PM. Becuase the governor is a man of his word, he could not say otherwise. Today, iam made a permanent Secretary in Anambra state despite iam not from the state " he stated.
On whether, he knew he could be PM in the state, he said that he knew he could be only by the grace of God.
He also said that he knew that for one to be PM, he must have the pre requisite experience, knowledge within the civil service, noting that once one is a director, he can have the right to be appointed PS.

"When I joined civil service in Anambra state,I was not in the cadre that could move up to director but I worked hard to change and transformed my position from executive cadre to officers' cadre thereby qualifying for director position. I became a director in 2018 . Actually, God's grace is the ultimate and God has granted me the grace to be permanent Secretary in Anambra state. Soludo is God given man to the state. God used him to throw up the right people in the state irrespective of where they came from . I have a very high respect for the governor, he has demonstrated his love for merit and this is the only way to move the society forward . He is a man of good heart and he believes so such in hardwork and right people being in the right places" he stated .
He advised other governors in the country to emulate Prof Charles Soludo's style of merit in appointment and see every body as a Nigerian.
"We are all human beings and Nigerians. Always look for the best in the society, merit should be the watch word in any appointment. Not tribalism, nepotism, religious and cult affiliate but there should be emphasis on efficiency.
Iam happy and glad that iam a PS in Anambra state. Iam very fulfilled, having started work as Junior staff and rose to the position of PS. I feel very fulfilled, iam promising my God and humanity that the rest of life,I will devote to serving humanity and God in where Iam" he stated.

In next 10 years South East will be
bastion of manufacturing hub- Chukwuma

Titus Maduako Eleweke

The Pro-Chancellor of Olivia University, Burundi and Chairman of the Nigeria-Burundi Business Council, sir Paul Chukwuma has predicted that the South East will become a bastion of manufacturing in the next 10 years.

He urged the Governors of the South East to work in synergy to make it a reality.

Chukwuma stated this during a visit to Geometrics Power in Aba Abia State on Thursday for a study visit to the plant to understand the working principles and business model of the Aba Integrated Power Plant and seek technical advice on replicating the same in Anambra state.

Speaking during an interactive session with Prof Barth Nnaji and the members of his management team at the conference hall of the Aba Power, Paul Chukwuma congratulated Prof. Barth Nnaji for a job well done, praising his vision and steadfastness in seeing the project through.

" I want to commend you for your commitment and perseverance to this project despite the litany of challenges. It shows unbridled love for nation-building. Staying for 20 years on this project despite the challenging business climate and various commercial litigation is a testimony of your commitment to the progress of Ndigbo and Nigeria. You have done a noble act by providing an empirical proof of concept for others, having set in motion a chain reaction with an enormous positive loop for our country. The effect of this project on the economy of Aba and by extension the South East will be far-reaching. The expected result is that many businesses will move into Aba to utilise this reliable energy, especially manufacturing businesses. When this happens we expect to see the unemployment rate in Aba and its environs drop alongside youth restiveness"

"As an entrepreneur from Umueri in Anambra state, my visit to your facility partly finds an expression in the biblical invitation to Apostle Paul to come over to Macedonia for help. There is no gain in saying the fact that Anambra is losing its position as a commercial centre due to the absence of reliable energy such that many industries have gone under and the remaining few are struggling to survive. The bold steps you have taken to ensure reliable energy in the ring fence is an indication that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Against this background, I seek for partnership between your companies and the manufacturing arm of our group of companies. While we may be tempted to seek relocation of some of our ongoing manufacturing installations from Anambra to the Geometrics Power ring fence, we also know that this can be replicated in Anambra state so that many more businesses can benefit and the effects sync with that of Aba to give an ultra boost to commerce in the South East and perhaps, produce the "Asian Miracle" for Nigeria", he stated

In his response, Prof Barth Nnaji gave a rundown on the project history, stating that the project took him 20 years to complete due to lots of man-made bottlenecks and that the ideal completion date ought to be three years.

" I began this project in 2004 and by the time I became a Minister in 2011, almost everything was ready. In truth, it was on the strength of what we have done here that I was invited to become a Minister. Various issues came up and the project took two decades to get completed."he stated.

Nnaji said that the Aba Power consists of three different companies, the companies being the Generating company which generates power and sells to the transmitting company which in return sells to the Distribution company.

He further added that the power plant is focused on improving knowledge by employing lots of local staffers who work seamlessly with expatriates from various countries.

From the conference room, Prof. and his team took Paul and his team on a guided tour of the facilities including the Generating plant where the turbines were already roaring.

At the end of the tour, Paul Chukwuma thanked Professor Barth for the reception and tour, noting that he will continue to seek his advice as he continues to seek various options for the supply of reliable energy for businesses in Anambra State.

"My visit here has provided me with a lot of insight into the various issues affecting electricity in Nigeria. I will go home and distil the information further. Be assured that I will continue to reach out to you for more advice and guidance till the Anambra business community has something to cheer about "


Sir Paul Chukwuma was accompanied to Aba Power by several businessmen and technocrats from Anambra State.

IWD: WRAPA Sensitizes Men on Women Inclusion

Prosper Okoye

Abuja: The Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) has sensitized male stakeholders in Karonmajigi community, Abuja, on the need to ensure women's inclusion in all facets of social life.


The sensitization was part of WRAPA’s activities to commemorate this year’s International Women's Day, with the theme: “Inspire Inclusion.”


According to WRAPA’s Communications Officer, Habiba Ahmed, there was a need to educate the men and boys so that they can join in advocating for the inclusion of women in all socio-economic and political matters of the country.


“Advocacy for inclusion does not have to be limited to the higher level, where we discuss gender-based policies. It needs to extend to the community level to help them grasp inclusion within the family structure, inclusion within the market and other public spaces, and also address inclusion as leaders of faith and culture within the community," she said.


Ms. Ahmed said WRAPA aimed at creating a Nigerian society through its various community engagements where women will be involved in decision-making not just at the national level but also at the palace, at the local government level, and even in family affairs.


“We are challenging the traditional notion that men are the final decision-makers; we want to change this narrative!" she stated.


The event, held at the Karubiyi Village head palace, provided an opportunity for women to express their grievances, and for stakeholders to find solutions to them.


Speaking to newsmen, Chief Dauda Dogo expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by WRAPA in raising awareness about the issues facing women.


“Before WRAPA intervened, we faced numerous challenges, but their collaboration significantly reduced these issues.


“We've made efforts in terms of addressing violence against our girl children and ensuring their access to education. We convened leaders from various sectors—faith, youth, and women—and tasked them with disseminating knowledge to help bring an end to these challenges,” he said.

Dauda also acknowledged that marital abuses still remained a dominant issue within the community. “Poverty remains a major driver of this problem.


He called on the federal government and the Ministry of Women Affairs to address the issues promoting women discrimination.


On her part, the Woman Community Leader, Amina Musa, said some of the men inhibited their wives from engaging in productive activities because of their cultural belief that women should be subject to men.


She thanked WRAPA for the engagement.
“We hope our men were enlightened and will henceforth ensure that women do not face any form of discrimination,” Amina added.


Also speaking, a community religious leader, Imam Umar Khidir, said the women and men must learn to live together, as both cannot live without each other.

“If a man is given his right, and the woman is not, then there would be no peace. They are supposed to be loving, patient, and helpful to each other.”he added.

Int'l Women's Day: A Day Of Mourning for Mothers' Wickedness-Sickle cell patients

Titus Maduako Eleweke

As the world celebrates 2024 International Women's Day, about 120 Persons living with Sickle Cell Disorder in Anambra State have decried ill maltreatment and wickedness meted to them by their mothers.

They have also accused the Commissioner for Women Affairs Mrs Ify Obinabo of neglect and frustrating the efforts of the governor's wife Dr Mrs Nonye Soludo to come to their aid.

