₦airaland Forum

Winco foam boss laments hardship accessing foreign currencies by manufacturers

Titus Maduako Eleweke


Chief Executive Officer CEO of Winco foam Nigeria limited Dr Godwin Okafor has lamented the increasing hardships faced by the manufacturers in accessing foreign exchange in Nigeria.

Dr Okafor stated this at the weekend when he took some journalist on facility your around his factory site in Awka Anambra State capital .
According to him, the manufacturing companies are bleeding and finding it diffcult in getting foreign currencies at affordable to buys raw materials.

He said that if some thing is not done urgently to cohesion the hardship many companies will close down,while most foreign companies will have no option than to relocate to other countries.

"We have serious problem accessing foreign currencies. We want government to assist us, the manufacturers to get dollars at affordable rate. We are seeing hell to access dollars in Nigeria. We want government to do some thing about dollars and if something is not done urgently many companies will close down and foreign ones will relocate" he said .
He also stated that Winco foam Nigeria limited imported waste foam for raw materials from China to support the little ones sourced locally in Nigeria.
According to him,they crushed the waste foam in machine and processed into blocks before splitting into foam sizes.

He disclosed that Winco foam Nigeria limited produces over 1000 metric tones of foam every year, noting that they tried to ensure that there are enough raw materials at all time .
"We produce over 1000 metric tones of Winco foam every year. You can see the raw materials evey where around " he said .
He also urged president Bola Ahmed Tinubu to properly manage the nation's economy as he did as the governor of Lagos state.

Lawyers urge S/C To Deliver Justice on Enugu Governorship election



A foremost nongovernmental organisation in the Southeast, Oriental Lawyers for Justice, has requested the Supreme Court to deliver justice on the controversial Enugu State governorship election held on March 18.

The attorneys in a statement in Enugu on Sunday signed by the president of the organisation, Barrister John Bosco Aninwene, and the publicity secretary, Mrs Ifeoma Ejike said All Enugu people are asking is justice, nothing more than justice.



“Both the Enugu State Election Petitions Tribunal and the Court of Appeal delivered judgments on the matter when it was brought to them, but not justice.

“The Enugu people are expecting justice this time because the Supreme Court is the final court in the land and the closest approximation of the divine symbol of justice, fairness and equity” it stated



The lawyers said that the previous “controversial judgements by the lower courts can be excused on the ground that neither the Election Petitions Tribunal nor the Court of Appeal has the authority of finality on the matter, and so an obvious miscarriage of justice was tolerated”.

It stated that on each of the days the previous judgments were delivered, Enugu State was thrown into mourning, unlike in the neighbouring Abia State where justice was upheld at every stage and hundreds of people spontaneously jumped into the streets in wild jubilations.


According to the statement,
Abians confidence in the judiciary was rekindled.


“There is overwhelming evidence that the Labour Party won Enugu State in all the elections better than it won Abia”.



“Labour won seven of the eight House of Representatives seats, won two of the Senate seats, won 86% of the presidential votes cast in the state14 of the 24 House of Assembly seats which were held on the same day as the gubernatorial election”.



The civil society organisation described the evidence of overvoting in the Owoh hometown of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Peter Mbah, as axiomatic, accusing him of forging his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate.



“The drama surrounding Mbah”, according to the lawyers, “is embarrassing.



“He bribed a high court in Abuja to declare that the NYSC has no right to dissociate itself from his forged NYSC certificate.



“He got the Independent National Electoral Commission (NYSC) to declare him winner of an an election which he lost awfully, and has since become the butt of scorn and caricature throghout Enugu State and beyond”.



They said that Mbah rarely comes out of Government House “where he surrounds himself with an armada of fierce-looking securitymen surrounded by an awesome paraphernalia of violence for fear of an imminent attack by the ordinary people who have nothing but deep contempt for his moral integrity”.

