₦airaland Forum

IPOB 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.

Anambra residents commend ACTDA for transforming Awka to mega city

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Residents of Awka the Anambra State Capital have commended the Capital Territory Development Agency, ACTDA for the consistency in ensuring that the liveable, prosperous and mega city plans of governor Charles Soludo becomes a reality.


According to the people, the Agency led by Mr Ossy Onuko has proven to be focused and resilient when it comes to doing the right things for the overall interest of the residents,motorists and road users.


Some of the residents who spoke with our Correspondent, applauded the governor Soludo led administration for walking the talk when it comes to giving Awka the status of a state capital.


Awka Capital Territory Development Agency ACTDA, was established to coordinate , control and ensure that the entire communities that make up the state capital are carried along in terms of development and in a manner that Conforms with government policies and Programmes.


Sadly however, the residents recalled that successive administrations while promising to give the capital a facelift through various projects, programs and policies could not do much as their impact were not felt by most of the occupants of the city.


This according to them,neccecitated the vote of confidence on the present leaderships of ACTDA for their firm resolve in ensuring that the entire area wears a new positive look in terms of trading, structural alignment , waste disposal, business location among other activities.


One of the residents,Mr Chukwujekwu Umeh from Mgbakwu,Awka , one of the communities that make up the capital territory said the free flow of traffic presently at Regina junction axis of the Enugu Onitsha expressway was a clear confirmation of the consistency of ACTDA in doing the proper thing .


Mr Chukwujekwu called on the agency not to be deterred by the reactions from some dislodged persons who are bent on dragging government back with their personal interest without considering if their actions affect others.


Another respondent, Mr Paul Okoko who deals on wine and beverages at Unizik Temporary site Junction, said it was the first time an agency of government is sustaining the drive to keep the streets free for pedestrians and motorists.

According to him, the managing Director of ACTDA , Mr Osy Onuko no doubt have proven to be a good administrator with the way he has insisted on making Awka , a state capital to envy.


For his part, an Awka Stakeholder and Community leader, Ozor Obi Ochije Moudilim, all the successive administrations had claimed to be developing Awka but non of them can match the less than two years facelift governor Soludo has demonstrated in Awka through the Awka Capital Territory Development Agency ACTDA, and other ministries.

According Ozor Ochije Moudilim, the massive road constructions in OKPUNO, Agulu Awka, Ifite among other area have not only opened up the capital city but has conferred the status of a state capital in the town.


Ozor Ochije Moudilim who commended ACTDA leadership for insisting on doing the right thing, noted that promise of giving Awka phase two attention before the end of his first four year term, goes a long way to distinguish Professor Soludu as a Godsent and leader who has the overall interest of the state at heart.


Two Tricycle operators , Mr Jude Okoye, and Mr Ben Nweze who ply the popular Unizik Temporary junction Okouno axis, said even though the enforcement by government agencies affects them in some cases, they will forever remain loyal to the present administration for the quality of roads and returning sanity on the routes by discouraging street trading.


A shuttle bus driver , Mr Oliver Umeh, while recalling their ordeal in playing the deplorable roads within Okouno axis, said ACTDA no doubt has helped in giving the area a facelift even as he encouraged them to consider designating motor parks for their operations.

Also Speaking, another resident,Mr Tochukwu Charles, called in the Managing Director of ACTDA, Ossy Onuko not to be detarred by the few comments from people who have developed attitude in blocking the roads in the name of looking for daily breads.

According to him, Awka is a state capital and so,anyone who wishes to reside in it to do business must be willing to adhere and comply with government directives which is aimed at giving the city the Outlook that is deserving of a state capital.

Some of the displaced traders who did not want their names mentioned regretted that their means of livelihood were no longer stable due to the enforcement by the ACTDA but however admitted that the estatics and new looks of Aroma, Unizik and Regina Junctions were having in recent time under Soludo was admirable and commendable.


They therefore appealed that designated locations be made available for them, so that they could continue their petty trading which they said was outing food on the table for their families.


According to them,if they are provided with an alternative spots , they will not hesitate to comply and indeed support Governor Charles Soludo in his policy of a Prosperous Liveable, Green Homeland.


However their fears and appeals seem to have been noted and putting into consideration as ACTDA Managing Director , Mr Ossy Onuko noted that places have already been designated for petty trading across the state capital.


According to him, apart from the sells points, the agency is currently building a state of the art petty trading market in Club road Awka for the people.


The ACTDA Chief Executive therefore called on residents to support the visionary leadership of governor Charles Soludo who is doing everything to transform not just Awka but the entire state.

South East: Low generation responsible for poor power supply - EEDC


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) has stated that the current power supply in south East is due to low energy generation.

In a statement by the Head Corporate Communication of EEDC Mr Emeka Ezeh, the poor power supply currently experienced by its customers across the South East is beyond the company.

According to the statement, the low energy generation has resulted into a drop in power supply and availability energy.

EEDC appealed to its customers to bear with the organization.

According to the statement, the development has resulted in low generation, leading to a reduction in the quantum of daily megawatt hour (MWH) of energy allocated to distribution companies nationwide, thereby impacting the quality of service to its customers.

"We understand the inconveniences this situation has caused our esteemed customers and appeal for their understanding as it is beyond us,"

"We can only distribute what is allocated to us" it stated.

According to the statement,efforts are being made by the various stakeholders in the power sector to address this issue, and they hope this yields positive result so that normal distribution would return.

It stated that EEDC remains committed to providing improved services to her esteemed customers

Soludo celebrates Sir Emeka Offor at 65, says he lives impactful life




Titus Maduako Eleweke


Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles and Charles Soludo has
stated that Sir Emeka Offor lives impactful life .

He also described sir Emeka Offor as a distinguished son of Anambra state, an accomplished businessman, and renowned philanthropist, who has live an impactful life of 65 years.


Soludo made the statement on Saturday at the 65th birthday ceremony of sir Emeka Offor held in Oraifite in Ekwusigo local government Area of Anambra State.
According to him, Offor is a distinguished son of Anambra who has been touching, impacting lives and removing tears from the eyes of the poor.
The governor said that Sir Emeka Offor has done great thing in the state to lift the state to greater height and they are proud of him .
He urged the other well to Ndi Anambra to emulate the good gesture of sir Emeka Offor to give to the needy add value to society .

"We are here to celebrate a man who have live impactful life. We are here to celebrate sir Emeka Offor 65 years of impacting on lives . Life is not about how much in your account,how many buildings you have but about how many lives you touched . Everything about life is vanity because and nobody is celebrated because of the number cars, buildings and wives, he has. People celebrate you because of how you touch their lives " he said .

Soludo also said that , Emeka Offor story is of an inspiration to all aspiring entrepreneurs and young people across the state.
"You are a shining example of entrepreneurial excellence and a dogged businessman who is committed to the progress and development of Anambra State and Nigeria.

“Your hard work, resilience, and strategic vision have not only propelled you to the pinnacle of business success but have also created countless jobs and empowered many within the State and across the country.” he stated.

The governor said the people of Anambra are immensely happy as they celebrate a man and his idea who has chosen to celebrate his birthday in Anambra State with thousands of widows, students and the vulnerable.

Speaking at the ceremony, sir Emeka Offor thanked friends and well wishers for celebrating with him at his 65 the year birthday .
He promised spend the rest of his life to the service of God and humanity.
According to him, God has blessed him and he will also bless those who need helps.

EEDC denies plans of STS prepaid meter upgrade, TID Rollover


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) has denied any plans of STS prepaid meter upgrade and the TID Rollover.

There have been trending information on social media informing the Public on the EEDC's planned for STS prepaid meter upgrade and the TID Rollover,which urged costumers to “recharge sufficiently before the 20th of February, to avoid being edged out of supply”.
In a statement issued by Head, Corporate Communication of EEDC Mr Emeka Ezeh on Saturday, urged the public to disregard the misleading social media information as it did not originate from the organisation.
The information reads,
" The attention of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) has been drawn to an information/message which has gone viral on the social media, with part of its content misinforming and misleading our esteemed customers on the planned STS prepaid meter upgrade and the TID Rollover, compelling them to “recharge sufficiently before the 20th of February, to avoid being edged out of supply”.

EEDC wishes to state that this trending information did not emanate from any of the authorized communication platforms of the company and its content is misleading and factually incorrect. Customers are therefore urged not to engage in panic purchase of energy tokens and to disregard this misleading directive, which is borne out of mischief and dubious intent.

It is advised that authentic information on EEDC operations and activities can be confirmed from its corporate website or any of its social media handles (Facebook, X, and Instagram) or physically from its Customer Service Desks.

Consequently, for the purpose of clarity, EEDC plans to go live with the Token Identifier (TID) rollover by end of February 2024, and customers are expected to update their information as a prerequisite for the meter upgrade using this link: https://validatecustomer.eedc.online/

Additional information on this upgrade and TID rollover is always available at all EEDC Customer Service Desks and social media platforms.

The upgrade is compulsory for all customers using STS compliant prepaid meters, as noncompliance will result in inability of the meter to vend.

During the rollover which may last for 48 hours, the vending platform will be temporarily unavailable for token purchase. To forestall any supply disruption, customers are to ensure that they have enough energy units in their prepaid meters that will sustain them for the period of the rollover.

After the rollover, the very first energy purchase by customers will come with three sets of 20 digits token (KCT1, KCT2, and the energy token). The first token is “KCT1” (which resets the meter), the second token is “KCT2” (which upgrades the meter), while the third token is the energy token (which recharges the meter) for the specified vended amount.

Customers are expected to punch in the first 20 digits which is the “KCT1” and press “enter”, and then punch in the second 20 digits which is the “KCT2” and press “enter”, and lastly, the third 20 digits which is the energy token, to complete the upgrade process.

Customers who might have purchased tokens that are yet to be loaded onto the meters are to ensure they load these tokens before upgrading their meters, as once the meter is upgraded, such tokens will no longer be accepted by the meter.

EEDC reiterates that the upgrade is free of charge and appeals to customers not to allow themselves to be extorted by anyone or group.

For enquiries and clarification, customers are advised to make use of EEDC contact points to avoid being misinformed. These channels include our 24/7 Call Center on: 084 700 100, SMS/WhatsApp: 0815 082 6060 or 0815 082 6061; or any of the social media platforms (Facebook and X: @enugudisco; Instagram: @enugu_disco) or send email to: customerservice@enugudisco.com"

Anambra house urges Soludo to create mini markets in Awka for street traders

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Anambra State House of Assembly has urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to direct the Special Adviser on Trade and Market and the Managing Director, Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, (ACTDA), to commence the construction of affordable local mini markets within Awka metropolis.


This is to control the menace of street trading and associated effects on the state capital.
Sponsor of the motion, Mr Nigeria Henry Mbachu, the member representing Awka South 1 Constituency while making his submission said poverty rate was on the increase, and creating avenues for people to earn a living has become mandatory.

“There are many quarters within Awka metropolis which creates the need to establish local mini-markets to serve the people living within those areas.

“It is nearly impossible to secure a shop within the already established markets and the limited shops available are in high and exorbitant price to rent.

“The creation of mini-markets within Awka metropolis, will be a solution to solve the menace of shanties, street trading and serve as a means of encouraging micro businesses thereby achieving the goals of making Anambra a livable and prosperous homeland.

Awka has one major market in Eke-Awka and its capacity cannot serve the population of people living in the city which resulted to the creation of street treading as an option in other neighbourhood.

A woman selling tomatoes and maggi cannot aford to rent a shop which is not less than 150,000 naira now in Awka and this has made street trading difficult to curb.

Speaking in support of the motion, Minority Whip Mr Paul Obu (Orumba North), Chief Whip Hon. Jude Ngobili (Ihiala one), Hon. Patrick Okafor (Onitsha North two), Hon. Golden Iloh (Ihiala two), Hon. Anthony Mobuike (Aguata two), Hon. Bernard Udemezue (Ayamelum) and Hon. Emmanuel Nwafor (Orumba South) in their separate submissions called for the construction of affordable local mini market within Awka metropolis.

“Street trading is a very big menace in the state and is not decent. Creation of this mini markets will reduce avoidable accident and creat easy flow of vehicle. An alternative provision should be made,” the lawmakers stated.

Anambra Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze commended Hon. Nigeria Mbachu for the motion, stating that their is no better society were government will encourage street trading.