Speaking to reporters in Awka, Anambra State capital, the National Coordinator of Association Of People Living With Sickle Cell Disorder APLSCD Mrs Aisha Edward Maduagwu said she has a girl in her home, Miss Chilotam Ezikwelu and nobody has asked about her in the last four years.


"I have a girl in my Sickle Cell Home in Agulu Anaocha local government area of Anambra state Miss Chilotam Ezikwelu who has been with me for four years and nobody has ever come to ask about her and the numbers of those that brought her were not going . I got in contact with the driver that brought her and from there I got contact of the former Commissioner for Women Affairs Mrs Vicky Ezikwelu Chikwelu from Ifitedunu Dunukofia LGA
who confirmed that the girl is her relative "

"She also told me that the current Commissioner for woman Affairs Mrs Ify Obinabo is married to the girl's family and I contacted her but she did nothing"

"Then, as a body we paid a courtesy visit to Obinabo and she promised a lot of things to help us through the first lady Dr Mrs Nonye Soludo but a year after nothing happened"

"Following the disappointed, we the people living with Sickle Cell Disorder have declared the International Women's Day, a day of mourning and everything about women celebration reminds us of murderers and I must tell you that 90 percent of sickle cell people are not comfortable with their mothers "

"Some sickle cell patients commit suicide on their own , others are being killed by their mothers and a situation where a mother kills her child you cannot ask her what happened because she will be the first to cry and we shall come for condolences"

"There are several attitudes of these our mothers , this particular gender that God created but it is unfortunate that we found ourselves there. 90 percent of sickle cell patients do not like their mothers"

"This is because they are prime suspects for that crime of genotype incompatibility and our mothers took several dirty steps in hoodwinking our fathers into marriage"

"Some of our mothers trapped our fathers due to desperation or for material resources through pregnancy while some went to forge the wrong genotype due to desperation" she said.

Maduagwu alleged that several letters to Dr Mrs Nonye Soludo for assistance was frustrated by the Commissioner, adding that she has been making it difficult for them to meet with the First Lady.
According to her,the commissioner,has refused to assist the poor girl Chilotam Ezikwere despite they are related.

Maduagwu disclosed that the girl is now suffering from kidney problem and there is need for the government to intervene and save the life of the young girl.

According to her,the girl is now suffering from depression because of the neglect from the family members who have rejected her.

" Somebody brought her to my home that the family has rejected her. She came to my home at age of 14 and now she is 18 nobody had visited her.
she had never been to school because the family abandoned her for a fault not hers. The family never take to hospital to find out her problem,instead they were buying medicines for her from chemists without prescriptions and this could have damaged her system.

I appealed to the first lady to extend her generosity to the people living with sickle cell.
Iam asking for people to come and help Chilotam to live a normal life and survive her challenges. Since she was brought to our home nobody has come to see her despite she has people who can help" she stated.

Regrettably,Maduagwu said that those in government represent the governor in a negative form.

"This government is trying but the people working with the governor are magicians ,misinforming the governor about state of things . I want the governor to carry out an independent investigation about the people in his government. He will be surprised to find out that what he is being told is not the true position of things in the state. Obinabo use her personal social media in place of government social media to run her ministry' she said .

She said that she is fighting because all these children are under the ministry of women affairs and they need attention from the ministry.

According to her, people living with sickle cell are suffering under Ify Obinabo because they are not adoptable.
She said that these children cannot be put in a conventional motherless babies homes because they will suffer segregation.
She said that she in the sickle cell fight because she is a sickle cell patients and knows better how to manage them.

She wondered why Ify Obinabo can not for once celebrate with people with sickle cell and show love as a mother.
According to her, Obinabo is busy going about her abduction noise just to be popular.

" I don't know what we have done wrong that she does not want to look at our side" she said.

Reacting to the allegations, the Commissioner for Women Affairs Mrs Ify Obinabo said that those living with Sickle Cell should stay with their families.

"I am employed by somebody and if she feels that I am not doing the right thing she should go to court.

"I don't know what the woman wants, she can take me and the state government to court and I don't care.
Honestly,I don't know what she wants and nobody has given me any dine "

"If she like she can go to anywhere and make a press conference" she contended.

Organized crime, cultism fueling insecurity in Anambra --Truth Commission


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Anambra State Truth, Peace and Justice Commission has stated that insecurity in the state is being fueled by organized crime and cultism.

Governor of Anambra State Prof Charles Soludo had in June 2022 established a commission to investigate the remote and immediate causes of insecurity in the state and by extension, South East region.

Chairman of the commission, Prof Chidi Odinkalu who addressed journalists about the commission's findings on Thursday said it is wrong to blame the Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB and herders for the insecurity in Anambra .

According to him, the crime in Anambra state are caused by land related issues, bunkering, cultism and other organized criminals fighting to control the resources.

Odinkalu said these people keep militias who they use to eliminate any person standing on their way.

He also said that alot of things had happened before the IPOB and herders in the state, noting that killings in the state predated IPOB.

"Iam not saying there is no IPOB in Anambra . IPOB only exist in boarder of Imo State and Anambra South. It might interest you to know that killings in the areas where there is no IPOB is higher than those areas there is IPOB. When ever you hear of violence crime ,we assumed it is IPOB .If you liquidate IPOB, will it solve the problem of insecurity?The answer is no. IPOB is a recent development and spill crime.The Eastern Security Network was launched in 2021 and before then there were alot of kidnappings,killings in the state. Anambra is only state where many prominent persons were killed and nothing happened" he said .
According Odinaka, serious bunkering are taking place in Anambra and nothing is being done or say about the activities which is seriously fuel killings and abductions in the state.
He said that places like Ogbaru,Ayamelum others that are by thee coastal line engage in illegal drilling of oil,and keeping boys to protect their businesses.

According to him, these criminals controlling resources in the state are creating militias whom they equip with high caliber weapons to sustain their illegalities.

"Alot of people do not connect Anambra State with bunkering.Anambra state is close to coastline. When some Americans were killed last time in Ogbaru, people said they were IPOB members, but IPOB is not in Ogbaru because they cannot survive there because of the economic interest of those in bunkering. If IPOB survive there , they will take over the business of bunkering and illegal oil mining. Those doing bunkering in Ogbaru will not allow IPOB to survive in Ogbaru just like it is not in the interest of cult group in Obosi to allow IPOB to survive in the area.If IPOB survive in Obosi they will take over business of the organized criminals in the area" he said.

He reiterated that what is happening in Anambra is all about cultism and criminal elements trying to control resources in the state and not really IPOB or herders as wrongly believed.

According to him,the highest killings in the state took places in Obosi,Ogbaru,Onitsha and Awka where there is no IPOB.

He said in the last few years,Obosi alone has buried over 150 youths below the 40years killed in gang warfare due to cultism and organized crimes and nothing has been done .
Odinkalu also said that another major cause of insecurity in Anambra is land related issues , noting that the same organized gang sale land and use cult groups to fight whoever that is challenging them.
"When we met people in Obosi people say they cannot say anything because nobody is there to protect them. They are afraid because of the organized crime in the area. Infact the palace secretary of Igwe Obosi was confirmed to have been involved in murder by a state High Court,yet he is retained as palace secretary. This is to tell you what is happening in the state . We asked the traditional ruler to suspend him until a higher court clear him but he has not done that " he said .

He also stated that most of the killings in south East are not done by herdsmen or IPOB but are carried by Igbo men and women.

Odinkalu stated that the governor should religiously implement the commission's report,and that government should not be afraid to implement recommendations of any panel in the state.
According to him,he has confidence that governor Soludo will implement the commission's recommendations.