APC will take over Anambra in 2025,says Deputy National Organizing Secretary



Titus Maduako Eleweke

Ahead of the 2025 governorship election in Anambra State, the Deputy National Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress APC, Nze Chidi Duru has stated that the party has drawn action plans to take over power in Anambra State.

He made the statement at the weekend in Awka, Anambra State Capital, during the distribution of over 800 bags of Christmas rice and cash to executive members of the party in the state, donated by the party's former National Auditor, Sir Paul Chukuma,

He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has also approved the blueprint to win the State for the party in 2025 .

According to him, the winning plan was disclosed by the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, during a stakeholders meeting held with leaders of the party from Anambra State in Abuja, recently.

Nze Duru urged the executive to commence as soon as possible, ward-ward mobilisation to actualized the President's winning plan.

He also informed them that the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Ganduje was expected to visit the State by January, 2024 to meet with all party supporters including aggrieved members as part of preparation for the gubernatorial election.

While commending Sir Paul Chukuma, for the kind gesture, the organising secretary, who also represent the National Chairman at the event, called on the party faithful to make unity of purpose their watchword.

He noted that togetherness remain the only reason the Party will succeed in taking over power from the State ruling-All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA Government led by Prof. 1Charles Soludo.

In his brief address, the State Chairman of the party, Chief Basil Ejidike, appealed to other wealthy members of APC in the State to emulate Sir Chukuma, saying, such gesture has never been done in the State.

He noted that the gesture will strengthen peace and unity among members in Anambra and beyond.

The benefactor, Sir Paul Chukwuma, on his speech, said apart from the Christmas palliative, he will also mount APC signed-post in all the 21 Local Government Area of the State to project the activities of the party ahead of the State Governorship election.

He said he is offering the services as part of his contribution to promote the party and to ensure that Anambra is fully connected to the centre through the APC channel, been the most popular political party in Africa.

He equally called on the members to recognised Senator Andy Uba as the leader of the party in the State.

The distribution also witnessed the defection of an APGA Chieftain, Chief Hillary Onyekwelu to APC family.

Ezeife's dead unfortunate epilogue to Ndi Igbo, Nigeria--Prof Ibe


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Member Ohanaeze Ndigbo Presidential Advisory Council, Prof Gregory Ibe has consoled the Governor of Anambra state Prof Charles Soludo on the death of his predecessor in office Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife.
Ibe described the passage of Dr Ezeife, as an unfortunate epilogue to a year filled with many tragedies.

" I received the sad news of the transition of Nnamukwu Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife with pain and distraught. This is because of the role Nnamukwu has been playing in the advancement of the cause of our region. My frustration is further heightened by the fact that his death signifies an unfortunate epilogue to a year filled with many tragedies, in which the ground welcomed such elder statesmen as Prof Joe Irukwu, Prof George Obiozor, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi and now Okwadike Ezeife"he said .

While commiserating with the government and people of Anambra state, the Ezeife Dynasty of Igbo-Ukwu and Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide , Prof Ibe prayed God to grant the elder statesman eternal repose in His kingdom.

He said ,the death of former governor Ezeife was announced on Friday through a press statement issued by Chief Rob Ezeife on behalf of the Ezeife Dynasty of Igbo-Ukwu.

According to him, the former governor died at the Federal Medical Center Abuja on Thursday at the age of 85 years.

FRSC begins special Yuletide, new year patrols in Anambra



Titus Maduako Eleweke

Federal Road Safety Corps FRSC Anambra State command on Friday commenced Christmas and new year special patrols in the state.

State Sector Commander of FRSC Anambra State, Mr Adeoye Irelewuyi made the discourse during the command visit to Chief Executive Officer of Winco foam Nigeria limited Dr Godwin Okafor at his office in Awka,Anambra state.
Briefing the Dr Okafor on the activities of the command during the Yuletide and new year,he said the command personnel will commence 18 hours marathon special patrols of all roads in the state to ensure free flow of traffics.
According to him, the command will deploy its personnel to all roads in the state to ensure seamless movement of vehicles during the festive period.
He also disclosed that from 2022 to 2023 there have been considerable reduction in auto crashes in the State due to command painstaking activities on roads control.
He described Winco foam Nigeria limited as a critical stakeholders of the FRSC and pleaded for his continuous support to scheme.