“The construction of mini markets in Awka should not be left for government alone. Individuals and cooperate establishements should also assist so that we will have enough,” Udeze said.

Uche Ogah kinsmen congratulates him on nomination for sun Industrialist Award, 2023


Maduako Igbokwe

Uturu Development Association of Nigeria UDAN on behalf of good People of Uturu Ancient kingdom has congratulated the Founder of Masters Energy Limited for being nominated for the Sun newspapers Industrialist Award of the Year Award 2023.

In a congratulatory message signed by UDAN President General, Dr
Chidi Slessor Mba and General Secretary Mazi Titus Eleweke, described Dr Uche Ogah as a proud son of Uturu who had impacted positively on the lives of people and development of the town and Nigeria.


The statement stated that Dr Ogah industrial revolution in Uturu and Nigeria as well as his Philanthropic gestures endeared him to the Management of The Sun newspapers for the Prodigious Award.
"Uturu is proud of you for the numerous developmental efforts you have done and you are still doing for the community, Abia State and Nigeria.
We say congratulations and pray that the good Lord will continue to protect and preserve you in good health,long life and more wealth" it stated.

Management of The Sun Publishing Limited, publishers of Daily Sun, Saturday Sun, Sunday Sun and Sporting Sun, in the letter of nomination signed by the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Onuoha Ukeh said that Ogah selection for the award was based on merit because of his outstanding contributions to the growth of the Nigerian economy.

"We are aware that prior to your venture into manufacturing, you spent about 10 years in the banking sector, beginning with NAL Merchant Bank where you did your mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme. Thereafter, you took up full employment at All States Trust Bank and spent about two years in the bank before joining Zenith Bank in 1997, where you rose to the position of Assistant General Manager (AGM) before resigning in 2007.

As the Founder/Chairman of Masters Energy Group of Companies, you have contributed in creating jobs in the country, thereby reducing the number of unemployed Nigerians. Overtime, you have grown from a small business owner to an oil magnate, entrepreneur, investor and a notable philanthropist.

A tour of your Industrial City located in your village, Onuaku-Uturu, in Isiukwuato Local Government Area of Abia State, leaves one confounded. We have observed a steady growth of your Masters Energy; with about 30 subsidiaries, and each of them engaged in the production of different brands of goods. It may therefore, not be out of place to say that Masters Energy Group is Jack of All Trades and Master of All.

You have also invested in Energy, Gas, Noodles and Food Processing, Lubricants, Biscuits, PVC Pipes, Cartons, Aluminum, Metering Plant and a Plastic unit where Water Tanks, Chairs, Plates and several others are produced under the industrial city, with other subsidiaries like Detergent and Fertilizer in the pipeline.

We are not surprised that you have also ventured into vehicle assembly plant which is involved in assembling both light and heavy duty vehicles. There is also the Masters Tricycle which you have started assembling. We also know that Masters Energy has heavy presence in Lagos, Ogun and Rivers State where it trades on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS); Automotive Gas Oil (AGO); Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK); and Aviation Gas (ATK).

The business acumen, which you have exhibited in managing your investments, earned you not just a ministerial appointment in President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration but also a national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON)

In philanthropy, you have show commitment to uplifting the less privileged and making the society a better place for all. This is evident in the electrification of villages in Uturu community, Abia State. You also built prototype houses for the entire community and constructed a 5,000 capacity auditorium in Abia State University (ABSU) Uturu.

It is for your vision and creative investment in the oil and gas sector of the Nigerian economy and many others that the Board of Editors of The Sun Publishing Limited has chosen you as winner of The Sun Investor of the Year Award for 2023.

The Investor of the Year Award is given to that man or woman who has made visible investments thereby contributing to the development of the Nigerian economy.

The presentation of the award will be held at the prestigious, The Sun Awards ceremony scheduled for February 17, 2024 at the Expo Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. We expect you to be physically present to receive the award, along with family members, business associates and friends" it stated.

How ARTMA , male triyclists conspire to harass female Keke driver in Anambra


Titus Maduako Eleweke

A-28-year old female tricycle operator, Miss Angela Umeh has sought for the intervention of Anambra State governor, Prof. Charles Soludo to regain her Keke impounded for over two weeks by officers of State Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA).

Umeh, a native of Okpuno, Awka South Local Government Area, plies Aroma junction to Anambra State Secretariat and Federal Government secretariat on daily basis until her Keke was confiscated by ARTMA team led by one Goodluck on January 30th, 2024, for allegedly violating traffic rules.

The young lady who is an NCE holder and the breadwinner of family of five, including a 70-year-old mother said she has been catering for family since she could not get a paid job.

She said she had been out of job since her keke was impounded by the ARTMA team at Aroma and her aged mother and others are finding it extremely difficult to feed.

According to her,the seizure of her Keke has worsened her health challenges and that of her aged mother.

"My mother cries everyday and pleading with me to take her to ARTMA's office and I refused to do so because of her age and health condition .Now, that iam not working to feed her and take of other family needs . My mother is always talking about my Keke and how she could eating, it is endangering her health as an old woman.

The family now rely on the little cash sympathisers give to me daily while making case at ARTMA'S office to release my Keke. My stomach ulcer has worsened. I fear that acute appendicitis doctor told me to come for surgery may rupture anytime due to my current health condition," iam struggling to make money to enable me undergo for operation" she lamented.

According to our reporter investigation, Umeh is facing intimidation and harassment from her male colleagues in connivence with ARTMA people who felt threatened that most passengers in the route preferred her Keke to theirs, thereby depriving them some earnings.
It was also gathered that the male triyclists conspired with ARTMA'S men to push her out of the business because men prefer patronizing her as a lady who instead of being prostitute chose to engage herself in productive venture.

According to the young lady, who joined transport sector business due to joblessness and frustrations said this is the third time ARTMA officers led by Goodluck and Princewill had impounded her Keke.
She said that they had accused her of having courage of venturing into males dominated driving business.

"In 2022 some of my male colleagues insisted that I must leave the route for them. They even invited the police to arrest me but when we got to the station I won and they were held behind the counter instead of me. After they regained their freedom, they pitched with the ARTMA officers and barred me from driving through Aroma junction to State and federal government Secretariat.

"I told them it won't be possible to leave that route because others (males) are still driving through their. They demanded that we should be contributing N1000 each every two weeks and pay them as compensation for allowing us to ply through the route. We are complying to the directives as prompt as possible. But whenever they spot us on the route they will allow the men to pass and hold unto my tricycle," she stated.

It was also learnt that the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, ARTMA, Mr Emeka Okonkwo (alias Konti) had ordered his officers to release her Keke since Saturday (February 3rd, 2024) but that instruction had not been carried out to date as the officers claimed to have misplaced the young lady's key.

A team of journalists led by Comrade Osita Obi, the Coordinator, Anambra State Keke Drivers Forum (AKDF), who were at ARTMA'S headquarters in Awka on February 6th, were told by the officer in charge of operations that available records of Umeh's "habitual arrest for violating safety rules" showed that her Keke has no ignition key.

However, after much arguments with the team, the ARTMA admitted that the Keke key which was adequately recorded and kept their custody when Mr Princewill, who confiscated the Keke and drove it into the ARTMA office suddenly disappeared.

"They told me they have released the Keke but I will pay N11,000 for the key because they don't know where it is again. At first, a female officer who was in charge of keeping keys asked me to find out the cost of buying a new key. I made inquiry and discovered that the cheapest one will cost N10,500. She agreed they will pay for it. But immediately Goodluck heard about it they insisted they won't pay anymore. I told them I don't have money. Besides, I committed no offence," she added.

Umeh, therefore, urged interventions of governor Soludo and Nongovernmental organisations to secure complete release of her Keke which is even old and procured on hire purchase.

"My governor and all those who can help should come to my rescue. As I am talking to you now I have not been able to make my weekly commitment to the person who gave me the Keke on hire purchase. He is disturbed too. Please, everyone should help me beg the ARTMA officers to stop intimidating me because iam a woman," she pleaded.
One of the shop owner st Aroma, Ngozi Chikodi , asked whether the girl is the only person loading passengers at Aroma?
She wondered why ARTMA team would allow other people to load at the point and signaled her out for disturbance.

If there is any person who should ply the road, the person should be Umeh. How can a young girl instead of being on fast lane chose to venture into Keke driving should be intimidated and harassed by theARTMA.
The young lady will still pay government tax for the two week, she has not worked " he lamented.

How ARTMA,male triyclists conspire to harass female Keke driver at Aroma


Titus Maduako Eleweke

A-28-year old female tricycle operator, Miss Angela Umeh has sought for the intervention of Anambra State governor, Prof. Charles Soludo to regain her Keke impounded for over two weeks by officers of State Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA).

Umeh, a native of Okpuno, Awka South Local Government Area, plies Aroma junction to Anambra State Secretariat and Federal Government secretariat on daily basis until her Keke was confiscated by ARTMA team led by one Goodluck on January 30th, 2024, for allegedly violating traffic rules.

The young lady who is an NCE holder and the breadwinner of family of five, including a 70-year-old mother said she has been catering for family since she could not get a paid job.

She said she had been out of job since her keke was impounded by the ARTMA team at Aroma and her aged mother and others are finding it extremely difficult to feed.

According to her,the seizure of her Keke has worsened her health challenges and that of her aged mother.

"My mother cries everyday and pleading with me to take her to ARTMA's office and I refused to do so because of her age and health condition .Now, iam not working to feed her and take of other family needs . My mother is always talking about my Keke and how she could be eating, it is endangering her health as an old woman.

My family now rely on the little cash sympathisers give to me daily while making case at ARTMA'S office to release my Keke. My stomach ulcer has worsened. I fear that acute appendicitis doctor told me to come for surgery may rupture anytime due to my current health condition," iam struggling to make money to enable me undergo for operation" she lamented.

According to our reporter's investigation, Umeh is facing intimidation and harassment from her male colleagues in connivance with ARTMA people who felt threatened that most passengers in the route preferred her Keke to theirs, thereby depriving them some earnings.
It was also gathered that the male triyclists conspired with ARTMA'S men to push her out of the business because men prefer patronizing her as a lady who instead of becoming prostitute chose to engage herself in productive venture.

According to the young lady, who joined transport sector business due to joblessness and frustrations said this is the third time ARTMA officers led by Goodluck and Princewill had impounded her Keke.
She said that they had accused her of having courage of venturing into males dominated driving business.

"In 2022 some of my male colleagues insisted that I must leave the route for them. They even invited the police to arrest me but when we got to the station I won and they were held behind the counter instead of me. After they regained their freedom, they pitched with the ARTMA officers and barred me from driving through Aroma junction to State and federal government Secretariat.

"I told them it won't be possible to leave that route because others (males) are still driving through their. They demanded that we should be contributing N1000 each every two weeks and pay them as compensation for allowing us to ply through the route. We are complying to the directives as prompt as possible. But whenever they spot us on the route they will allow the men to pass and hold unto my tricycle," she stated.

It was also learnt that the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, ARTMA, Mr Emeka Okonkwo (alias Konti) had ordered his officers to release her Keke since Saturday (February 3rd, 2024) but that instruction had not been carried out to date as the officers claimed to have misplaced the young lady's key.

A team of journalists led by Comrade Osita Obi, the Coordinator, Anambra State Keke Drivers Forum (AKDF), who were at ARTMA'S headquarters in Awka on February 6th, were told by the officer in charge of operations that available records of Umeh's "habitual arrest for violating safety rules" showed that her Keke has no ignition key.

However, after much arguments with the team, the ARTMA admitted that the Keke key which was adequately recorded and kept their custody when Mr Princewill, who confiscated the Keke and drove it into the ARTMA office suddenly disappeared.

"They told me they have released the Keke but I will pay N11,000 for the key because they don't know where it is again. At first, a female officer who was in charge of keeping keys asked me to find out the cost of buying a new key. I made inquiry and discovered that the cheapest one will cost N10,500. She agreed they will pay for it. But immediately Goodluck heard about it they insisted they won't pay anymore. I told them I don't have money. Besides, I committed no offence," she added.

Umeh, therefore, urged interventions of governor Soludo and Nongovernmental organisations to secure complete release of her Keke which is even old and procured on hire purchase.

