₦airaland Forum

Anambra PASAN accuses lawmakers of recruiting Corps members for illegal sitting

Titus Maduako Eleweke

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Titus Maduako Eleweke

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Titus Maduako Eleweke

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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


Titus Maduako Eleweke

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Titus Maduako Eleweke

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

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

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

Titus Maduako Eleweke

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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

Titus Maduako Eleweke

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

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

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

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


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

Prof Gregory Ibe mourns death of Dr Ogbonnaya Onu

Titus Maduako Eleweke

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


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

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

2025 Poll:
Anambra Non Indigenes Warn Politicians Against dirty Politics

Titus Maduako Eleweke

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

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

Titus Maduako Eleweke

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

Anambra govt to demolish two 4 storey Buildings In Onitsha


Titus Maduako Eleweke

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kenechukwu Ofomah

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Titus Maduako Eleweke

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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



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

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

Council dissolves Anambra Landlords Association Exco ,set up caretaker

Titus Maduako Eleweke

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Titus Maduako Eleweke

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


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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maduako Igbokwe

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anambra govt warns residents against dumping waste in gutters





Titus Maduako Eleweke



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


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

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

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

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

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

How shuttle bus drivers ambushed Soludo in Anambra

Titus Maduako Eleweke

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Titus Maduako Eleweke

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

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

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

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

Titus Maduako Eleweke

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

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

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

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


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

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


Titus Maduako Eleweke


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Titus Maduako Eleweke

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

IWD: WRAPA Sensitizes Men on Women Inclusion

Prosper Okoye

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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

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

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

Titus Maduako Eleweke

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Titus Maduako Eleweke

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You are a reformer, Prof tells Obasanjo at 87

Titus Maduako Eleweke

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

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

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

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