Reacting,the CEO of Winco foam, Dr Godwin Okafor commended the command for effective manning of the state roads .

He urged them to keep their efforts towards ensuring free movement within the Yuletide and new year festival.
Okafor assured his organisation continue partnership with the FRSC in maintaining roads safety in the State.

LP Lawmaker urges Soludo to conduct LGA elections to reduce crimes, insecurity


Titus Maduako Eleweke


The Anambra State House of Assembly member representing Awka South Constituency I, Hon Nigeria Mbachu of the Labour Party, LP has stated that most of insecurity and crimes in the state are majorly caused due to non conduct of local government council elections.

Mbachu frowned at the government insensitive to the need of having elected members at the local government councils,which he described as the breeding ground for future leaders and politicians .

He made statement on Wednesday evening when he hosted the Correspondents’ Chapel (CC) of the Nigeria Union Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State at his resident, Awka,the state capital.

According to him,if the local government councils elections were conducted,it would assist to reduce the level of increasing rate of insecurity and crimes in the state.

Mbachu said that due to non existence of local government councils,all Transition Committee Chairmen in the 21 Local Government Area of the State, Traditional rulers, President Generals, local politicians and other top community leaders are now living in the state capital,thereby increasing house rent and standard of living.

He said that if the local government are in place ,there will not be need for all of them to shift their base to the state capital.

According to him,any chairman, who resides among his people would know their challenges and address them.


He wondered how LGA chairman and all the political in the state will be operating from the State capital, because of lack of social amenities in their various council areas.


"Honestly,the non conduct of LGA elections have caused increment in house rent, insecurity, high cost of food items and over population in Awka, the state capital, due to the rural-urban influx" he said

He argued that the lack of elective local government system has affected the development of the state across the 21 local government councils and 179 communities that constitute the State.
"Those youths who are supposed to be groomed at the local government Areas are neglected,thereby leaving them to roam the streets and becoming easy catch for criminal activities.
" We are complianing of unemployment,yet government is not making efforts to allow the LGA that would absolve many of youth to function

The state lawmakers are now performing dual function of lawmaking and running of local government activities, all to meet up with the economic and social needs of those at the rural areas" he said .
He maintained that elective local government system remains the only channel, the rural dwellers can benefit from dividends of democracy and stay back.

According to him, there is so much to be done in the remote areas and this can only be achieved through a democratically elected leadership at the Council Areas.

"I am worried because this tier of government has suffered so much because of lack of Local Government Election in the state over the years.

“Local Government as the 3rd tier of government is the bedrock of governance. Leadership and political tutelage is heavily mounted on this tier of government and should be upheld .

"So, I am using this opportunity to appealed to the State governor, Prof Charles Soludo to conduct the local government election, as he promised Ndi-Anambra during his governorship election campaign in 2021" he said .

Mbachu also called on Anambra journalists to be bold enough and stand firm to hold those in government accountable to the people.

"I want the journalists to investigate and tell the Ndi Anambra why elective local government administration has not been in place for over decade in the State" he said


While charging journalists not to be afraid of “people in government” in the society, Hon Mbachu said the people in power can never be more powerful than God who created them.

"You Journalists should always investigate the truth and hold those in power accountable as watchdogs of the society. Always uphold the ethical values of the pen profession by making truth sacrosanct.

"I challenge you all, to investigate why local government election for long now has not been holding in Anambra State for years.

“Journalists are the ones that bring light to any darkness via their reportage. Therefore, I advised you to be impartial and ensured that you hold the government and individuals accountable while performing your lawful duties, he added.