"My governor and all those who can help should come to my rescue. As I am talking to you now I have not been able to make my weekly commitment to the person who gave me the Keke on hire purchase. He is disturbed too. Please, everyone should help me beg the ARTMA officers to stop intimidating me because iam a woman," she pleaded.
One of the shop owner st Aroma, Ngozi Chikodi , asked whether the girl is the only person loading passengers at Aroma?
She wondered why ARTMA team would allow other people to load at the point and signaled her out for disturbance.

If there is any person who should ply the road, the person should be Umeh. How can a young girl instead of being on fast lane chose to venture into Keke driving should be intimidated and harassed by theARTMA.
The young lady will still pay government tax for the two week, she has not worked " he lamented.

Defamations: IPOB lawyer demands immediate apology from Oraifite PG

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Lawyer to detained leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu , Barr Ifeanyi Ejiofor has demanded for an unreserved apology and reaction of defamatory comments against him from the President General PG of Oraifite Vincent Dike within 12 hours.
Oraifite is in Ekwusigo local government Area of Anambra State and home town of Ifeanyi Ejiofor.
The PG in the company of the traditional ruler of community, Igwe Daniel Udorji and others accused Ejiofor of aiding insecurity in the community and tarnishing the image of Emeka Offor,a man who trained him in schools.
Barr Ifeanyi Ejiofor, in a statement by by his lawyer CHINWE UMECHE, ESQ stated that after 12 hours, if Dike refused to make public apology to Ejiofor, they will institute legal action in the court.

The statement which is issued by a lawyer from Ejiofor's chamber is titled " Re: Press briefing made on Sunday the 4th day of February 2024 at the Oraifite Civic centre,demand for an immediate retraction of,and unreserved apology for your false and defamatory publications against sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor Esq,and notice to desist from any further defamatory publication of, and concerning sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor Esq.

According to the statement,the comments credited to Dike in their natural and ordinary meanings falsely depicted their client as a criminal who is behind the alleged insecurity in Oraifite Community and a person who is also responsible for the loss of an unnamed purported youth leader.

The statement stated that the comment , mischievously discredited the efforts of their client’s parents and those of our client- who worked even whilst he was in school, to see himself through to University.


According to the statement,the comment falsely portrayed their client as a fraudulent, corrupt and unscrupulous man who goes about collecting money for and in the name of Nnamdi Kanu; and further imputes a dubious character against the interest and reputation of their client.

It stated that the statement has terribly traumatized their client on account of the false and malicious publication.

The statement further said the publication has also wrongly exposed their client to unspeakable odium, obloquy, hatred, ridicule and utter contempt in the estimation of right-thinking members of the society.

The statement reads,
"We act as Solicitors to Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Esq. (“Our Client”) and on whose clear instructions we write to you concerning the above subject matter.

It is important, from the onset, to draw your attention to the fact that our Client is a prominent Legal Practitioner of international repute, of over 20 (Twenty) years post-call experience and the Principal Partner of I.C. Ejiofor & Co, a Firm of Legal Practitioners duly incorporated, providing legal services to both individuals and corporate entities.

This is a matter of public knowledge.Our client’s attention has been drawn to, and he is aware of a maliciously actuated, and highly defamatory and damaging publication you made of and concerning his person at a purported town hall meeting held at the Oraifite Civic Center on the 4th day of February, 2024, to which said meeting you invited and addressed members of the press.

By the said defamatory publication which was widely published and read through the internet, print media and social media platforms, without any justification whatsoever, you published against our client the following concocted, false and injurious statements, to wit:“It may shock you to know that Barr Ifeanyi Ejiofor is a beneficiary of Emeka Offor’s free education… Ejiofor on completing his high school, was picked up by Emeka Offor foundation.

All through his university days, up to Law School and NYSC, Emeka Offor took care of him.”“…
Unfortunately, the same person made by Emeka Offor is busy tarnishing his image at the same time encouraging insecurity and criminality in this community.

Recently, we lost an active youth leader, 38 years old. He was picked up and never returned. Ejiofor has been in the lips (sic) every citizen of Oraifite that he’s the enabler. Rather than be a role model to the youths, being educated and respected lawyer, he preferred taking advantage of their vulnerability to foment trouble.

Coincidentally, I’m from the same community, Ifite with him, But 99percent of crimes triggering the insecurity, come from Umunakwa, his own kindred. It’s verifiable. Anytime a criminal is picked up, he’ ll fight tooth and nail to ensure his release.”“Of course you all know that his best address is that he’s Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer. I’ll tell you, nobody could be more Biafra than myself; and I’ll want to seize this opportunity to at least, say to Nnamdi Kanu that I’ll make myself available to come and share with him information about some of his disciplines (sic), including Ejiofor.I’ll let him know that people like Ejiofor use his IPOB for their personal gains. I’ll authoritatively tell him that on two occasions, he collected N50m from the previous Anambra government, another event, $20,000. I am sure Kanu didn’t get that money”

The foregoing statements and their apparent or intended meanings are utterly and inherently false in every material particular, and you know them to be so. However, you mischievously and maliciously contrived and masterminded, and further persevered in making those grievous and injurious publications, for selfish and unsalutory reasons, to denigrate and ridicule the person and character of our client.

The aforesaid publication you made of and concerning our client are weighty and far reaching.

In their natural and ordinary meanings, the publication falsely depicts our client as a criminal who is behind the alleged insecurity in Oraifite Community, who is also responsible for the loss of an unnamed purported youth leader.

It mischievously discredited the efforts of our client’s parents and those of our client- who worked even whilst he was in school, to see himself through University. Further, it falsely portrays our client as a fraudulent, corrupt and unscrupulous man who goes about collecting money for and in the name of Nnamdi Kanu; and further imputes a dubious character against the interest and reputation of our client.

By the said publication, our client has been gravely injured and maligned in his reputation, integrity, profession, career and business, and he has been brought into irreparable scandal, odium, ridicule and public contempt.

The said malicious publication was deliberately published and circulated with the full knowledge of its consequences and implications on the integrity, status, character and reputation of our client.

Since your aforesaid publication which was widely circulated over the internet and various platforms, our client has been inundated with several calls, messages and inquiries from his friends, relatives, colleagues, clients and supporters from all over the world, demanding to ascertain the authenticity of the publication and the allegations made therein.

Furthermore, our client has been terribly traumatized on account of the false and malicious publication.

Your publication has also wrongly exposed our client to unspeakable odium, obloquy, hatred, ridicule and utter contempt in the estimation of right-thinking members of the society.


We consequently have our client's firm instruction to demand the following from you:That you publish a full and immediate retraction of the utterly false and reckless publication made on the 4th day of February, 2024, within 12 (twelve) hours from the date and time of receipt of this letter, sent vide your Whatsapp number.That you publish an express, unambiguous and unqualified apology to our client.

That the said apology must be published on all groups where you had shared the defamatory publications; and also, to be published in at least three national newspapers with nationwide and global circulation.

A written undertaking not to publish any similar or further defamatory publication of and concerning our client, in any way or by any means whatsoever.[[TAKE NOTICE that if at the expiration of 12 (twelve) hours, including the date and time of receipt of this letter, you fail, refuse and/or neglect to comply with the foregoing modest demands; we shall be constrained to call in aid all known and available instrumentality of the law to protect the hard-earned image and reputation of our client; which shall include but not limited to claims for damages, and lodging a formal complaint against you for cyberstalking contrary to Section 24(1)(b) and 2(a) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015. And we shall do this without further recourse to you.Let wise counsel prevail"

IPOB lawyer 'Ejiofor' threatens to drag Oraifite PG,Igwe to court over defamations

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Barr Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the lawyer to detained leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has threaten to drag those who accused him of sponsoring crimes and criminalities in Anambra State to Court.

Barr Ifeanyi Ejiofor, in a rejoinder statement he personally signed and made available to our reporter on Tuesday said he has never supported or encourage crime in his life.
According to him, the purported Press conference was sponsored and anchored by one Vincent Dike at behest and instance of his pay Master, Sir Emeka Offor.

The people of Oraifite community in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State his home town had accused him of aiding and fuelling insecurity in the community.

The Traditional Ruler of Oraifite, Dr Daniel Udorji and the President-General, Sir Vin Dike, made these allegations during a press conference they jointly addressed in the presence of other members of the community, at the Oraifite Civic Centre, on Sunday.


" I assured those who made offensive and defamatory comments of and concerning my person, that we shall address this matter in court soonest" he said.

He said the traditional ruler who represented the town in the purported Press conference had been dethroned by Court,while the said PG is a boy to sir Emeka Offor and does not represent Oraifite town union.

"I have received numerous calls and text messages from professional colleagues, well-meaning Nigerians, friends, and well-wishers regarding a sponsored press conference organized by Vincent Dike and a few individuals, targeted at tarnishing my hard-earned reputation and image. I would like to address this matter and provide a response, while most of the offending publications shall be addressed at the appropriate forum.

It is important to highlight the roles and positions of the individuals who specifically called for the press conference at an odd day of the month in the guise of holding a Town Hall meeting of the community, to gravely defame me; as well as to set the records straight:

1) Mr. Vincent Dike is a manager at EEDC, a company in which Emeka Offor holds controlling shares. He also leads a sectional town union body in Oraifite known as the Oraifite Improvement Union (OIU). OIU, well-known in our community, as Emeka Offor's special purpose vehicle, under his complete control. He selects and installs their successive leaders, pays their salaries, and sponsors their activities in Oraifite. I am not a member of OIU; instead, I belong to another town union body called Oraifite Development Union (ODU), a reputable organization within our community dedicated to the development and unity of Oraifite.

2) My main disagreement with Mr. Vincent Dike, a manager at EEDC and spokesperson for Emeka Offor, arose when he oversaw the abduction of an innocent young boy, Mr. Ebuka Atuigwe, using the Oraifite Local Vigilante. I became involved when the parents of Mr. Ebuka Atuigwe could not locate their son after searching various police stations, including the Oraifite Area Command Headquarters. When I asked Mr. Vincent Dike about the boy's whereabouts, he claimed the boy was being interrogated by the Anambra Vigilante Services (AVG), which I found to be implausible. I insisted that the boy who had been abducted since the 4th day of September, 2023, should be taken to a police station where his parents could at least have access to him; and/or charge him to court if he had committed any offence known to law. Following the failure and/or refusal of Vincent Dike and his cohorts to do any of the above, I filed a fundamental rights suit on behalf of Mr. Ebuka Atuigwe at the Nnewi High Court in Suit No: HN/MISC.138/2023. Mr. Vincent Dike and his pay master – the emperor of Oraifite, were irked and ostensibly embarrassed by the mere fact that his name as the PG of OIU was captioned in the civil suit, which development attracted so much criticism against me during their December Annual General Meeting, when Mr. Vincent Dike and the emperor of Oraifite took their turns to insult me and said all manner of unprintable things against me and equally threatened to deal decisively with me.

3) Dr. Daniel Udorji, who represented himself at the press conference as the Traditional Ruler of Oraifite, is the dethroned Igwe of Oraifite, legally and legitimately removed by the High Court of Nnewi in June 2023. The Court of Appeal in Awka, Anambra State, has issued an order restraining him from parading himself as Igwe Oraifite. He currently finds protection and recognition in the hands of Emeka Offor, without which he would remain irrelevant in our community.

4) Other hirelings present at the purported press briefing or town hall meeting, are all Emeka Offor’s praise singers and cronies.

5) However, I want to make it unequivocally clear that the opinions expressed in the sponsored press briefing against me, do not represent the views of the entire community, nor do they even represent the opinion of 2% of the entire Oraifite citizens/indigenes. The offensive comments in the release represent the limited opinion of those few individuals fully sponsored by Emeka Offor for this hatchet job.

6) I wish to emphasize that my character and person do not align with the names I was called during the press briefing. I am an internationally renowned lawyer and human rights activist who has consistently fought against social ills in the society and fiercely defended the oppressed, particularly in our community where Emeka Offor wields significant influence.
Oraifite community is structured in a way that challenging Emeka Offor, who has assumed the position of an emperor, is not tolerated. Those who do so are visited by security agencies at his behest and often end up in prison. A well-respected South African businessman and social crusader, Comrade Bonny Okonkwo, is currently in prison for expressing views on a community WhatsApp platform that the emperor of Oraifite found derogatory. Oraifite community is under siege by the emperor of Oraifite.