You are a reformer, Prof tells Obasanjo at 87

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Founder and Chancellor of Gregory University Uturu, Abia State Prof Gregory Ibe has described the former President of Nigeria Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as light to the nation.

Prof Ibe who also is a member of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Presidential Advisory Council in a congratulatory message to Obasanjo at his 87 years birthday, which he personally signed and made available to our correspodent said Obasanjo remains one of the greatest leaders and a reformer.

Prof Ibe who also described Obasanjo as his father said the former president indelible footprints in the sands of governance remain guiding lights.

"It is with immense joy that I join the global community in celebrating my father, leader and boss former President Olusegun Obasanjo as he marks 87 years of tangible impact on earth.
As a wise and acclaimed reformist your indelible footprints in the sands of governance remain guiding lights to discerning leaders across the globe.
Since your emergence as first elected President of Nigeria's 4th Republic, it has been a great school of learning working under you.
I therefore pray that the Almighty God continues to keep you in good health and vitality while granting you wisdom to remain relevant and impactful in the comity of nations.
Happy Birthday Your Excellency" he stated.

You are a reformer, Prof tells Obasanjo at 87

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Founder and Chancellor of Gregory University Uturu, Abia State Prof Gregory Ibe has described the former President of Nigeria Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as light to the nation.

Prof Ibe who also is a member of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Presidential Advisory Council in a congratulatory message to Obasanjo at his 87 years birthday, which he personally signed and made available to our correspodent said Obasanjo remains one of the greatest leaders and a reformer.

Prof Ibe who also described Obasanjo as his father said the former president indelible footprints in the sands of governance remain guiding lights.

"It is with immense joy that I join the global community in celebrating my father, leader and boss former President Olusegun Obasanjo as he marks 87 years of tangible impact on earth.
As a wise and acclaimed reformist your indelible footprints in the sands of governance remain guiding lights to discerning leaders across the globe.
Since your emergence as first elected President of Nigeria's 4th Republic, it has been a great school of learning working under you.
I therefore pray that the Almighty God continues to keep you in good health and vitality while granting you wisdom to remain relevant and impactful in the comity of nations.
Happy Birthday Your Excellency" he stated.

Anambra school's PTA debunks abductions,killings of pupils

Titus Maduako Eleweke


Parents Teachers Association (PTA), Exceptional Western Kiddies Nursery and Primary school, Awada Obosi, Idemili North Council Area of Anambra State has described rumour of abductions and killings of pupils inside the school as unfounded.

The school's PTA in a reaction to the trending news about killings and abductions said the allegation was height of fabrication aimed at smearing the image of the school.
The spokesman of school's PTA,Dr. Cosmos Ofoka said the serial abductions and killings of school pupils inside the school allegations were mischievous , false and should be disregarded.

According to him, the originator of false information is one of the enemies of the school who wants to destroy the school reputation built over the years.
He faulted the news circulating on social media where the school was accused of having harbored one Echegwo Samuel in the school for human parts distribution, describing the story as an attempt to rubbish the image of the institution.

"Echegwo Samuel was employed by the school management as a gateman and for the years , no pupil has ever got missing or molested in the hands of the gateman. One wonders where someone whom his children nor wards are not in the school should come up with a-none-existed, concocted and fabricated story against the school through portraying that the gateman use to lure pupils into one of the rooms where he butchered and had them cut into pieces" he stated.

He urged members of the public to disregard the non-existent story flying on Facebook and other social media outlets.

Our reporter's investigation revealed that the school management is working to put in place security network in the school.

How ARTMA, SASA are intimidating, harassing drivers in Anambra


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Anambra State Drivers have lamented the inhuman treatments,
Anambra State Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA),and
Anambra Special Anti-Touting Squad (SASA) are subjecting them.
ARTMA and SASA on Saturday stormed TRACAS bus stop Onitsha, attacked drivers and seized their vehicles accusing them of obstructions.

One of the victims, a 70 years old, Mr Aloy Obi told our correspodent that the two government agencies attacked them at TRACAS bus stop and seized their vehicles without commiting any offence.
According to him, he was parked at an approved bus stop without causing any obstruction when the men of Anambra State swop on them and started beating them like a common criminals.

"I was not parking wrongly at an approved bus stop and I don't know why they beat me up and others for commiting no offence. My vehicle is registered to ply this route. I have been paying all my levies and taxes to government as at when due " he stated .
He said that they are are unjustly suffering in the hands of ARTMA and SASA in the state.
He called on the governor to intervene and save them from intimidation from Anti Touts squad and ARTMA in the state .
Another of bus drivers in Onitsha, Mr Iyke Okoro described the action of ARTMA and SASA as barbaric, inhuman and unacceptable in a sane clime.
According to him, those brutalized drivers were at an approved, TRACAS park in onitsha and were rightly parked without causing any traffic hold up.
He called on governor Prof Charles Soludo to look into the matter as it is unfair and unacceptable for ARTMA and SASA to continue to terrorise innocent and law abiding citizens in the state in the name of decongestion.
"One of the man beaten up by these men is a 70 years old man who drives a shuttle bus as a means of feeding his family. These drivers are beaten at an approved bus stop by the government . They parked at the place because it is a bus stop and they were not causing obstruction, " he stated .
According to him, the ARTMA should arrest those who commit offence and not storming approved park and arresting every body just to extort money .
He said that those who committed offence should be arrested to serve as deterant to those parking wrongly and not intimidating every body because they do not have anybody to speak for them .
According to him, ARTMA is colluding with the state Anti Touts squad to extort money from the drivers .
"When they arrest any driver they will take him to their office and demand for N50,000 against the governor's directive of N5000.
The governor had promised us that he will established drivers management committee and untill now nothing has happened and they don't know whom to turn to in this kind of of situation " he lamented.
The Convener of Keke and Bus Drivers in Anambra Comrade Osita Obi queried the rationale of Anti Touts squad with bus drivers .

According to him, Anti Touts squad is for the touts terrorising the state and extorting money from innocent citizens and not for drivers .
The Managing Director of ARTMA Mr Emeka Okonkwo said that a video of the enforcement was clearly posted on WhatApps and there was no atom of violence or rough handling in the video.

According to him,he had severally visited that particular area to educate the drivers and their representatives.

" In as much as we want you all to operate seamlessly in Anambra state, we also urge you to do the right things so other roadusers can have right of way too" he stated

Anambra gov't reopens Odera market, summons chairman on monday

Titus Maduako Eleweke


Anambra State government has unsealed Odera Shopping Complex//Market Awka after an undertaking from the stakeholders and traders that their Chairman, Emmanuel Nwonwu who had remained incommunicado must appear before the Board of Internal Revenue on Monday.

The market was sealed at the weekend, when Task Force of the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS) operating as Unified Hybrid Enforcement Team (UHBET) under the leadership of the State Coordinator in-charge of Anambra Central Zone, Evaristus Offor stormed the market to ensure traders' compliance to market fee/levy payments.


Some traders in bravado resisted the UHBET officials, arguing that they were not owing the government having paid through their Market leader, who did not issue them receipt.

According to an eye-witness, there was no records of such payments, prompting them to put calls to the Market Chairman, Nwonwu to show up and produce the receipts of the payments.

However, the calls were not picked and this irked the Task Force to seal the market.

Investigations revealed that it took the intervention of some stakeholders of the Odera Market led by the Vice Chairman, Chief Ikechukwu Ugwuoke and the Secretary, Emeka Nwagbala for the un-sealing of the market.

Our source hinted that the re-opening has a condition attached to it, as there was an agreement that the Market Chairman, Nwonwu should appear on Monday, March 4, 2024 before the Task Force at the Revenue House to show evidence of payments as claimed by the traders, failing which the market would be re-sealed.

Speaking to newsmen on the development, Ugwuoke lamented the unfortunate incident, blaming the Chairman of insensitivity to needs of the traders, worsening their plights, adopting high-handsdness to run the affairs of the market and blocking moves to install democratically-elected leaders many years after his tenure expired.