Our correspodent also gathered that the lawmaker had made a similar call few weeks ago during the presentation of the 2024 Budget before the State House of Assembly by governor Charles Soludo, where he decried the obvious omission of LGAs election in the budget.

Soludo reiterates calls for Anambra indigenes to invest at home for Youth empowerment


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Governor of Anambra State Prof Charles Soludo has reiterated his calls for the indigenes of the state, a broad to invest at home.

He made the statement on Tuesday while speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of Oakville Estate at the Millennium City Awka .
The governor was represented by his chief of staff Mr Earnest Ezeajughi at the ceremony.

According to Soludo Anambra State is getting better and the environment is conducive to make investment now.
He commended the developer Oakville for coming home to invest.

He said investing in the state will help to reduce unemployment and youth restiveness, noting that the government is poised to creating jobs for the teaming Youths.

He noted that government has created an enabling environment for people to invest adding that the ground breaking ceremony of the Estate is part of the benefits of the safe climate.

The Chief Executive Officer of Oakville Mr Chidi Okafor said that the Estate is the first and only estate in the state that is currently designed with an underground drainage system.

According to him Oakville will be made up of lounge, cinema, Conference room , gym , rooftop bar and others.

"When completed, Oakville will be a smart estate equipped with an electric vehicle charger " he said.

Speaking on their contributions to the development of the Estate the duo of Managing Director Chevron Coporatives and Shell oil and gas Mr Uche Nwosu and Uche Ozoemena who was represented by Engr Ifeanyi Nwasoke said that they have been involved in the development of such facilities in other towns.

He said they are ready to do noting same in Awka Anambra state capitol.

He stated that they are going to replicate what have done in Lagos and other towns in Anambra state.
According to him,the in the next one year there would be great changes at the estate.

Anambra Commissioner for Land Prof Amucheazi explained that government is deeply interested in people coming to the state to invest.
He said that government will give all the necessary support in the project.

Ooni of Ife unveils EcoBoost Eco-friendly Fuel Treatment In Nigeria


Titus Maduako Eleweke


Ooni of Ife has unveiled the
Lumière Group International (LGI) eco-friendly fuel treatment, EcoBoost in Nigeria.

The fuel additive is a mixture of naturally occurring proteins and amino acids extracted from green plants. The biotechnology cleans fuels and engines, reduces polluting gas emissions and pays for itself by reducing fuel consumption.

Speaking at the launch in Lagos, the chief executive officer of LGI, Gisele Aklobessi, explained that with the launch of the EcoBoost, approaches to environmental sustainability is revolutionised as product sets a new standard in the fuel additive industry.

“In a world where the demand for fuel is ever increasing, the need for sustainable solutions has never been more pressing. Our team, driven by a passion for environmental stewardship and technological advancement, has tirelessly worked to bring this fuel additive to Nigeria and the greater part of Africa,” Aklobessi said.

She noted that, as Nigeria, through the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), commits to cutting Greenhouse Gas emissions by 20 percent by 2030, the launch of EcoBoost Enzyme Fuel Treatment on the Nigerian market emphasised the importance of collaboration in achieving shared goals.

While launching the product, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi stated that, the eco-friendly product, made of natural enzymes extracted from green plants, is unveiled for the benefits and betterment of mankind, giving economic values to the country and entire human race.
The director-general, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr Ifeanyi Chukwunonso affirmed the credibility of the product, saying that it went through the procedure before launching into the market.
The DG was represented by his special adviser, Folashade Aderoju said: “I can confirm that the EcoBoost has gone through one of our services which is the product registration and there is a procedure in place before we can satisfy or issue a product certificate which I am aware they have gone through.”

With the issues of fuel oxidation and environmental pollution, scientists or researchers developed an active natural enzyme to curb the problem. These enzymes increase and control the rate of chemical reactions.

Ecoboost uses highly specialised enzymes to improve how petrol, diesel and other fuels burn by eliminating the over-consumption caused by contaminants in the tanks and carbon and soot build up in the engines.