7) As a lawyer, my role is to advocate and defend clients in court once my services are retained. It is evident that I do not support or encourage any form of criminal conduct or activities in my community or the state at large. I invite the media to visit my social media platforms (Facebook and Twitter), where they will find numerous publications unequivocally condemning criminal activities in the entire southeast and calling on security agencies to address these issues in accordance with the law. These publications were made even when nobody dared to raise his or her voice openly against the evil monsters kidnapping and killing our people in the southeast. These publications have attracted visible threats to my life and that of my family. These publications were variously made on 5th Day of December 2022, 15th and 16th August 2023.
The main sponsor of the criminal gangs who is now on bed with the emperor of Oraifite – once openly declared from Finland, that his criminal gangs should kill me anytime I set foot in Biafran land. It is on record .
The individuals who delivered this speech were in exile at the time when I was fighting these criminals using my voice and platforms. The evidence is abundant, and the intelligence community is also aware of these publications.

The events that played out on Sunday were a sponsored attempt to blackmail and defame me. I assure those who made offensive and defamatory comments of and concerning my person, that we shall address this matter in court soonest.
It is a matter of public knowledge that days leading up to the 4th day of February 2024, I raised alarms through various publications and petitions to the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of State Security Services, the National Security Adviser, the Executive Governor of Anambra State, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the National President of the Nigerian Bar Association. I accused Emeka Offor of proactive clandestine plots already concluded to assassinate me, backed up with verifiable facts which I chose not to make public at the time. Despite the seriousness and weight of these allegations, Emeka Offor did not publicly address them, but instead quickly procured his associates to defame me, a person known not only in our community but also globally for my impeccable character.

9) Throughout my life, I have never supported, sponsored, or in any way promoted criminal activities in my community, State, or Nigeria as a whole, or anywhere else. On the contrary, I have actively fought against unrest and insecurity. I can confidently state that the press release I issued on behalf of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu , on 4th and 5th of November 2021, before the Anambra state gubernatorial election, specifically calling off the then Election boycot when the tension in Anambra was at it peaks, ultimately led to the peaceful conduct of the election and the emergence of Prof. Charles Soludo as Governor, was a significant turning point. There is no instance in any of my statements, actions or activities where I have encouraged or supported criminal activities.

10) May I once again, categorically state that I have no criminal record and have never been involved in any form of crime anywhere in or outside Nigeria. Every defamatory comment will be addressed through the appropriate channels, which process has already commenced.

Therefore, I urge all Nigerians and people of good conscience to disregard the baseless allegations made by Mr. Vincent Dike during his tailored speech in the sponsored press briefing.

⁠The world is aware of the prejudices I have so far suffered in the hands of these marauders who had made several visible attempts to eliminate me, but God frustrated all their plans, though those attempts succeeded in inflicting severe injuries and consequently led to the death of dear loved ones around me. The intelligence community is aware of those behind these activities, and they are now speaking through their proxies. In the coming days, I shall reveal more shocking revelations supported by evidence.

The time to eradicate evil in our land is long overdue, and I am committed to this cause!
Thank you and God bless you all"

Uturu PG, Mayor of Isuikwuato sympathize with victims of fire outbreak at ABSU



The President General of Uturu Development Association of Nigeria UDAN,Dr Chidi Mba and the Mayor of Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State, Air vice Marshall Chinwendu onyeike (rtd) have sympathized with those whose shops were burnt by fire at Abia State University Uturu ABSU up gate.

The Isuikwuato Mayor and Uturu PG accompanied by the Deputy Mayor Goodluck Okezie and others visited the scene of fire outbreak at Ugba side of the campus to ascertain the level of damages and also to find out the possible cause of the inferno.
On the sport assessment,they found out that fire outbreak was caused as a result of human carelessness .
During the visit,they also discovered that six shops were razed down by the fire .

While consoling the victims of the fire disaster , the dou of Uturu PG and isuikwuato mayor cautioned traders at the area to be careful on how they use fire near to gas filling points.


"We therefore console all those whose shops were involved in the fire outbreak and prayed that God will not allow such again. We also warned the owners of shops to stop renting shops to those that would be operating any fire instigating ventures anymore around ugba area" they warned.


It was also observed that gas refilling point was just close to a shop where the owners use charcoal and stove to cook .
It was further gathered that the cooking point was just directly behind the gas refilling point at the area and it resulted to the outbreak of the fire which started around 8.20am and lasted for about 30minutes.

Kinsmen of IPOB lawyer, accuses him of aiding insecurity in Anambra

Titus Maduako Eleweke


The people of Oraifite community in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State have accused the lawyer to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, of aiding and fuelling insecurity in the community.

The Traditional Ruler of Oraifite, Dr Daniel Udorji and the President-General, Sir Vin Dike, made these allegations during a press conference they jointly addressed in the presence of other members of the community, at the Oraifite Civic Centre, on Monday.

The development followed the recent kidnapping and alleged killing of a 38-year-old youth leader in the community.

Journalists from different media platforms who were at the press conference were also informed of an ongoing rift between Ejiofor and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, Chief Sir Emeka Ofor. Both Ofor and Ejiofor are members of Oraifite community.

Both the community monarch and the president general, also alleged that the IPOB lawyer used a masquerade organisation called 'Otueke' to kidnapp, harass and intimidate members of the community, including Sir Emeka Ofor, whom they described as the "messiah" to the community.

As a result of this, they said the kinsmen have placed a ban on the 'Otueke' festival with immediate effect, citing insecurity as the main reason.

The president-general, Chief Vincent Dike, said, "This press conference is called to let the world know the activities of Mr Ifeanyi Ejiofor towards his ancestral people and the man who made him who he is today in the society.

"Ejiofor is one of the major beneficiaries of Sir Emeka Ofor's humanitarian gesture in Oraifite town. He was trained by Sir Emeka Ofor from Secondary to University education. But today, his benefactor has become his greatest enemy in this world. He has also extended his hatred to the entire community that trained and protect him.

"He uses 'Otueke' an organisation filled with all manners of youths, mostly from his Umunakwa kindred to unleash terror on us. About 95 percentage of kidnapping, killings and other criminal activities in our community today, is been sponsored by Ejiofor with support from his Umunakwa kindred. Because of this, he has not been holding meeting with us for the past 15 years.

"Otueke is an organisation that was set up by our forefathers to unite the people, to discuss important and vital issues of the town. It has multiple arms, there is an arm that is used for enforcement called 'Otuebe'.

"Otuebe is an arm that was used by our forefathers to enforce order and obedience or collections within the community, the reason why we are placing a ban on it is because some disgruntled elements are now using it to fuel insecurity and all other atrocious activities coming with this 'Otueke' because it's almost like a masquerade.

"Some naive son's of the community have also hijacked 'Otueke' and it has become their personal property. They even registered it in a Corporate Affairs Commission and are using it for reasons that it was originally not meant for."

The PG, however, called on the state government, the Police and other security agencies to intervene on the matter.

The traditional ruler, Igwe Daniel Udoji, on his part, appealed to the people of the community to rise up and defend the community.

Udoji said, "I am the Igwe of the town, I am the father of the town, every Oraifite person, male or female, citizens of Oraifite are my children, I take delight in supporting mostly, those who have positive values.

"Who pursue the peace, love, unity and progress of Oraifite. Oraifite has been very peaceful, full of good news and progress, but of late, we have been bombarded with insecurity as a result of disgruntled elements thereby giving the communitu bad and negative publicity.

"Oraifite is blessed with a son like Emeka Offor, he has done so much for us, Nigeria and in fact the whole world. You can remember the polio incident, he donated so much money to control polio not only in Nigeria, but across the world", he said.

The Igwe said that Mr Emeka Offor has created jobs, empowered the youths, taken care of widows, constructed roads, built factories, created employment for the youths both in Oraifite, Nigeria and the world.

"It's very painful that Oraifite people don't seems to appreciate what God has given to them, a son like Mr Emeka Offor, my Igwe friends during our monthly meetings in Awka have said that they will offer him nationality, if Oraifite people can not protect him.

"It's too bad, let us unite and appreciate Emeka Offor, he has done so much for us, not only appreciate him, defend him when he is under attack, there are many bad people who don't appreciate good things.

"It's regrettable that we don't come out to defend him on social media, when he's under attack; it shouldn't be only when we need him that we should go to him.

"We should come out and defend him, humanly speaking, we can't reward Mr Emeka Offor for all he has done for us", he noted.

Reacting via phone call, Ejiofor told our reporter that through out his life time ,he had never supported, encouraged or sponsored crime.
He urged the public to disregard
disregard the allegation level against him as there are unfounded and mischievous.
According to him,as a lawyer of many years standing, it is not possible for him to support or encourage criminal acts.



He said that the only crime he committed was asking the PG and the community about a young man called Ebuka Wigwe, whom Anambra Vigilantee groups abducted and kept without informing the family of his where about and reason he was abducted.



"When I was called and told about the youngman abduction,i petitioned the Inspector General of Police and subsequently he was released by Court.

" Iam not against the arrest of any person that committed crime but his whereabout must be communicated to his family. The reason for his arrest must be made known.Why must they keep his abduction secret? " he said .
He said that all that is happening in Oraifite are caused by Emeka Offor who use the traditional institution and PG to cover up.
He said Emeka Offor uses the members of the town union to achieve whatever he wants in the town.
According to him,he has no problem with the community, regretting that they claimed that Emeka Offor trained him in the University.

Ejiofor said that Emeka Offor is after him because he is owning him N2.8billions .

Anambra declares war on illegal miners


Titus Maduako Eleweke


Anambra State government has declared war on those people illegally mining in the state .

This was made known by the Managing Director of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (Ocha Bridge), Mr Celestine Anere during passing out parade of 700 Staff trained and retrained by the Bridge at National Youth Service Corps NYSC orientation camp Mbaukwu/Umuawulu in Awka South of the State on Wednesday.

The Ocha Bridge MD said that they will take decisive action against any person found illegally minning and creating erosion channel in the state .

"From now onward,it is war with illegal miners in the state. Ocha Bridge will find out all illegal miners in the state. We will arrest them and prosecute them "he said .

According to him, the Governor ,Prof Charles Soludo has stated that the state will no longer tolerate further illegal mining in the state .
He said that the state as erosion prone area will have zero tolerances for illegal miners.

Anere said that they have already started stoping those illegal sand miners in the state and will continue to save the state from degradation.
According to him,they have already confiscated some trucks and a excavator.
He said that any person found minning illegally in the state ,Ocha Bridge will confiscate his trucks and other mining equipment .
According to him, for any person to engage in any minning activity, there must be proper environmental impacts assessment duly carried out by expert .
He however advised the members of the Bridge to shun any act capable of tarnishing the image of the bridge.
He also stated that Ocha Bridge will no longer tolerate staff collecting bribe which has undermine their operations.

Anambra declares on illegal miners


Titus Maduako Eleweke


Anambra State government has declared war on those people illegally mining in the state .

This was made known by the Managing Director of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (Ocha Bridge), Mr Celestine Anere during passing out parade of 700 Staff trained and retrained by the Bridge at National Youth Service Corps NYSC orientation camp Mbaukwu/Umuawulu in Awka South of the State on Wednesday.

The Ocha Bridge MD said that they will take decisive action against any person found illegally minning and creating erosion channel in the state .

"From now onward,it is war with illegal miners in the state. Ocha Bridge will find out all illegal miners in the state. We will arrest them and prosecute them "he said .

According to him, the Governor ,Prof Charles Soludo has stated that the state will no longer tolerate further illegal mining in the state .
He said that the state as erosion prone area will have zero tolerances for illegal miners.

Anere said that they have already started stoping those illegal sand miners in the state and will continue to save the state from degradation.
According to him,they have already confiscated some trucks and a excavator.
He said that any person found minning illegally in the state ,Ocha Bridge will confiscate his trucks and other mining equipment .
According to him, for any person to engage in any minning activity, there must be proper environmental impacts assessment duly carried out by expert .
He however advised the members of the Bridge to shun any act capable of tarnishing the image of the bridge.
He also stated that Ocha Bridge will no longer tolerate staff collecting bribe which has undermine their operations.

Ocha Bridge to treat corrupt Officer as tout, says MD Anere

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Anambra State Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (Ocha Bridge) has warned members against collecting bribe from the offenders while on duty.