He expressed dismay with the unforeseen development, as he observed that the unsealing of the market is only tentative as the AIRS officials have threatened to come back and re-seal the market if Nwonwu failed to appear before the Task Force team at the Revenue House, Awka on Monday.

According to him, the Market Chairman has been severally accused by the traders of running the market as a personal affair, without an official bank account and co-signatories as provided by the Constitution of Odera Market.

Contributing, the Secretary - Nwagbala, pioneer Chairman of the Market - Chinweze Ijomah and one-time Chairman of Task Force on Security Fee Collection - Humphrey Onuorah confirmed the claims of some of the traders that they paid their fees/levies to the Chairman for onward transmission to and receipting by government officials, but without getting official receipts thereafter.

They alleged that Nwonwu was enjoying illegal occupation of office as Chairman after over two years of expiration, arbitiaarlly collecting revenue without issuance of receipts, being unaccountable and using threats to lives to cow his opponents.

They also called on the State Governor Professor Soludo to use his good offices to appoint a Caretaker Committee to run the market for some months in order to prepare groundworks for election of officers.

The stakeholders and traders also observed that Nwonwu is serving a third term in office whereas the Constitution of Odera Market stipulates a three- year tenure and renewal once .

Anambra LP lawmakers want govts to suspend all infrastructural to tackle hunger


Titus Maduako Eleweke


Labour Party LP caucus members in Anambra State House of Assembly have called on both the Federal and state governments to suspend all other infrastructural works and face the challenges of hunger and insecurity in the country.

The LP Anambra numbering eight in a Press briefing on Thursday in Awka said both governments should concentrate on solving the challenges of hunger in the land.

The spokesman of the group, House member representing Onitsha South 2 Hon. Jude Ifeanyi Umennajiego said government cannot be building structures while people are dying in hunger.


He said the caucus have donated their six months basic salary to cushion the suffering of the People.


According to him,the donation is part of their contribution to alleviate the suffering of the masses.
"Federal and State governments should suspend work on all other sectors including infrastructure for the next six months and declare state of emergency on security and hunger in the nation.
The state governor Prof. Charles Soludo also suspend all infrastructural development in their various parts of the States for the next six months and declare state of emergency on security and hunger.


"We, the Labour Party House of Assembly members will relinquish our basic salary for six months to be our contribution to alleviate the suffering of the masses.
In conclusion, we all know that campaign is over and election is over. Majority of Nigerians are suffering. People are dying every day as a result of hunger and insecurity. Thus, there is need for the Federal government and State Governments to adhere to the advice given by our leader Mr. Peter Obi. We must commend our leader His Excellency Mr. Peter Gregory Obi for this selfless effort to ensure the stability and growth of our Nation. It really shows that he is committed to make this nation a better place for all of us.
To the masses, hope is a virtue; we must sustain hope. That is the currency for better tomorrow" they stated.

Unconfirmed number of people trapped under collapsed building in onitsha market



Titus Maduako Eleweke

Unconfirmed number of people are currently trapped under a collapsed two storey building at Ochanja Market area of the Onitsha South local government area of Anambra State.
This incident happened at about 6 pm on Monday when traders were about leaving market.
The Secretary of the Onitsha South Local Government Area of Anambra State Mr Paul Onuachalla who confirmed the incident said many people are still trapped under the building.
According to him,those around the building said there were noise around the building in the evening and after some time it collapsed.
According to him,the council is still trying to know the actual number of people trapped in the building.


Onuachalla also disclosed that the Council has set up a seven man Committee of Enquiry to investigate the remote and immediate causes of Monday evening building collapse in the Ochanja market.

The Committee is set following the suspicion of sabotage on the part of some traders in the council.

Onuachalla said the Committee would be made up of a police personnel, a building engineer and other relevant professionals in the building industry.


He said that despite all, the Council would continue to enforce to the letter of the law and building Code guiding the construction of permanent structures in the area .



"We want to first of all sympathize with the victims of the building collapse yesterday and, as I speak with you the Onitsha South local government Emergency Management Agency is working hand in gloves with the Anambra State Fire Service and the Health Department to ensure safe rescue of victims and provide medical assistance "

"This incident is simply an act of sabotage on the part of some traders who instead of following the due process and Building Code they chose to compromise the law and undertake the project themselves"

"The Council is setting up a seven man Committee of Enquiry to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the building Collapse and the Committee membership would include a police personnel a building engineer and other relevant bodies in the sector.

"But this also goes to vindicate the Onitsha South local government Council about our strict compliance with the Building Code and other relevant laws guiding the construction of permanent structures in the area "

"We as a government have made spirited efforts to ensure that the rules of Building Codes are respected but some sections of the public see it as witch hunting or targeting them, this time no defaulter would be speared " he added.

Keke drivers commend Soludo for building good roads in Anambra


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Over 500 tricycle Operators in Anambra state on Monday commended governor Charles Soludo for deploying their taxes for the construction of roads in the state.
The Tricycle Operators under the umbrella of Anambra State State Keke Drivers Forum AKDF during a project tour in Awka, the state capital said that the governor is really doing well in roads construction and others.

They commended the Governor for building roads so that their Tricycle could ply roads with ease.

Speaking during the tour,the Convener of AKDF comrade Osita Obi said the reason for the tour was to see what their taxes are used for.

According to him,the Keke drivers are happy with what the governor is doing with their taxes in the state and promised to give him all the support .
"The governor is doing wonderful well and we have full confidence that before his first four years tenure is ended ,he must have completed all the roads in Awka and Anambra State. Our governor is wonderful,we need to urged others Keke drivers who are yet to join the government tax net to do so immediately,because we can see where our money is going into" he said .

One of the Keke drivers Mr Collins Ude said that he is sincerely satisfied with the work the governor is doing in the state.
According to him,the governor has demonstrated that he has what it takes to change the state to Dubai as he promised.

" I sincerely want to thank the governor for his good work. I was plying this iche Nebe roads some years back and it was extremely bad. You cannot ply the road twice without going to mechanic but today all is history. The bad roads was spoiling our Keke and today the governor has fixed it and we can drive without problem. I want other Keke drivers and Ndi Anambra to key into the government tax net because the governor is really working with our money" he said .
Amose Nweke on his own said he left the route because of bad roads but toddy he is happy that the road is good and those Keke drivers are happy.
According to him,the governor promised them good roads and he is delivering good roads to them , noting that this is good sign that he will fulfill all the promises he made including the driving away tout and illegal tax collectors in the state.

Another Keke driver Pastor Don Chidi,said that he thanked God for using Soludo to put smiles on the faces of keke drivers in the state.
He also stated that the governor has drive away the touts and illegal tax collector's harassing them on the roads

Soludo declares war on newspapers vendors in Anambra, confiscate copies

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Governor of Anambra State Prof Charles Soludo has declared war on newspapers vendors in the state.
The governor urged the newspapers vendors in the state to relocate their business to shops and stop displaying newspapers in public places in Awka.

The men of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority ACTDA,who stormed Aroma junction,a newspapers stand along the federal and state secretariat seized all copies on display, urging the vendors to look for shops to sell their papers.

The list of papers taken away by the government are The Sun, Daily Trust, Vanguard, Leadership, News Direct, The Nation, Guardian, Business news,Blue Print , New Telegraph, Standard Trust and others.

One of the vendors who spoke to Daily Trust , Mrs Nancy Madugwunna said it is very sad that the government of Soludo would want to push them out of business in the state.
She said that ,the government officials buy papers from them and wondered why the government would want to move them away from the public to shops just to sell newspapers.
Madugwunna said that every where in the country newspapers vendors stay in open kiosks and Anambra State cannot be different.
According to her,they have been displaying newspapers on the stand before the creation of Anambra State till date and wondered what the governor wants to achieve by denying the public access to information.