Lumière Group International, is a privately held professional trading, finance and investment group of companies registered and operating in East Africa, West Africa, Europe, Mauritius and the United Arab Emirates and in association with Joint Venture (JV) Partners.

Don't sell by road sides ,ACTDA warns illegal traders
...to begin clamp down on Friday

Maduako Igbokwe


The Awka Capital Territory Development Authoriy (ACTDA) has given give days ultimatum to those selling or displaying goods along the roads in Awka to vacate.


The Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Authority, Mr. Ossy Onuko who issues the order while speaking to newsmen in Awka in Anambra state capital.

According to ACTDA MD any person found disobeying the directive will full weight of of the law.

He said , that the authority had regrettably observed the resurfacing of street traders, especially along the new roads constructed by Governor Chukwuma Soludo within Awka metropolis.

Onuko explained that the authority had for the past one year continue an onslaught against the street traders who are causing obstruction and gridlock within the city.

He maintained that the activities of these illegal traders have defaced the aesthetics of the new road built by the state government.

He mentioned the road where the activities of the street traders have increased in recent times to include the dual carriage Unizik-Isuaniocha Road, Club Road, Regina Ceali Road, Old INEC Road, Government House Road and Aroma, Ifite Road amongst others.

According to Mr. Onuko, from this Friday, Awka Capital Territory Development Authoriy officials will commence a massive destruction of goods and wares that are found to be displayed along the roads.

He seriously advised those engaged in the illegal act to stop immediately as the authority will not only seize but rather destroy such goods to serve as a deterrent to others.

Mr. Onuko further warms Offenders advised to immediately evacuate their goods and and services suffer the consequences of their inactions.

Police will protect you , Anambra CP assures Keke drivers


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Anambra State Commissioner of Police CP Aderemi Adeoye has assured the tricycle drivers and other law abiding citizen of adequate protection in the state.
He said the police is poised to protect the drivers from touts and other Criminal harassing them in the state.
He gave the assurance on Monday, when the members of tricycle drivers paid him a solidarity visit at his office , Amawobia Awka South Local Government Area of the state.

He said that the police will always protect all the law abiding Keke drivers in the state, so long they keep to the rules .

Adeoye urged them to support the security operative in the state by giving them necessary information to fight crime and criminality in the state.

" If you support the police ,it is good for all of us. If you are law abiding citizen,the police will do everything to protect you . If you are law abiding,there is no cause for you to be afraid in the state because the police are there for you. The police will support you to do your work" he said
He also urged the Keke riders to remain focused and be determined because they are the eyes and ears of the police in the state .
According to him,the drivers are the eyes and ears of the police because they are at every where , noting that must of the criminal board Keke for operations.

" Help the police to identify the criminals in the state . We hope in you for credible information" he said
The CP also commended members of the tricycle drivers for their unity of purpose and working together as a family.

He said that Awka is calm today due to the police proactive steps in tackling cultism and other related cases of crime in the state.
According to him,the police will at all things support the Keke drivers to do your lawful business in the State.

He also stated that the police door are always opened to the public including the Keke riders in the state.

Speaking earlier,the coordinator of Anambra Keke Drivers Forum (AKDF) comrade Osita Obi said that the purpose of the visit was to show solidarity for professionalism and the integrity of the CP Aderemi Adeoye.
According to him, since CP Remi Adeoye assumed office in the state ,the level of cult killing , kidnapping and other activities have reduced.

"We are here to give solidarity to the commissioner for his wonderful work in the state. Before now we knew where we were in criminal activities ,there were so much cult killings but today he had solved the problems.
The CP had arrested over 42 persons in relation with cult activities and they are in correctional center.
Remi Adeoye is doing well ,those who protested against him last month were mischievous and part of the problem in the state" he said

SWAN Commends Sports Development In Anambra, Honours CP Adeoye , IPMAN Boss

Maduako Igbokwe

Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Anambra.Chapter has stated it was impressed with the progress in the sports sector of the state especially at the grassroots level.