The Managing Director of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (Ocha Bridge) Mr Celestine Anere gave the warning during passing out parade of about 700 Staff trained and retrained by the scheme at National Youth Service Corps NYSC Orientation Camp Mbaukwu/Umuawulu in Awka South of the state on Tuesday.
According to him,the purpose of training and retraining was to educate the few corrupt officers on the danger of compromising their professional duty.
Anere state that any person found wanting in the course of carrying his jobs will be summarily dismissed,as the scheme is no longer interested in tolerating such criminal act .
" We are going to treat any Ocha Bridge staff in uniform collecting money from the public as a tout.
When a staff collect money from offenders,he compromises himself and we are not going to tolerate that. At any point where an Ocha Bridge staff is caught collecting bribe,we will expel and treat him like a tout" he said .
The Ocha brigade MD disclosed that the scheme has gone into partnership with Anambra State Association of town union ASATU Youths, the ASATU and students in tertiary institutions in the state for purpose of clean and healthy Anambra.

He said the Ocha Brigade cannot be at the places at the same time ,hence seeking the partners of Anambra Youths, students and President General of various communities.
Anere said that if the PG's can work effectively with their communities Youths, Anambra will certainly be clean and healthy.
According to him, keeping Anambra clean and healthy is not only the duty of Ocha brigade but the duty of entire Ndi Anambra.
He said that if the citizens do their work of keeping Anambra clean and healthy, the government will do what it is supposed to do for the good of the people.
"We cannot just drink pure water and dump the nylon on the roads. We cannot continue to dump our waste inside gutters. Very soon we shall embark on operation show your waste bin. Every household suppose to have one. We cannot continue to dirty our environment and want the government to tolerate it . Some people are politicizing the operations of clean and healthy Anambra, we cannot play politices with lives of our people. Time of politices, let us play politices but time of doing the right things , let us do the right things " he said.
The Deputy Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly Chukwuma Okoye urged the Ocha Bridge members to serve the state with truth and commitment.
He enjoined them to work according to the law that established the Ocha Bridge in the state to achieve the purpose of the scheme.

Also speaking the ASATU youth president comrade ken Okoli said Ocha Bridge was a creation of the law to keep the state clean and healthy and everybody must support it.
He enjoined those who just graduated to show the Spirit of Ndi Anambra in the discharge of their duties.
"What iam witnessing today is the graduation of young people who have been mobilized to join Ocha Bridge in the enforcement of Anambra State clean and healthy environment mantra. As they have been trained and retrained, let their attitude reflect the spirit of Ndi Anambra. They must comport themselves well in the course of carrying out their duty . Let them not tarnish the image of the organisation " he said.

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Ozo Jeff Nweke gives scholarship to 4 students,doles N4.5m for materials

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Chief Executive Officer CEO of Blue Shield Security Company Limited, Ozo Jeff Nweke has awarded scholarships to four newly admitted brilliant students in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State.

He also presented N4.5 millions to the beneficiaries for their first quarter of the year to enable them buy the necessary things for their studies.

The beneficiaries are Ngama Hope Chidera of the department English language and Literary studies, Okonkwo John of Statistics department, Alieze Samson of the department of Education Management and Policy
and David Emmanuel of the department of Philosophy.

Ozo Jeff Nweke who is the Chairman of Ozo Jeff Education Scholarship Scheme urged the benefiting students to maintain those characteristics that paved way for them to secure the scholarships.
He enjoined them to add more value to themselves to be better citizens .

According to him, all the beneficiaries have the traits of becoming President or Governors in future,if only they maintain good characters and work hard.

" You have the potentials of great achievers but if you do not work hard to maximize those potentials in you, they will all perish in you.

So you have to work hard to be useful to yourselves and to the society at large" he said .

He urged them to always be prayerful because the bible says that those who lack wisdom should ask of God, who gives it in abundance.


According to him,those who made it in life were not by mere sudden flight but through hard work because while their mates were busy sleeping, they were toiling hard .

Director of Ozo Jeff Education Scholarship Scheme, Ikechukwu Chinweze said programme is strictly a sponsorship on education in tertiary institutions.
He disclosed that the scholarship transverses throughout the entire states of Nigeria and beneficiaries were drawn from different states of federation.

According to him, before a person could be qualified , the school authority of the beneficiary must be contacted to enquire about his/her socio-moral conduct.

He said after the inquiry ,the foundation will also screen the person’s academic conduct and performance.

One of the Beneficiaries Okonkwo John On behalf of other beneficaries thanked their benefactor, Ozo Jeff for finding them worthy to spend his hard earned money in their academic pursuit.

He prayed that God will keep replenishing his purse and give him more courage to continue helping the downtrodden.

CP Adeoye asks tricycle drivers to partner Police to fight crimes in Anambra

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Anambra State Commissioner of Police CP Aderemi Adeoye has admonished the tricycle drivers in the state to partner Police to fight crimes and criminalities.

Adeoye made the statement on Sunday night while hosting members of Anambra State Keke Drivers Forum in Awka, the state capital.
According to the CP Adeoye, the police cannot be everywhere but tricycle drivers are everywhere.

He urged the Keke drivers to volunteer information to the police as they witness any one.

The Commissioner said the police want to work with the Keke drivers as an important segment of the society who move around the state on daily basis .
He also assured the tricycle drivers of their protection in the state, noting that it is the duty of Police to protect Keke drivers and others in the state.
"It is the responsibilities of the police to protect you and others.
" When, we protect you, we are not doing you a favour but discharging our duties to you and to the society. We are here to tell you that you are very important people. You are not second class citizens. We cannot tolerate anybody violating your rights in the state. As far as Anambra State Police command is concerned, we will protect you at all times,just help us with information " he said .
The coordinator of Anambra State Keke drivers comrade Osita Obi commended the commissioner of Police for the wonderful work he has been doing since he assumed office.
He described CP Aderemi Adeoye as one of the best Commissioner of Police in the state that has fought crimes and criminalities to a stand still.
According to him, since the Adeoye took over the helm of Police affairs in Anambra state the incidences of cult killings and others have drastically been reduced.
" The Commissioner of Police is hosting us but we are celebrating him for his good works he is doing in the state. The CP has done extremely well in the state and we most appreciate that by being law abiding citizens" he said.

He urged the Keke drivers to be law abiding and stop blocking roads, thereby causing traffic obstructions.
According to him, the Keke drivers must partner the police in the state by volunteering useful information to fight crimes.
He urged them not to hide any information from the police as the police cannot be everywhere at the same time

CP Adeoye asks tricycle drivers to partner Police to fight crimes in Anambra

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Anambra State Commissioner of Police CP Aderemi Adeoye has admonished the tricycle drivers in the state to partner Police to fight crimes and criminalities.

Adeoye made the statement on Sunday night while hosting members of Anambra State Keke Drivers Forum in Awka, the state capital.
According to the CP Adeoye, the police cannot be everywhere but tricycle drivers are everywhere.

He urged the Keke drivers to volunteer information to the police as they witness any one.

The Commissioner said the police want to work with the Keke drivers as an important segment of the society who move around the state on daily basis .
He also assured the tricycle drivers of their protection in the state, noting that it is the duty of Police to protect Keke drivers and others in the state.
"It is the responsibilities of the police to protect you and others.
" When, we protect you, we are not doing you a favour but discharging our duties to you and to the society. We are here to tell you that you are very important people. You are not second class citizens. We cannot tolerate anybody violating your rights in the state. As far as Anambra State Police command is concerned, we will protect you at all times,just help us with information " he said .
The coordinator of Anambra State Keke drivers comrade Osita Obi commended the commissioner of Police for the wonderful work he has been doing since he assumed office.
He described CP Aderemi Adeoye as one of the best Commissioner of Police in the state that has fought crimes and criminalities to a stand still.
According to him, since the Adeoye took over the helm of Police affairs in Anambra state the incidences of cult killings and others have drastically been reduced.
" The Commissioner of Police is hosting us but we are celebrating him for his good works he is doing in the state. The CP has done extremely well in the state and we most appreciate that by being law abiding citizens" he said.

He urged the Keke drivers to be law abiding and stop blocking roads, thereby causing traffic obstructions.
According to him, the Keke drivers must partner the police in the state by volunteering useful information to fight crimes.
He urged them not to hide any information from the police as the police cannot be everywhere at the same time.

As Nigerian Hunters, Forest Security Service Establishment Bill Awaits Presidential Assent


BY RAYMOND OZOJI, Awka




As the bill establishing the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) awaits President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's assent to formalise its operations in the country, it is of paramount importance to state that the role of hunters in fighting crimes and criminalities can not be overemphasized because hunters have proven themselves to be credible security alternatives due to their vast experience as well as knowledge of the bushes and forests.

While other paramilitary outfits like the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Correctional Service and some others exist to compliment the efforts of the Nigeria Police, the Military and others, the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) could come in handy to provide local security working in concert with local vigilantes in rural areas to beef up community policing.

Hunters have exhibited gallantry in their onslaughts against criminal elements through destruction of kidnappers' den in the forests, rescue of kidnap victims from captivity, discovery of dead bodies in the forests and provision of local surveillance in the hinterlands.

In Anambra State, for instance, hunters have done great exploits especially with the rescue of a woman who was kidnapped in Aguleri-otu Anambra-East Local Government Area. The need for Nigerians to press for the signing of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service Establishment Bill into law would be ground-breaking as hunters are dependable security deposits.

Reports have it that Nigerian hunters have also proved their mettle in security operations in other states of the federation such as Kogi, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Bauchi, other states and the Federal Capital Territory Abuja. Hence the formalization of the operations of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) by the presidency would further intensify the war against criminal elements across the country especially criminal elements hiding in the bushes and forests across Nigeria.

Local security is germane and the need to deploy the services of the officers and men of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) would be proferring suitable solutions to security breaches in rural communities like Osumoghu, Lilu, Isseke, Mbosi, Azia, Ubuluisiuzo in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State because hunters are familiar with local terrains.

Rural communities in Bauchi state and other Northern states are beneficiaries of the exploits of hunters as they have helped tremendously to reclaim most communities in the North captured by kidnappers and other daredevils. In the last few months, hunters have established their presence in the FCT where the NHFSS operatives have fought gallantly to rid the nation's capital city off hoodlums lurking around in surrounding bushes.

Given the foregoing senario, it would be near perfect situation to infer that the formal recognition of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) as it concerns the signing of its Establishment Bill into law by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led federal government would be more proactive approach to combating forest crimes across the Nigerian soil.

To this end, a group under the aegis of North Central Youth Security Forum (NCYSF) had also called on the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to assent to the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service Bill already passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives without further procrastinations. The North Central Youth Security Forum also made case for NHFSS to be an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Interior of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Moreso, many state governors like those of Kebbi, Imo, Plateau and others are already working with operatives of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) by providing them with operational vehicles and other necessary equipment to carry out their patriotic services to their fatherland. From available records too, the NHFSS has been in existence for more than 10 years with well-structured and command control mechanisms.

Over 20,000 officers and men of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service operating across the 36 states and the FCT Abuja have been at the mercy of individuals and groups who believe and appreciate their exploits, gallantry and contributions to national security especially on intelligence gathering and technical operations within and around forests.

Hunters have displayed their bravery and intrepidity in the North-west and North-central especially with the resurgence of violent crimes in Plateau, Niger, Benue, Nasarawa and the federal capital territory Abuja have experienced a rise in killings and kidnapping for ransom by terror groups. The mass killings during the 2023 Christmas Eve that resulted in the death of over 200 people was one incident still fresh in the minds of Nigerians.

As a result of the disturbing trend, stakeholders in the security sector have called for more attention by security agencies to the Northern region of the country. Some of such stakeholders were the North-Central and North-West Youths who expressed solidarity with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who declared to work with special security outfits purely dedicated to fighting crimes that are planned and executed within and around the forests.

They therefore urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to please sign the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) Bill into law. They believe that the ratification of the hunters bill meant that the bushes and forests will no longer be safe heaven for criminal elements unleashing terror and mayhem on Nigerian citizens. They also believe that it would be a bold step taken in the right direction, should the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service be domiciled in the forestry ministry.

The Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) headed by the Commander General Dr. Joshua Osatimehin, have endeared themselves to the Nigerian populace by their prompt rescue operations. They have also won the endorsements and confidence of the Nigerian people by their bravery and rapid response missions which has saved more lives since inception.