" I have been in this business for many years and no government has stopped us from displaying newspapers at the Aroma junction newspapers stand. This news stand is older than Anambra State.
I have not heard about newspapers vendors renting shops to sell papers " she said .
According to her, Soludo men seized her papers worth over N85,000 , noting that she does not know how to pay the various media houses whose papers were confiscated.
She said the government had earlier destroyed their shades, kiosks and their tables, now they are forcing us to abandon the selling of papers in the state.

Madugwunna said that if the government want them to stop the business if selling papers,they should make it clear.
"Why is Soludo government trying to achieve by trying to stop public sell of newspapers in Awka? Why is the government pursuing us out of public display of papers. In all the state newspapers are displayed in public kiosks and not in shops.
We are not books sellers" she stated.

Reacting, Chairman of Anambra State chapter of Nigerian Union of Journalists NUJ Dr Odugwu Emeka Odugwu said that ,it is not possible for newspapers vendors to stay in shops to sell newspapers.
According to him,Jurnalists and vendors work in partnership for development of the society.

He said that ,the journalists write stories about the society and the vendors sell the papers, noting that if a published news is not read it amount nothing.
He advised the government to have a proper dialogue with the vendors to have proper and seamless operation in the state .
"It is not normal to clap down on newspapers vendors in any sane state. Government should know that journalists, vendors and government work together for the good of the society " he stated.

When contracted on phone, the Press Secretary to the governor Mr Christian Aburime, said that the vendors should obey the instructions of ACTDA people and move to shops.
According to him, they should not be constituting nuance to public by displaying newspapers on the streets.

Impact Academy to empower 5000 Anambra Youths through digital skills


Titus Maduako Eleweke

A None Governmental Organization NGO in Anambra state Hi- Impact Choice Limited has commenced the process of empowering 5000 youths through digital skills.

The Chief Executive Officer CEO of Hi- Impact Choice Limited, Impact Academy Amb. Bright Alexander Nwakama made the disclosure in Awka Anambra state capital on Thursday.
According to him, the Impact Academy is majorly concerned about lifting the youngsters out of poverty through digital skills in the state .

"Impact Academy is on the project of Anambra digital programme to empower 5000 Anambra youths through the learning of digital skills. After training we shall give them employment in our partnering organisations to work " he said .

Nwakama said that the digital skills training is free as Impact Academy has partners who are sponsoring the trainings.
According to him, the trainings shall be comprehensive and the participants will start from the basic to advance level of video editing, website design, cyber security and others.

He also disclosed that the programme will run in batches of three months each.

"Apart from giving the youths the digital skills, we will place them in various organizations where they will work and make money according to the level of their skills. We partner with Amazon and Microsoft Excel who give international certifications after graduation. There is no place you will go with our certification without being recognized. It has both international and Nigeria certification " he said .

He also stated that Anambra State government is aware of the programme but not one of the partners.
According to him, the Ministry of Education and Information and Communication Technologies ICT have given approval to the programme based on its international and Nigeria acceptance.

He said, it does not want government partnership because Impact Academy wants to run the programmes steadily and continuously without interference.

Nwakama further said that programme is opened to all youths resident in Anambra state and it is going to be physical training.
According to him, online training may not be good because a starter will find it difficult to cope with the rigour of trainings.

He said the Impact Academy will open training centres in all the local government councils of the state to enable interested youths to attend training physically.

The programme is for youths between the ages of 16 to 30 years and those above with the capacity to cope with rigour of trainings .
He urged those who want to take the advantage of trainings to improve to Google their website or come personally for registration.

The CEO of the organisation, also appealed to individuals and organisations who wish to sponsor the programme to come up and let the Anambra youths have digital skills for economic empowerment.

Chancellor,Gyang Buba advises Unizik VC to keep admirable administration to end


Titus Maduako Eleweke

The Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka Anambra state, His Majesty Da Jacob Gyang Buba has advised the institution's Vice Chancellor Prof Charles Esimone to maintain his admiral administration till end.
Prof Charles Esimone tenure as the vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University ends in June 2024.

Da Jacob Gyang Buba who is the Chairman Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs gave the advice on Wednesday at the extraordinary convocation ceremony to confer Doctorate Degree ( Honoris Causa) on chairman of Bua industries Alhaji Abdul Samand and an Industrialist Chief Ikenna Okafor for their human development.

Alhaji Abdul Samand is honoured with doctorate degree on socio economic development while Chief Ikenna Okafor is honoured with Doctor of Entrepreneurial Innovation

" I also seize this opportunity to urge the Vice Chancellor to keep up with admiral tempo of his administration as his tenure winds down and equally to enjoin the University Community to continue to give him their commendable corporation" he said .

He also commended the University Management for convening the extraordinary convocation to enable the awardees in the best academic tradition to accept and receive their doctorate degrees.
The Chancellor congratulated the awardees and reminded them that the honour was a call to do more.

Speaking on the ceremony, the VC said the convocation held on 7th and 8th of December 2023 and for the fact the they were not around it was rescheduled till 21st February 2024.
According to him, the awardees are distinguished Nigerians who had impacted positively on the lives of the people and the nation.
He said the awardees have distinguished themselves in specific field and the society generally.

I've not receive any money for ICT innovation in Aguleri,says Nwoye


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Senator representing Anambra North Senatorial District, Senate, Dr Tony Nwoye has stated that he never received any money for the building of ICT innovation in Aguleri of Anambra West local government Area of the state.

In a statement from senator Nwoye's media team and made to available to journalists in Awka Anambra state on Tuesday, the distinguished Senator, instead deployed all necessary legislative approaches to attract development to the State.
The statement condemned the desperation which some people deploy to twist the facts about the project.
The statement further described the misrepresentation as unfortunate and asked the public to disregard such rootless propagandists who dish out half-truths.

Senator Nwoye’s Media Centre also in the statement updated the projects attracted to the state by Senator.

The statement read in part,”The attention of Sen. Dr. Tony Nwoye Media Center has been drawn to various comments and reactions pertaining to the ICT Innovation Hub which the people’s Senator representing Anambra North Senatorial District, Sen. Dr. Tony Nwoye deployed all the necessary legislative tools to get the job done at Aguleri and the other one ongoing at Okpoko in Ogbaru Local Government Area.
“To this end, we state categorically that the phantom desperation and mischievous attempt by some people who want to earn some political fortune by misrepresenting facts either by comparing the hub vis-à-vis what Senator Abiru did for Lagos East Senatorial Zone is rather unfortunate and out of sheer ignorance.

“This line of thought and basis of comparison flies in the face of logic and reasoning because what Dr. Tony Nwoye did for the community is not a constituency project for Anambra North.What Senator Tony Nwoye did was to go extra mile to get the project that was meant to be cited in CHATSSA South East Zone is executed in his constituency Anambra North Senatorial Zone.We wonder has this became a crime?

“First, this Project was captured in 2023 Budget with Budget number and Title: ERGP202301053: CONSTRUCTION OF INNOVATION CENTRE IN CHATASSA SOUTH EAST GEO-POLITICAL ZONE.
The Project was awarded in May 2023 with the award Letter attached therein.

“Note that Dr Tony Nwoye was sworn in as a Senator on 13th June, 2023. So the contract and contractor has been there before his swearing in as a Senator. He never nominated the contractor directly nor indirectly. This can be verified through The FG’s APP on Tracking of Constituency Project/Capital/FG’s Projects.

Continuing, the statement said,” Those trying to appeal to the emotions of unsuspecting citizens with the false claim that Senators were given money to construct Tech Hubs for their people should establish their claim by answering the pertinent question of who released the money and when?