It will therefore be a very wise decision for Mr. President to sign the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service Establishment Bill into law without further delay to enable them to contribute their quota to national security.

A 37 year widow with 5 children chase away,forceful takeover husband's property in Anambra

Titus Maduako Eleweke

A 37-year old widow and mother of five children, Chinenye Okonkwo of Umuodiogu, Umunakwa Ifite, Oraifite in Ekwusigo local government area of Anambra State has lamented the forceful take over her late husband's property by the brothers.

According to the widow, the late husband brothers Bonniface Okonkwo and Cyprian Okonkwo drove her away and took over husband's landed property leaving her with nothing to take care of the five children left behind by her late husband.

She said the children are one boy and four girls between the ages of 6 to 14years, who are now fatherless and homeless.


Mrs Okonkwo who spoke with journalists in Oraifite at the weekend said both Umuodilogu village kindred and the widows' organisation in Ekwusigo local government area where she belonged had tried to settle the matter but could not yield results.


According to her, before her husband died in 2017 at age of 45, he had shown her the boundary of his land and the blocks he moulded blocks to build a 4bedroom flat.

She said that trouble started when Boniface popularly known as "Over Heat", started encroaching into the land and started carrying blocks her husband moulded to build a house.

The widow said in the process the husband brother also cleared her plantains plantation.

" When i accosted him about the blocks, he said since Iam not ready to build, he will carry them and mould another set of blocks for me when Iam ready" she said .

She also lamented that the same Boniface brought police and arrested her brother for defending her .

Mrs Okonkwo in tears, lamented that his late husband elder brother, known as a Pastor sent her away with five children from the compound, asking her to go and look for another husband who will marry her .

According to her,the elder brother to her late husband said they would consider her children when they are grown up.

She stated that late husband's brothers even threatened to kill her if she is seen in the compound for any reason.

" I had to leave the compound and rented an apartment where Iam currently staying with my five children. Iam struggling to pay both the house rent and children's school fees because I am denied everything from my husband property and family .

"I had taken the matter to the widows' organization and the leadership took the matter to my husband kindred. They told them to leave the property for me. But instead, they accused any person trying to speak in my favour of having affair with me" she lamented

Speaking also , the Leader of the widows' organisation in the community, Mrs Ogechi Izuka said they had reported the matter to the International Federation of Women Lawyers Awka, and they have been served papers.

She however lamented that their NGO, does not have the right to interfere in family affairs in that community, noting that there is a limit they can go,hence approaching the women's lawyers.

According to her ,they can only take to protest or demonstration if the matter is life threatening.

She pleaded for both the government and members of the public to intervene to protect the poor widow and the children.

According to her, there is need for the case to serve as a deterrent to others who may be planning similar actions on other widows.

She said that they want these maltreatment to widows to be the last in the community.



Chairman, Umuodilogu kindred, Mr Francis Okafor described the action of Okonkwo family to the widow as condemnable .

According to him, the accused person is currently in police custody following fight where certain persons sustained injuries.

"We have been trying to amicably resolve the matter in-house, but it escalated when Boniface and his team resorted to violence, the first of its kind in our kindred.

"They even threatened to kill one of our kinsmen for defending the widow," he said.

Confirming suspect's arrest, Police spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga said police are still investigating the matter and will charged to court after investigations.

You are not for debts recovery, Anambra govt,tells AVG

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Anambra State government has warned members of the Anambra Vigilant Group, AVG not be involved in debt recovery while discharging their legitimate duties

According to the spokesman of AVG Mr. Nweke Nweke on Tuesday, the state government frowned at some members of the group being used by individuals for debts recovery.
He said that any person caught engaging in such act will be dealt decisively.



Nweke said the warning followed several reports from different communities, alleging that some members of the local security outfit engage in debts recovery.

He advised the members of AVG to always apply the rules of their engagement while discharging their legitimate duties.
The group spokesperson stated that the primary assignment of AVG was to assist other security agents in curbing the menace of criminal activities in their respective localities .

"It is clear, we are not a debt recovery outfit. Our major duty is to nose down, report any suspicious movement, assist the police and other security agents in apprehending criminals as well as handing over anyone arrested to the police for investigation and possible prosecution.


"Henceforth, anyone caught engaging in debt recovery will be dealt with decisively," he warned.

He also cautioned President General of communities not to use members of the AVG as a debt recovery agent, noting that the local security outfit responsibility is to assist other security agents in the fight against crimes and criminality.

According to him, using AVG men as debt recovery outfit might lead to the security outfit loosing its credibility.

Nweke also appealed to the members of the public to volunteer useful information that will assist the group in discharging its duties effectively.

Ozo Jeff Nweke drags Anambra CP, PSC to court, demands N200mllions damages

Maduako Igbokwe

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of private security company, Blue Shield Security Company Limited, Ozo Jeff Nweke has draged Anambra State Commissioner of Police CP Aderemi Adeoye and Police Service Commission to Anambra State High court sitting in Awka for defamation of character.

Ozo Jeff Nweke said CP Aderemi Adeoye had made a publication titled " Brief on Criminal Antics of Ozo Jeff Nweke, owner of Blue Shield Security Company, against state CID, Awka and Anambra State Police command" and published on social media.


He said the social media publication has tarnished his image and brought him low in the estimation of every right thinking person in the society.

In a suit number A/390/2023 , Ozo Jeff Nweke is claiming the of N200 millions general damages against the CP and Police Service Commission.


The plaintiff is also praying for the court to order the respondents to write an apology to him and be published in two national daily newspapers and granting perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from further publication of any defamatory matter against him.
In a statement of claim by his lawyers G.U Moneke Esq and J.O Ezeh Esq, Ozo Jeff Nweke claimed that Adeoye for no justifiable reason do published in social media a defamatory matter against him and since then people and his business associate have been avoiding him.



He said that Adeoye publication has completely maligned his reputation and diminished his integrity in estimation of every Awka man and in the eyes of all right thinking men in the society who read the publication.

He also claimed that as an Ozo title holder, the publication has reduced him and bought him low in the estimation of men in the society and his company has lost patronage over the publication.

He also claimed that as a community leader in Awka who enjoy followership and respect of his people,that after the publication his own people have deserted him, and his home which was a beehives of activities whenever he was around is now a ghost centre as hardly will any one notice his presence.

He also claimed that the publication portrayed him as mischievous man,a man without honour,a man without integrity,a double edge sword,a man without positive reputation and trouble masker who is not truthworthy.

Ozo Jeff Nweke also claimed that since after the publication people he had business with have been calling him in derogatory manners, telling him that they never knew he is criminal

He urged the court to stop the defendants from further publication of defamatory matter against him as they will not stop unless the court ordered .

Gregory University Uturu announces salaries increment for staff

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Uturu, Nigeria — Gregory University Uturu, one of the premier private university in Nigeria known for its commitment to innovative education, has announced a substantial pay raise for its staff, effective from February 1, 2024.

In a statement issued by acting Public Relations Officer of the University Ebubechi Iwuh,the salary increment was in a move to mitigate the harsh economic realities in Nigeria.
According to the statement,the academic staff will get a 15% pay increase, while the non-academic staff will have a 20% raise.

The statement stated that the decision was made known by the Founder of the institution, Prof. Gregory Ibe recently.

According to the statement,it is a strategic step to alleviate the financial challenges faced by the staff amidst the economic climate in Nigeria.

The statement reads in full,
"Our dedicated staff is the foundation upon which our university's success is built,"
"In these challenging times, it is crucial that we support our team not just in words, but in meaningful action.

Gregory University Uturu, at the forefront of educational innovation in Nigeria, recognizes the importance of its human resources in achieving its mission of providing top-tier education. This pay raise is an investment in the university's commitment to excellence and a reflection of its ethos of care and support for its community. It is also a way of appreciating the workforce for their sacrificial commitment and dedication
to the development of the institution since inception.

The increase in salaries for both academic and non-academic staff is a significant step in ensuring that the university continues to attract and retain the best talent in the educational sector. It also demonstrates the university's understanding of the current economic pressures and its readiness to support its staff through these times.

"We believe that by supporting our staff, we are strengthening our university's ability to provide the best educational experience for our students," Prof. Ibe added. "This pay raise is a testament to our commitment to our staff and our students alike."

It will be recalled that in a bid to mitigate the challenging realities of the harsh economic environment of 2023, Prof Ibe has directed the implementation of many welfare interventions, including distribution of food items and salary bonuses.

For more information about Gregory University Uturu and its programmes, please visit www.gregoryuniversityuturu.edu.ng".

Gunmen rampage in Awka rob Keke park, POS operators collect phones,money


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Gunmen went on rampage in Awka Anambra State capital robbing tricycle drivers at Regina junction Keke park by Enugu -Onitsha expressway.
They also robbed POS operators at Eke-Awka axis and collected the operators money and phones.
During the robbery operation, at Regina junction,the Gunmen which was suspected to be members of one of cult groups in Awka , collected phones and money of the Keke drivers and passengers.
According to an eye witness who never wanted his name on print for fear of attack said , the gunmen stormed the tricycle park with tricycles armed with guns and ordered all the Keke drivers and passengers to lay down and collected their money.
The eye witness further said that those who carried the operations are suspected to be cult boys from Awka.

According to the eye witness,the park has been paying some amount to certain individuals every week and the park operators had not paid since this January.
The eye witness refused to name the people collecting the money.

Also an insider who for fear of being attack also said that ,they have been paying N30,000 every week to some people who he refused to identified.

According to him,the attack followed their inability to pay for some weeks now .
He said they are in danger in the park and called on government to help them in the fight against cult attack in the state capital.

The eye witness said that the state government claimed to have stopped touts in the state, regretting that instead the touts are regrouping to terrorize the Keke operators every day.

"The state government claimed to have formed anti Touts to fight touting and others but these touts have change strategy and they are still terrorising Keke operators," he said
In seminar development,armed men robbed POS operators in eke Awka and collected their phones and money.
According to the eye witness,who also for fear of attack do not want his name on print said the robbers stormed their area with some tricycles and ordered them to empty their money into their bags.
One of POS operators said she lost N860,000 to the robbers.

All efforts made to get reactions from Anambra State Police command proved abortive as all phone calls and messages to command spokesperson DSP Tochukwu ikenga were not replied.

Dancing traffic Officer honoured in Anambra

Titus Maduako Eleweke


A dancing young traffic officer in Anambra state Mr Chizoba Ifedioranma has been honoured as the most committed traffic officer in the State by a women organisation.
Ifedioranma a Staff of Anambra State Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA) was honoured by a women group organisation known as "The Ultimate Business Women and Farmers Association of Nigeria (UBWFAN) at its National Convention 2024 held in Awka Anambra State .

The Theme of the convention is,The Role of Women in Security and Development Process.
He was honoured for his passion and entertainment he display on duty.

Presenting the certificate of Award and little token from the organization,the of association's president, Hon Mrs Nkiru Nwagbo said the young man had demonstrated uncommon passion and commitment in discharging his job.
According to her, his cheerfulness, dancing style , commitment and diligence in performing his duty was extraordinary excellent and they cannot ignore recognizing him.

She said recognition cannot only be for the rich, noting that those at the bottom should also be recognized and appreciated for what they do for the development of society.

"He will entertain motorists with dance and smile while controlling traffic. He is passionate about his work and work with his full heart. It is amazing and incredible that he does what he do with passion and similes on his face. He does not care about collecting money from motorists,rather dancing and smiling for people to laugh. How I wish that everybody will work with that kind of passion and commitment. I think ,he deserved to be celebrated and honoured even by the state government" she said .

Speaking to our reporter shortly after receipt of the Award,Ifedioranma said it gives him joy seeing people smile while he is on duty.
He said that he is happy and joyful when the road is cleared and traffic is flowing normally.

According to him,he enjoys what he does despite every odd.

"Most importantly,iam enjoying what I do , controlling traffic.
" Iam not interested in collecting money , some days nobody gives me any money but the passion is my driving force. I loved what iam doing and I will continue doing it with my strength" he said .

On why he chose traffic control despite it is not well paid job,he said that during the construction of fly over in Awka he saw a woman crying bitterly that she had been on traffic for hours and her child was left with nobody in the school and ,he felt the pain about the woman cry.
According to him,the woman wanted to go and pick her child in the school and she was helpless and he was touched.

He said it was after , the idea of traffic control came into him.
He said that if he can help in the control of traffic in his state ,he will add value and similes on people faces.
According to him,after the encounter he went for recruitment and was recruited.

"When I discovered that many people are suffering because of traffic, the idea of joining traffic control came into my mind and with the zeal and passion I joined the work ,iam proud to say I will ensure that traffic are cleared at all time when iam on duty. Iam happy with the job. It does worry me if people give money me or not but what iam concern is making sure that people are happy and the traffic are flowing normally" he said.
He commended The Ultimate Business Women and Farmers Association of Nigeria for recognizing the little he is doing in the society.
According to him,it is not easy for one to be appreciated and recognized without in the present situation .

On whether,he is happy doing the job,he said that he is very happy controlling traffic, noting that in Nigeria one needs to hold tight what ever he has.

ADMCA trains 50 media practitioners on cyber stalking, bullying in Anambra


Titus Maduako Eleweke



Digital Media Core Advocates (ADMCA), a foremost media right and advocacy campaigner in Nigeria, on Wednesday held a national conference on cyber bullying and safe use of social media in Awka Anambra State capital.

During the conference over 50 media persons were trained media on cyber aggression, cyber stalking, cyber bullying and safe use of social media.

The trainees, included journalists from different media platforms and some powerful citizen journalists referred to as media influencers.

Speaking at the event which climaxed by the unveiling of an online based newspaper, hardcore news, the convener and National President, ADMCA, Dr Chuma Harris-Odili, explained that the programme was necessary to address some challenges facing the media on the cyber space and proffer solutions towards overcoming them.

Odili, who sought for expunging of criminal defamation from the penal code, because according to him, the rich and the powerful class were using it to silence opposing views.
He however, urged the media to seek knowledge of relevant media laws for professional and better practice.

"Nigeria, like a few other countries, has enacted laws aimed at sanitising the system. While some aspects of these enactment are quite necessary, we at the ADMCA think that some of them, especially the one bordering on criminal defamation needs to be expunged from our penal code, especially as it is currently being exploited by the rich and powerful class to silence opposing views in the society, in active connivance with the law enforcement agents.

"So many examples abound, where social media posts, blog articles and podcasts have landed the disseminators in trouble. As unhealthy as this may, ADMCA will always urge balance when digital media practitioners' want to share whatever story they have online. As digital media practitioners' chase the lines, shares and view, they must bear in mind that Nigeria has a Cyber Crime Act 2015 which prohibits cyber-bullying, cyber stalking and cyber squatting," he added.

Also speaking, the National Vice President, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), South East Zone C, Sir Emmanuel Ifesinachi, frowned at indiscriminate arrest, intimidation and molestation of media practitioners in the country.

According to him, often these arrest were carried out by the rich, politicians and law enforcement agents.

Ifesinachi argued that the journalists should be seen and treated as partners in progress as they perform their roles as societal watchdogs while holding the government accountable.

He, therefore, urged the government and the governed to stop using force on the journalists but rather explore legal means of resolving whatever differences they had with the media at all times as it would be beneficial to society.

On his part, the keynote speaker at the occasion, Dr Chukwuma Onunkwo, urged the media practitioners' to be weary of information they disseminate on the Internet, because according to him, Internet never forget.

He said publishing false and untrue reports could result into emotional and mental pains or even deaths.

In their separate contributions, notable media practitioners including Mrs Ify Unachukwu, Titus Eleweke, Okey Maduforo, Emma Elekwa, Okechukwu Onuegbu and Obiọma Obidiegwu tasked the media on trainings and retraining of their staff
They advocated for solidarity supports and collaborations among members to overcome challenges.

Igwe Neni suspension: You lacks respect for monarchs, Achebe tells Soludo

Titus Maduako Eleweke

The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, has expressed sadness over the way the Anambra State Governor Prof Charles Soludo treats traditional rulers in the state with total disrespect.

Achebe, who was apparently reacting the manner the monarch of Neni, in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, Igwe Damian Ezeani, was suspended by the state government for conferring chieftaincy title on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.

Igwe Achebe, in a letter he authored by himself, said the government should respect the traditional institution.

Obi of Onitsha in statement writes and replies to Notification for the Suspension of HRH lgwe Damian O. Ezeani, The Traditional Ruler of Neni

" I am writing in response to your letter, Ref: MLGCCA/HC/2022/T/025/001/103, of the above caption to me dated 8th January, 2024. This response also provides a fuller context of other events relating to the suspension of H.R.H lgwe Damian O Ezeani, the traditional ruler of Neni. Your letter was hand-delivered to me at Onitsha at 6:55pm on Tuesday, 09 January, 2024. I was curious about the timing of the delivery considering that I had presided at the meeting of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council (ASTRC) at Awka earlier in the day, where such a letter would normally be presented to me by the ASTRC secretariat. The letter was a justification for the Government’s suspension of lgwe Damian Ezeani as traditional ruler of his domain.
2. My suspicion that your letter was an after-thought was buttressed by the fact that your letter of suspension to lgwe Damian Ezeani of the same date, 8th January 2024, was already trending virally on social media for well over twentyfour hours prior to my receipt of your letter. I was embarrassingly inundated with phone calls and messages from traditional rulers and other persons seeking clarification from me as chairman of ASTRC regarding a situation to which I was not privy. Your letter to lgwe Damian Ezeani was copied to the Commissioner of Police and Director of DSS, Anambra State, but not to the chairman of the ASTRC.
This act, amongst many others, was seen by the traditional rulers of Anambra State as a measure of the worth of the traditional institution to the present administration.
3. You were right in your letter that the Code of Conduct for traditional rulers in Anambra State is the creation of the traditional institution. It became effective as a self-regulating code following the 2013 Annual Seminar of Anambra State Traditional Rulers where it was presented and adopted. It was subsequently published in the book, “The Traditional Institution in a Modern Society” being the proceedings of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Seminars held in 2011, 2013, and 2014. The Code of Conduct was also re-issued in March 2020 under my signature as Chairman of the ASTRC. The ASTRC worked harmoniously on most occasions with previous administrations in the application of the Code, such that the ASTRC monitored compliance and recommended sanctions for non-comliance to the Government for necessary action. Now, it would appear that the present administration has completely appropriated the entire application of the Code of Conduct without the involvement of or reference to the ASTRC.


4. You may recall, Hon. Commissioner, that on 04 October 2023, Mr. Governor had called to tell me in a late-night telephone conversation that the Government was considering establishing rules to govern the actions of traditional rulers. The conversation was sequel to a chieftaincy conferment ceremony by a traditional ruler that was deemed inappropriate by the Government. I promptly drew the attention of Mr. Governor to the subsisting Code of Conduct which had served previous administrations and the traditional institution well and suggested that the present administration may need to review the Code for its current efficacy. I thereafter called the same night to brief you on my conversation with Mr. Governor. I also directed that copies of the above-mentioned book be made available to you and Mr. Governor the following morning before a meeting where the matter will be discussed. Having since not received any feedback from you or Mr. Governor, I assumed that the same order with previous administrations would continue to prevail.
5. In my said conversation with Mr. Governor on 04 October, 2023, I had also reminded him of the WhatsApp message he forwarded to me on 09 November, 2022 in which graphic allegations were made against a traditional ruler of Anambra State. I further reminded Mr. Governor that he never responded to my prompt advise by WhatsApp on the options for dealing with the allegations expeditiously. I also re-sent our WhatsApp exchange on the matter to Mr. Governor, but still did not get any reaction.

6. On the events over the last eight days or so, you will also recall that you called me severally on Saturday, 06 January, 2024 between 15:34 and 22:31 hours without reaching me. At 08:06 hours on Sunday morning, I called you and explained the circumstances that made me unreachable on the previous day. In our long conversation, you said that you were seeking to bring to my attention a press release that you were under pressure to issue. This was in connection with traditional rulers conferring honorary chieftaincy titles in violation of the Code of Conduct for Traditional Rulers and the Government directives. You specifically mentioned two cases only, namely, Igwe Ojoto, who conferred an honorary chieftaincy title on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah on 30 December, 2023, and the self-acclaimed traditional ruler of Nawfia, who conferred honorary chieftaincy titles on forty (40) persons on 04 January, 2024. You further confirmed that the press release had been issued, which I later found to be on 04 January, 2024, that is, the day prior to your unsuccessful attempt to reach me. In the conversation, you categorically you did not mention, in any regard whatsoever, lgwe Neni who celebrated his Ofala on 29 December, 2023
7. In our above conversation, I made the following points:
A. Your desire to reach me on Saturday night seemed merely to justify a fait accompli, considering that you had already issued the press release two days earlier “under pressure”, as you said.
B. I noted that the self-acclaimed lgwe Nawfia, whose recognition was withheld by the Government due to pending matters in court, was consequently not considered a member of the State traditional institution. His activities should therefore not be associated with the State traditional institution in any manner. C. I distinctly pointed out that picking on the above two cases (Ojoto and Nawfia) by your office was selective and appeared to be a deliberate favoritism towards other cases which you were well aware of.
D. I reminded you that there had not been any reaction from you or Mr. Governor to our conversations of 04 October 2023 on the Code of Conduct for Traditional Rulers. You apologized for the failure to revert.
8. Fast forward to the meeting of the ASTRC on 09 January, 2024. The normal practice of the ASTRC secretariat is to immediately send electronic copies of important correspondence to me as they are received in the course of the month. On the day of the monthly meeting, a folder is presented to me with all correspondence for my attention, including the last-minute arrivals that were not forwarded electronically.

9. The folder presented to me on 09 January, 2024 included a press release and a letter to the Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council. Both documents were under your signature and were the same in caption, “Directives on Conferment of Chieftaincy Titles by Traditional Rulers”, date of 5th October, 2023, content and reference number. The twin documents raised further curiosity in me as follows.
A. A document from your office dated 05 October, 2023 for the attention of ASTRC should normally have been presented at its October monthly meeting on 10 October, 2023. Why, therefore, did three monthly meetings elapse before the above documents were presented at the 09 January 2024 monthly meeting? Categorically, this was the first time that either document had come to the attention of myself or the ASTRC.
B. There is an uncanny sequence of events whereby the two documents, presumably issued on 05 October 2023, the day following my late-night discussions with you and Mr. Governor on 04 October 2023, were not delivered until the ASTRC meeting of 09 January 2024, thus contradicting your apology to me on 07 January for lack of action since 04 October 2023. Is it, therefore, possible that both documents were after-thoughts which were created after the suspension of lgwe Neni on 08 January, 2024 and back-dated as a coverup and rationale for the suspension?