“The project Senator Abiru did for Lagos East was constructed in 2022 even before Dr Tony Nwoye became a Senator . So where is the news of the money given to the Senators to construct Tech Hub coming from?.

“Please note that no kobo has been released to Senator Tony Nwoye for any Federal Government project for any Computer/Innovation hub in the past years.

“Anyone who opposes or stand in contradiction to this fact should please come forward with his/her substantive claim and details of the alleged money given to the distinguished Senator representing Anambra North or any other Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to build a computer hub or ICT Centre.

“It is on record that Federal Government of Nigeria has never released a dime to him for projects executed by him till date, rather he has unceasingly used his hard-earned money and contact to facilitate, construct many projects with little or no refund. Please this claim is verifiable.

“For avoidance of doubt, we will update some of the projects Dr. Tony Nwoye has facilitated and executed in Anambra East and West, Anambra North and Anambra State, all verifiable projects and 80% of these projects were done when he was neither holding any position or Government appointment. Stay tuned on this page as we bring up to speed on these projects.

“As we urge citizens to outrightly reject these rootless propagandists who dish out half-truths while on the run against Dr. Tony Nwoye’s towering profile, we urge the good people of Anambra North and our fellow citizens to always insist on doing a fact check on issues because it helps in moulding opinion while shunning deliberate or advertent lack of curiosity about facts.

SOME OF PROJECTS ATTRACTED BY HON. DR.TONY NWOYE
(Completed and Ongoing)

1. Construction of Ukpo – Police Zone 12 – Oranto Expressway, Ukpo Dunukofia LGA, Anambra State Under Federal Ministry of Works Abuja (Ongoing) awarded at ₦2.5Billion Naira

2. Actively participated in facilitation of award of contract for rehabilitation of Enugu-Onitsha expressway from Umunya – Nteje – Awkuzu to Awka end awarded to RCC Nigeria Limited by Federal Ministry of Works (One Lane Completed) (Ongoing)

3. Rehabilitation of Otuocha – Onitsha Federal Road Spur to NKA – Amumu Road Nsugbe Under Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) Contract No. GM/19 – 121 (Completed)

4. Rehabilitation of Adani Federal Road Spur Umuara Ogbendida Umuilokpa –Abbah Road Nsugbe (Anambra North) Under Federal Roads
Maintenance Agency FERMA – Abuja Contract No. GM/19 – 20 (Completed)

5. Provision of Solar Street Light at Nka Abata, Nnadi Road Nsugbe Under Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) Contract No. FERMA/ES/ST/ELECT/20-01 (Completed)

6. Provision of three in one Solar Street Light in Oranto Village Ukpo Zone 13, Nigerian Police Force Road Ukpo, Akpalaju Nsugbe, Nzennba Ukpo Anambra State Under Federal Ministry of Power Abuja Contract no. FMP/PROC/928/VOL.11/272 (Completed)

7. Construction of Olilio – Offianta Road Abata Opposite Nwafor Orizu College of Education Under Michael Imodu National Institute for Labour Studies Ilorin (Completed)

8. Construction of Umuanaveli New Site Road, Eziagulu, Aguleri Off Otuocha – Aguleri Road, Aguleri Under CCU Michael Imodu National Institute for Labour Studies Ilorin (Completed)

9. Construction of St. Anthony Catholic Church Road Umudioka Under Michael Imodu National Institute for Labour Studies Ilorin (Completed)

10.Construction and Furnishing of Nsugbe Civic Centre/Skill Acquisition Centre under Federal Ministry of Works and Housing Mabushi Abuja. Ref no: FMW & H/DPP/MTB/2020/2974/VOL.1942 (Ongoing)

11. Construction of Ugwunasa Atusa, Offianta Ugwuokwunane Ifite Road Nsugbe Under Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) Contract no. FERMA/CM/21-244 (Completed)

12. Construction of Akunesiobi Road Umuleri Under Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) (Completed)

13. Rehabilitation of Ezi Afo Road Igbariam Under Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) (Completed)

14. Rehabilitation of Chuks. C.J Avenue Road Akpaka Under Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) (Completed)

15. Construction of Umuobi Ogwuari Road Nsugbe Under Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) (Completed)

16. Construction of Durba Road Nneyi Umueri Under Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) (Completed)

17.Construction of Dr. Atanmuo Road Ogidi Under Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) Contract No: FERMA/GM/21- 13 (completed)

18. Construction of Ifite-Umueri-Awkuzu Oyi LGA under Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) Contract No. FERMA/GM/21-38 (Completed)

19. Rehabilitation of Iyiobo – Ogwukwa Town Hall Road Omor Ayamelum LGA under Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) contract no. FERMA/GM/21-38 (Completed)

20. Construction of Oye Ukpo-Orofia Oranto, Road Off Enugu – Onitsha Expressway, Dunukofia LGA, Anambra State under Federal Ministry of Works Abuja FMWSH/DPP/1ST MTB/2019/2748/VOL.1/22 (Completed)

21. Emergency repairs of Nka – Abata – Ojilibuota Road Nsubge Spur to Onitsha Adani Express Way Anambra State (Section 2) under Federal Ministry of Works, Mabushi, Abuja (Completed)

22. Construction and Rehabilitation of 2nd Access Road in Ako/St. Augustine Catholic Church Road in Umuoba Anam, Anambra East LGA (Completed)

23. Construction and furnishing of 2 Nos 6 class rooms Block with VIP toilets at Umueze Anam Anambra West LGA and Nsugbe under Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) (Completed)

24. Rehabilitation of 6 Km Existing 33KV Lines with 2 Km Extension of 8 Nos 500 KVA Relief Distribution substation and rehabilitation of 3 KM existing 11 KV Lines in Nsugbe town and College of Education community, Abata Nsugbe, Anambra State under (Niger Delta Power Holding Co ltd Ref: NDPHC/NIPP/PWC/0031/2021 (Ongoing)

25. Emergency repairs of Road in Abata-Nka-Ojilibuota Nsugbe with Spur to Onitsha-Adani Express Way in Anambra State by Federal Ministry of Works (Completed)

26. Facilitated award of contract for construction of vocational training school at Abata by Nwafor Orizu College of Education by Universal Basic Education Commission (Completed)

27. Provision of access road in Umuoba-Anam with spur from Otuocha-Nzam- Abaji Express way contract NO. GM/18/150 awarded by Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (Completed)

28.Construction little wood estate road Obosi, Idemili North in Anambra state

29. Repairs and maintenance of road in Nkwo edo-afia uzo road Oraifite and Ugwuasa road Orula in Anambra state.

30. Construction and rehabilitation of Onitsha-Omor-Adanni expressway spur from Offianta Nsugbe-Ugwuokwunane-Ifite Nsugbe-Atusa-Amagu Nsugbe in Anambra state.

31. General maintenance and Rehabilitation of roads in Igbariam, Ilokpa Nsugbe, Umuobi Ogwari Nsugbe, Mabia street Nsugbe, Dr Atanmuo road ogidi, Chuks cj avenue road Akpaka and durba road nneyi spur from Onitsha-omor-expressway Anambra state.

32. General Maintenance and Repairs of Nsugbe Onitsha-Aguleri-Adani Road in Anambra State Under FERMA (Completed)

33. Rehabilitation of Spur from Umuara-Umuilopa-Abba Nsugbe Road Off Onitsha-Adani, Federal Road (Completed)
Construction of Drainage, Road improvement work for Erosion Nsugbe under Federal Ministry of Environment (Completed).

34. Provision of solar streetlight in Abegbu Anam, Nando and Umuenwelum Anambra East/West LGA (Completed)
Provision of solar street light in Abata, Nzam, Ifite, Ezi Anam and Umuleri by Anambra Imo River Basin Development Authority (Completed)

35. Actively participated in facilitation of order for further commencement of work after about seven (7) years of abandonment of work on rehabilitation of Otuocha Anam-Nzam Innoma Iheaka Ibaji Kogi Federal Road awarded to Niger Cat Nigeria Limited by Federal Ministry of Works. (ongoing).