10. Back to your reference letter of 08 January, 2024 to me, you stated on the first paragraph that “a minority of traditional rulers have demonstrated a penchantfor trading chieftaincy titles for money thereby bringing the traditional institution to ridicule and disrepute”. Further, in the second paragraph, you stated that “A vast majority of traditional rulers conduct their exalted office with dignity and integrity and stick to the Code of Conduct. . . However, a tiny few still act reckless”‘. These statements were repeated in your letter of suspension to lgwe Neni as published on the social media. The effects of both letters are:
A. You publicly visited the sins of an unrecognized self-acclaimed traditional ruler on the entire State traditional institution, to which he does not belong.
B. Without providing evidence for your sweeping statement about trading chieftaincy titles for money you also, wittingly or not, thereby indicted the entire traditional institution of the State. Your press release to a global audience put the institution into disrepute when a direct circular letter to all traditional rulers as the parties of interest would have sufficed.
C. The tone and language of your letter were, by any measure, a public riot act and pontification to the same majority of traditional rulers that you extolled as acting with dignity and integrity. The letter lacked respect and sensitivity in addressing the traditional rulers of Anambra State who, by any standard, are held in very high esteem in the comity of the traditional institutions of Nigeria and beyond.
D. Your letter also stated that “lgwe Damian Ezeani, as traditional ruler of Neni, conferred such a phantom chieftaincy title on one Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in violation of the Code of Conduct and without clearance from the Ministry.” The ASTRC cannot yet take a view on the violation of the Code of Conduct until it receives a report from the ad-hoc committee it set up to meet with lgwe Neni. Nevertheless, it is very manifestly presented above that no written directives from your Ministry on conferment of chieftaincy titles existed before 08 January 2024 when lgwe Neni was suspended.
E. Your reference to a second-term Right Honorable Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as “one Senator Ifeanyi Ubah” is most disrespectful, offensive, and unbecoming of one holding a political office as Commissioner. It is noteworthy that a person can only qualify to contest elections after scaling through the highest level of security checks at the federal level. Furthermore, Distinguished Senator Ubah holds a chieftaincy title of his hometown, Nnewi, conferred on him by his monarch and Grand Patron of the Anambra State Traditional Institution, His Majesty, lgwe Kenneth O. Orizu. He is also a well-known business investor in Anambra State and a generous philanthropist.
F. Thus, assuming that lgwe Neni did not strictly comply with Code of Conduct, would the foregoing factors not be sufficiently extenuating to warrant a far less sanction on him as was meted to some other “tiny fen/’ that also failed to comply? The severity of suspension and threat of withdrawal of Certificate of Recognition suggests that there may be other issues with either lgwe Neni or Distinguished Senator Ubah which are being stealthily ventilated in this circumstance.
11. In conclusion, I would like to state very clearly that your handling of this matter of conferment of honorary chieftaincy titles is the apogee of the progressive dehumanization and dismantling of the traditional institution of Anambra State by the present administration. The institution comprises of some of the finest sons of Anambra State who achieved sterling academic heights and professional/vocational attainments. At the behest of their communities, they took up the role of traditional rulers as shining examples for selflessly giving back to their communities in particular, and society at large. They are the custodians of the culture and traditions of their people and lead on peace building, security, development issues, etc. Their livelihood does not depend on selling chieftaincy titles or the N175,000 monthly stipend from the State Government, but on their own hard-earned modest personal resources. By their office, age, attainment and standing in society, they deserve far better respect and dignity, than being publicly bullied and unfairly shamed at every opportunity by people in the State Government. The Federal and other State Governments hold the traditional institutions in high esteem. What then has gone wrong in Anambra State?
12. The current impression to the general public is that the issue of honorary chieftaincy title is on the foremost front burner for the Ndi Anambra. On the contrary, the traditional rulers would state for the umpteenth time that their key community challenges include lack of basic amenities (electricity, potable water, healthcare, good access roads, etc), youth unemployment leading to other delinquencies, security and the inability of the communities to fund their contingents of the Anambra State Vigilante Group (AVG), massive urban renewal for our sprawling cities, respectable stipends from the 5% of the statutory allocation to the Local Government Councils as is applicable in other States of the Federation, membership and structure of the ASTRC, etc. To sum up:
A. There were no formal or written directives from your Ministry on chieftaincy titles prior to the suspension of lgwe Neni by your letter of 08 January, 2024.
B. The Government’s suspension of lgwe Neni was selective and consciously ignored other recent cases of violation of the Code of Conduct which have been brought to your attention.
C. Your claim that traditional rulers have ‘{demonstrated a penchantfor trading chieftaincy titles for money/’ was not supported by any evidence.
D. Distinguished Senator Ifeanyi Ubah is not an unknown entity in Anambra State or Nigeria, including to the present administration. Thus, the suspension of lgwe Neni and threat to withdraw his Certificate of Recognition for apparently violating the Code of Conduct by giving him a chieftaincy title was extreme in comparison with other recent cases.
E. The traditional institution of Anambra State feels strongly that the present administration is progressively dehumanizing and deprecating the institution against the trend in the rest of the country where the Federal and State Governments accord dignity and respect to the institution.
F. The traditional institution is mindful of the awesomeness of executive power and authority in our democratic dispensation but prays fervently that such power and authority, which derive from God through the governed, should be exercised with due sensitivity and humaneness over the governed.
13. Dear Hon Commissioner, I thank you for your attention and express my whole-hearted willingness to engage further with you on all the points in this letter in the hope of restoring the dignity of the traditional institution of Anambra State. Please, also, bear in mind that Mr. Governor has made two promises that remain outstanding, namely, to meet with a small number of traditional rulers on issues of concern to the traditional institution, and to address all traditional rulers once more. Kindly make these two commitments happen soon, as well as at regular intervals.
14. Finally, since your communication to the traditional rulers of the State on this matter has mainly been through press releases and interviews, it would be fair and proper that this response is also made available to the media for the purpose of balance.
For and on behalf of the Anambra State traditional rulers,
Yours sincerely,
Nnaemeka A. Achebe, CFR, mni
Obi of Onitsha
Chairman, ASTRC"

Climate change mitigation:Experts urge Anambra Community to plant trees

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Environmental experts have recommended intentional tree planting as one of the major ways of mitigating climate change in Nigeria.

The experts made the recommendation in Ebenebe, Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra state when a non-governmental organization, Green Environment and Climate Change Initiative, ( GECCI )took the campaign for Building Climate Resilience in agrarian communities to those in the rural Communities of the state.

The event which was organized in partnership with the Forestry and Wildlife Department, Anambra state Ministry of Environment was supported by the Nigeria Climate Justice Alliance, ( NCJA), and the Nigeria Conservation Foundation , (NCF).

Climate change is one of the prevailing environmental problems in the world that has gained universal discussion in recent time because of its multiple effects.

These effects have also metamorphosed into some impacts such as the decline in agricultural activities, drought, migration, health problems, crises among farmers and herds - men, flooding, erosion, hunger and poverty among others.

This according to Doctor Oluropo Apalowo, the Program Officer of the Green Environment and Climate Change Initiative, GECCI prompted them to take the campaign to the rural communities with the aim of ensuring that the effects does not consume local farmers who have been responsible for food security in Nigeria.

Doctor Apalowo who noted that Ebenebe was still among the communities that have forest reserves in Anambra state, said the idea was to teach the farmers new innovations that would help the farmers to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change on their agricultural produce.

According to him, the Non-Governmental Organization had embarked on series of programs on climate change including educating secondary school students and undergraduates of Tertiary Institutions on how to be friendly to the environment by planting trees as well as taking the message to rural farmers in various communities.

The Director, Forestry and Wildlife Department , Anambra state Ministry of Environment, Doctor Onyinye Achugamuonye called on the people to imbibe Climate resilience which is the ability to anticipate, prepare, respond and recover from the adverse effect of climate change.

She noted that the effects of climate change on agrarian community are diverse and multifaceted which include, Shift in growing seasons, Water scarcity, Increased temperatures, Extreme weather events, Pest and diseases, Crop yield variability, Livelihood challenges, Loss of biodiversity, Adaptation costs as well as Social and cultural impacts.

According to the environmental expert, the climate resilience challenges could be approached through Building adaptive capacity, Implementing sustainable practices, Fostering community engagement to mitigate the effects of climate change, Policy development and Ecosystem protection by both the people and government.

Another expert and , forest officer incharge of Awka Zone, Mr Innocent Eze, posited that tree planting is key to checkmating climate issues as it controls erosion and provides shelter as well as resilience to other dangers.

Mr Eze who admitted that there were still few existing forest reserves in the state however regretted that successive governments have not really given proper attention to developing more reserves rather they continue to embark on selling known ones for reasons unrelated to the original ideas.

"we are trying our best to conserve the forest but politicians are not making it easy for us because most of the lands have been sold out. For example, Mamu forest reserve, they are still selling the land, clearing the trees and a lot of letters have been written to the government to know whether they will stop but its still going on’’.

For his part, a lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and Director Bamboo institute, Doctor John Ogbodo noted that the impact of climate change have been enormous including poor yield of agricultural productivity, flooding and outbreaks both to the human and crops hence the imperative need for concerted effort to mitigate it.

Doctor Ogbodo therefore motivated the people to form environmental committees relating it to agro forestry, so that they can carry out some environmental activities such as tree planting, practicing of agro forestry, cultivation of crops in their climate smart way using minimal soil, and by doing composite manure at their backyard before taking it to the farm.

A farmer , Mrs Edit Obiora appreciate GEECI, for taking time to educate them on how to mitigate climate change but however called on government to provide them with soft loans to enable them apply the experiences garnered from the experts.

She observed that there have been obvious changes on crop yields in some seasons showing that the feared impact was already affecting local farmers irrespective of location.

Two Community leaders in Ebenebe, Mr Christian Obiora and Chief Cletus Ajuorah could not agree less that cutting of trees was one of the practices that needed to be discouraged if the farmers must avert the subject of discussion and enjoy a healthier environment.

Prof Ibe congratulates Otti on Supreme Court Victory

Titus Maduako Eleweke

The Abia State governorship candidate of All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA at the 2023 election Prof Gregory Ibe has joined millions of Abians to felicitate with the governor of the State over his Victory at the supreme court.

Prof Ibe in a statement signed by his media person Sleek Ogwo said the recent Supreme Court reaffirmation of the victory of Dr Alex Otti as the fifth democratically elected Governor of Abia State was most deserving.

Prof Ibe enjoined the governor to leverage on the final determination of all political and legal contentions in his favour to recommit himself to the task of "zealously serving Abians in honesty, decency and transparently, with the motive of making God's own state truly number one".

Part of the statement reads,
"Recall that sequel to the announcement of your election victory on 21 March 2023, I promptly issued a congratulatory press statement felicitating you for achieving the feat of successfully championing the crystalization and manifestation of the long awaited dream of leadership change in our dear state.
Continuing, he said, " While congratulating you in that release, I passionately appealed to other governorship candidates to avoid the temptation of further contesting your victory in the election tribunal to enable you hit the ground running. Unfortunately, both PDP and APC candidates decided to ignore my appeal and subsequently headed to the election petition tribunal. Failing to succeed in their bids, they would later proceed to the Court of Appeal and thereafter to the Supreme Court".
In conclusion he said, "My dear Governor, now that the judiciary has finally revalidated your electoral victory, on behalf of the APGA family in Abia state, I wish to formally congratulate you and thereby seize the opportunity to request you to recommit yourself afresh to the task of zealously serving Abians in honesty, decency and transparently, with the motive of making God's own state truly number one. Going forward, let me also advocate the adoption of participatory democracy, while encouraging all hands, winners and losers, to come on deck as everyone brings his 'A' game in our voyage to the Cape of a brand new Abia"
In what has been described as a landmark judgement, the Supreme Court had on Friday last week reaffirmed the victory of Dr Alex Otti in the Abia state governorship election of 18 March 2023"

UBWFAN Empowers 2,500 Anambra Women, Lunches War Against Insecurity

Titus Maduako Eleweke

2,500 women in Anambra state were empowered with Poverty Alleviation palliatives by the Ultimate Business Women And Farmers Association of Nigeria UBWFAN .

Similarly the women organization has lunched war against insecurity in the state by offering to work with security operatives and the Ministry of Local government and Town Union Matters in the area of information gathering and neighborhood watch in the 177 Communities in the state.

According to the President of the body Mrs Nkiru Nwagbo during this year's National Convention in Awka,
"The poverty alleviation programme is to assist our women to over come the harsh economic situation in the country as the bulk of the problems stops on their table"

Nwagbo noted that insecurity had been the bane of socioeconomic development of any given society and called for the partnership with them , security operatives and government in the area.
"We have in the last few years witnessed an unprecedented loss of lives and property across the country. Many communities have been deserted and most families ruined because insecurity"

"Criminals seem determined to take control with the pattern of criminality becoming complex. The law enforcement agencies appear, in many instances, overwhelmed by the sheer effrontery and capacity of the criminals, who sometimes act under certain guises"

"It is clear that those who wreck havoc on the society are from homes. They are from families. We know also, that though men remain the heads of the families, women are the engine room. Their impact on the behavior of their children are huge and unimaginable"

"This we can achieve through a partnership with security forces and other organizations who are worried by the sorry state of affairs"she said.

Speaking earlier the Commissioner for local government and Town Union Matters Chief Tony Collins Nwabunwanne who was represented by Mr Mike Okechukwu noted that, "Women have pivotal roles to play in the security of lives and property and you cannot ignore them and also the market women and farmers interface on daily bases with the society in the course of their daily activities and they are in a batter position to be well abreast with the presence of strange elements in our community"

"With their positions in the society they serve as an information conveyers to security operatives and government and we as a government are ready to partner with them as they extend their hands of fellowship in that regard"

Also speaking former Commissioner for Information and Grand Patron of the association Prof Mrs Chinyere Okunna noted that the plans have been put in front burner towards holding an Agricultural and Business exhibition this year for the members to show case their products and produce to the world.

Okunna explained that special grants would be provided for members to work as cooperatives as well as jump start the process of food and social security among members.