37.Facilitated admission to institutions of higher learning for some indigenes of Anambra East, West and Anambra State.

38. Facilitated employment for graduates of Anambra East, West constituency and Anambra State into various Federal Government Agencies like DPR, UNIZIK, UNN, Police, EFCC, Navy, Federal Civil Service Commission etc.

39. Various empowerment programs for constituents at different occasions for Anambra East and west VIZ Cash empowerment on 31/1/16, Cash Empowerment on 29/5/16, Christmas Celebration for Constituents on 24/12/17 etc.

40. Construction of Solar Powered Borehole at Nneyi Umueri (Completed)

41. Construction of 22 Poles Solar Street Light at Umueri Community (Completed)

42. Construction of 15 Poles Solar Street Light at Igbariam (Completed)

43.Construction of 21 Poles Solar Street Light at Umuoba Anam (Completed)

44. Construction of 14 Poles Solar Street Light at Umueze Anam (Completed)

45. Construction of 12 Poles Street Light at Orometiti Anam (Completed)

46. Construction of 12 Poles Solar Street Light at Umuikwu Anam (Completed)

47. Provision of Transformer at Ikem Nando (Completed)

48. Construction of 3 Blocks at Stella Maris School Umueri (Completed)

49. Construction of 3 Classrooms at Justice Chinwuba Girls School Invite Aguleri (Completed)

50. Donation of Sport Equipment to Premier Primary School Amaeze Aguleri (Completed)

51. Construction of 2 Hand Boreholes at Eziagulu Out Aguleri (Completed)

52. Construction of 1 Hand Borehole at Umuikwu Anam (Completed)

53. Construction of 1 Borehole at Umenwelum Anam (Completed)

54. Construction of 7 Solar Street Poles at Ivite Aguleri (Completed)

55. Construction of 9 Poles Solar Street Light at Nzam (Completed)

56. Construction of 9 Poles Solar Street Light at Mmaita Anam (Completed)

57. Construction of 3 Poles Solar Street Light at Nando (Completed)

58. Construction of 3 Poles Solar Street Light at Agbegbu Anam (Completed)

59. Construction of 3 Poles Solar Street Light at Oroma Etiti (Completed)

60. Construction of 16 Poles Solar Street Light at Nsugbe (Completed)

61. Construction 8 Solar Street Lights at Eziagulu Out Aguleri (Completed)

62. Construction of 4 Solar Street Light Poles at Inoma (Completed)

63. Construction of 3 Solar Street Light Poles at Ukwalla Anambra West LGA (Completed)

64. Construction of 3 Solar Street Light Poles at Owelle Anambra West LGA (Completed)

65. Installation of high powered solar streetlights, Ikem ivite, Nsugbe orula avenue, Okpoko ward 6, Oronwu Nsugbe, Udoka estate Abata, uchefuna street Nsugbe, Nteje ezunnaka estate and other towns in Anambra state.

66. Construction of 8 Solar Street Light Poles at Umuannaevilli New Site Aguleri (Completed)

Unforgetable invasion, murder of innocent persons in Oraifite



Ifeanyi Ejiofor

I remember it vividly, the specific time and date; it was in the early hours of the morning on 6th June, 2021, a Sunday, precisely at 1:50am. The previous night, on 5th June, 2021, at 11pm, we exchanged our last greetings before I retired for the day. Little did I know that it would be the last time I would see you on this earth. We had no inkling of the impending danger that would ultimately take your life. It was when the forces of darkness struck and ended your life. In the process, three unarmed and innocent civilians were abducted and remain missing to this day: Lawrence Ugochukwu, Felix Okafor, and Ikenna Chibuike.

The brutality of this attack indicated a meticulously planned and executed mission by those tasked with protecting lives and properties.
It is disheartening that none of the Nigerian security agencies found culpable and exclusively indicted in this dastardly act– the POLICE, STATE SECURITY SERVICE (SSS) , and the NIGERIAN ARMY– has made any effort to investigate their personnel responsible for these heinous acts, and their agent who posted these pictures of my abducted wards on his Facebook page; as ordered by the Federal High Court in its Judgments delivered on 22nd July, 2022 and 27th October, 2022, respectively.

The most troubling aspect is that the main instigator/mastermind of this second bloody invasion of my peaceful home, who bankrolled the entire operation, is currently plotting another assault on me with impunity. But he can only succeed if God is not on the throne.

He operates above the law, considering himself the owner of Nigeria, immune to investigation or scrutiny. The Nigerian security agencies are at his beck and call, and no one dares to challenge him.
I can only assure him that, as long as God reigns supreme, he will face divine retribution, no matter how long it takes. The day of judgment will inevitably arrive; what goes up must come down, it's just a matter of time.

Following this tragic and shocking event, Samuel Okoro's elderly father suffered a stroke and passed away a few months ago. He will be laid to rest on 4th April, 2024.
I humbly crave the indulgence of Ezigbo UmuChineke to join us in praying for this family during this difficult time, while I continue with ongoing legal interventions to bring back home these innocent civilians abducted in my home. It is a task that must surely be accomplished in the name of ChukwuOkike Abiama. Iseeee, iseeee, iseeee!!!

Thank you all and remain blessed.

Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Esq.

Over taxation: we'll shut down filling stations in Anambra ,if....

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Independent Petroleum Marketers Association, IPMAN , Enugu Depot has threatened may shut down in Anambra state following over taxation by the state government.

Chairman of the Association, Mr Chinedu Anyaso at the weekend in Awka the state capital said they shut down all filling station if the state government refuses to review the over taxation.

According to Anyaso who shortly after he was re elected to pilot the Affairs of the members for a second term promised he will continue to work hard to ameliorate the difficulties being facing its members in their businesses.
Anyaso said the challenge over taxation is highly prevalent in Anambra State, where after the Association had an agreement with the state government.
He said that despite with government Anambra State waste management agency ASWAMA, signage officials, and Ocha Brigade officials are still coming to demand money, arrest and detain IPMAN members and their workers.

According to him, all efforts to call the attention of the Anambra State Government on the issue have proved abortive and not yielded any fruit.
He regretted that some of the IPMAN members having businesses in Anambra State were taken to court and jailed or given the option of fines due to their refusal to comply with illegal and over taxation.
According to Anyaso,since the removal of the fuel subsidy, members of IPMAN have continued to find it difficult to survive the harsh business environment confronting all business concerns in the country.


He noted that even as they are struggling to keep business afloat and retain their workers, Anambra state government in its quest to surge-up its internal revenue has come so hard on individual members and their business outfits in the area.

He regretted that the latest development also undermines agreement with various state governments that IPMAN would be paying a collective tax to ensure all members pay and check issues of multiple taxation.


The IPMAN boss however applauded Ebonyi and Enugu State Governments for cooperating and supporting its members and their activities as well as state governments of some parts of Imo, Abia, Kogi and Cross River States where its members operate as well.

Mr Anyaso noted that the members of IPMAN had been a great pillar of support in the past three years in office, making it possible for the association to achieve some milestones noting that his re-election is a call for more responsibility.
In an interview, the Grand Patron of IPMAN Enugu Unit, Chief Joseph Ezeokafor, also lauded IPMAN for working as a union and ensuring steady growth of the association within various states it covers.
“As you people are progressive; I will continue to support IPMAN; and do not fail to call on me if there is any difficulty you are facing for counsel and guidance,” Ezeokafor, Founder of JEZCO Nigeria Ltd, said.
Mr Chinedu Anyaso, Managing Director of Floxy Alu Oil Ltd, was re-elected by members of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) Enugu Unit as their Chairman for the next three years.
Anyaso and his entire executive members were re-elected after a unanimous unopposed vote by the entire members in an election that took place in IPMAN House in Enugu on
Our correspondent reports that others re-elected included: Mr Ndubuisi Nwokwu as Vice Chairman; Mr Nnaemeka Iloafor as Secretary; Mr Ndubuisi Egbogota as Assistant Secretary; Emeka Onyima, as Treasurer and Mr Obinna Njoku as Financial Secretary.
Others are Mr Isaiah Mbah as PRO; Mr Abdullahi Salami as Auditor; Chief Clement Nnamchi as Legal Adviser and Chief Austine Nkama as Ex-official.

Energy crises :TCN Reduces Electricity Supply to Aba Ring-fenced by 50%

Titus Maduako Eleweke

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reduced electricity supply to the Aba Ring-fenced Area that compromises nine of the 17 local government areas in Abia State by more than 50 percent.
According to sources close to Aba Power which serves the nine local government Areas who asked for anonymity said the reduction started last week.
The source said, the supplies dropped from 25 Megawatts to 10MW without any official explanation or apology.
The Aba Power Managing Director, Patrick Umeh, confirmed the drastic reduction in a brief telephone conversation with journalists on Tuesday and declined further comment .

“I am in Lagos right now attending a critical meeting of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC)” he once served as the Commissioner for Market Rates, Market and Competition" he said.
Aba, Nigeria’s centre of indigenous technology and local manufacturing, needs 100MW to achieve electricity stability, according to Chief Adolphus Udeigbo, President General of the 22,00O -member Aba Landlords Protection and Development Association (ALPADA).
“We have been complaining bitterly that the 25MW from the NDPHC is grossly inadequate, only to have it cut further at a time of acute heat and unprecedented economic crisis”,
“It's so painful that Aba people couldn’t watch some of the matches at the just concluded African Nations Cup Competition in Cote d’Ivoire because of the meagre supplies”he stated.
Chief Udeigbo described the significant cut as shocking because the Geometric Power group, which owns Aba Power, “has just paid N500m to one of the Federal Government’s agencies for supplies”.
Bob Chukwueke, an Aba-based legal consultant said : “This is why we can’t wait for the 181MW Geometric Power plant at the Osisioma Industrial Layout in Aba to get commissioned so that we will be freed the embarrassing performance of the nation’s electricity networks”.
There are unconfirmed reports that the Geometric Power plant may be commissioned before the end of this month.
An engineer working at the TCN who confided in our correspondent said his company diverted 15MW from the 25MW supplied to the Aba Ring-fenced Area to other parts of Nigeria to help mitigate the worsening energy crisis throughout the nation.
The engineer, who did not want his name disclosed for fear of repercussions, revealed that gas-producing firms have in the last few weeks reduced their supplies to power generation companies because of the huge amounts owed for previous supplies.
80per cent of Nigeria’s electricity output is from thermal power plants, so reduced gas supplies are bound to have a serious impact throughout the country.
As though to worsen the country’s power crisis, the three hydro plants at Shiroro, Jebba, and Kainji, all in Niger State, are performing suboptimally now because of the dry season.
“It is a pity that Nigeria has continued to suffer water management problems at the dams”, stated Matthew Abiodun, a retired engineer with the Kainji power station, Nigeria’s biggest hydropower plant which was built in 1968.
The transmission network has also been in poor shape, Abiodun added.

“It is old, poorly maintained and so fragile”, he told a meeting of engineers in Lagos recently.


“It collapses easily, and it is worsening by the month”.

There is hardly any month there is no complete system collapse, meaning nationwide blackout”.

Anambra to Review, Upgrade Social Register


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Anambra State Government has concluded plans to review and upgrade its Social Register being used at the moment.

The Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget , Mrs Chiamaka Nnake stated this when the Anambra State House of Assembly Committee on Donor Agencies and Sustainable Development Goals, visited her on oversight function in her ministry at the Jerome Udoji secretariat, Awka.

Mrs Nnake said the register should be undergoing regular update and continuous refreshing hence the resolve by the Governor Chukwuma Soludo led administration to review and update it this 2024.


She noted that because of the economic realities on ground some people may have falling into the category of poverty line while some could also may have left the level or even dead.

According to the Coordinating Commissioner , the state is considering looking beyond the framework being adopted by the federal government and work with UNICEF to develop a robust Social Register that will serve both the state and Federal Government.

Mrs Nnake said the state wants to have a Social Register that is all inclusive not just for federal government interventions but one that the state can also rely on whenever it has an intervention programme for the people.

She hinted that the state was coming up to adopt a Social Protection Policy which is aimed at improving the livelihood of the people through a robust register that will be made available.


In an interview, the Chairman House committee on Economic Planning , budget and Donor Agencies, Mr John Obu representing Orumba North said so far they were impressed by the activities of the ministry based on the robust interactions they had.

Members of the Committee include Mr Noble Igwe representing Ogbaru Constituency 1, Mr Anayo Okpalaeke of Aguata Constituency One and Mr Emmanuel Nwafor representing Orumba South Constituency took their turns to ask questions about some projects being executed or inspected by the Ministry to which the Commissioner and her team provided updates .

IPOB lawyer drags Oraifite PG to court, clams ₦50 Billion damages

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Lawyer to detained leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu , Barr Ifeanyi Ejiofor has draged the President General of Oraifite Improvement Union (OIU) Mr. Vincent Dike to Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja claiming ₦50 Billions damages.

In a suit number CV/1224/24 sighted by our correspodent, Ejiofor dragged the town union President to Court to challenge the defamatory publications variously made by the said Vincent Dike against, and concerning him.
On the 4th day of February, 2024, Mr. Vincent Dike had invited members of Oraifite community and members of the press to Oraifite Civic Center, in his capacity as the President General of Oraifite Improvement Union made some suspected damaging statements against the person of Ejiofor .

According to Barr Ifeanyi Ejiofor,
during the aforesaid press conference, Mr. Vincent Dike made wide range of false, defamatory and highly injurious comments/remarks concerning him which publications were widely read by Ejiofor’s professional colleagues, friends , clients, associates, religious leaders/members and family members.

In the suit ,notice for immediate retraction of these offending publications was immediately served on Mr. Vincent Dike vide his known telephone/WhatsApp number, by Bar. Ejiofor’s Solicitors, which letter was duly received by Vincent Dike.

He said till date, Mr. Vincent Dike who is fully aware that the publications he made against him was false in every material respect and highly defamatory, has refused, neglected and declined to retract these offending publications, hence his resolve to challenge the grave infractions before a court of competent jurisdiction.

According to him,in an action commenced before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, he is seeking among other germane reliefs:

1. That the court directs Mr. Vincent Dike, to publish a full retraction of the utterly defamatory publication, in at least three National Dailies/Newspapers with nationwide and global circulation;

2. An order directing Vincent Dike to publish an express, unambiguous and unqualified apology to Bar. Ejiofor in at least three National Dailies/Newspapers with nationwide and global circulation;

3. An Order directing Vincent Dike to forthwith publish a written undertaking not to publish any similar or further libel of and concerning Bar. Ejiofor;

4. A compensatory payment in the sum of ₦50,000,0000,000.00 (Fifty Billion Naira Only), as general damages Ejiofor suffered on account of the defamatory publications;

5. And further payment of ₦100,000,000.00 (One Hundred Million Naira Only) being the cost of the suit.

The Suit which is marked Suit No: CV/1224/24 Between Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Esq. Vs Mr. Vincent Dike, was signed by Chinwe Umeche, Esq., Head of Chambers/Managing Partner in the chambers of I.C. Ejiofor (Ugochinyere Chambers).

The suit is yet to be assigned a date for hearing.