Chairman of SWAN of the Chapter
Chimezie Anaso disclosed this during the 2023 SWAN Week Lecture/Award Night of the association in Awka.

Anaso said SWAN's Week was an annual event which marked the end of activities of the association and also provided stakeholders the opportunity to evaluate activities in the sector during the outgoing year and to set the agenda for the coming year.

He said from the rebirth of school sports, success at the National Youth Games, formation of a state owned football club and the just concluded traders competition, the Anambra government had proven that it meant business with sports development.

"SWAN, Anambra is impressed with the trajectory of sports development in Anambra state.

"It is not in our place to sing the song of government but, as the sporting press, we promised to continue to commend positive actions and also perform our watchdog role by providing constructive criticisms.

"As we look forward to the new year, as an association, we shall uphold the principles that make SWAN a professional body. We shall pay attention to capacity building for our members and further entrench ourselves as critical stakeholders in the Anambra sports sector.

"We have also identified and nominated individuals and an association for special recognition, these are people who had directly or indirectly impacted positively on growth and development of sports in Anambra," he said.

In his lecture, Tony Nezianya Public Relations Officer Nigeria Olympic Committee(NOC) said grassroots sports development was a worthy path to tow as it would activate the abundant talents of Anambra and Nigerian youth in general, noting that sports had so much benefit for the society.

Nezianya said the education system is crucial to be redesigned to incorporate mandatory physical education programmes which focus on skill development, knowledge of sports fundamentals and creation of opportunities for students to participate in competitive leagues.

Nezianya was represented by Prof Chris Abakare, a Lecturer at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and a sports enthusiast.

The NOC Image Maker described grassroots sports as the process of identifying, nurturing, and supporting young athletes at the grassroots level.

According to him, these are the athletes who have the passion and raw talents but lack the necessary resources, facilities, and opportunities to excel.

" Grassroots sports development aims to bridge this gap and provide a platform for these young individuals to grow and flourish.

"It helps identify and nurture young talent from an early age," he said.

Nezianya called for an increased investment and active collaboration between government and the private sector to develop the sector stating that provision of sports infrastructure in sufficient quantity and quality will increase access for young athletes.

He said there should be a strong support system for athletes which include access to quality coaching, sports medicine, and professional guidance.

"With these we can safeguard the physical and mental well-being of our athletes.

"We need to create and improve sporting infrastructure in our communities, this includes constructing well-maintained sports facilities, such as playing fields, stadiums, and gyms.

"We must provide access to quality sporting equipment and resources to enable young athletes to reach their full potential.

"Sports serve as a powerful tool for social development, engaging in sports activities fosters discipline, teamwork, and a strong work ethic among youth participants.

"Through talent identification and proper training, we can groom young athletes to compete at national and even international levels," he said.

The high light of the event ,include
given an award of recognition to the state
Commissioner of Police, Anambra state CP Aderemi Adeoye,in recognition of his contributions to sports development in the state through creating a safe environment for sporting activities to thrive.

Also Mr Chinedu Anyaso, Chairman of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Enugu Depot Community received an award for sponsoring the Odiofele Football competition in his community, Ekwulummiri for years.

The Anambra Cricket Association under the chairmanship of Chuma Anosike was honoured with an award for the Most Grassroots Oriented Sports Association for planting the game in many secondary schools in the state

Obini Onuchukwu, Acting Registrar of the Federation Polytechnic Oko, was installed as patron of the association.

The chairman commended partners who rallied the association to ensure the success of the event. Commends Sports Development In Anambra, Honours CP Adeoye , IPMAN Boss

Maduako Igbokwe

Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Anambra.Chapter has stated it was impressed with the progress in the sports sector of the state especially at the grassroots level.

Chairman of SWAN of the Chapter
Chimezie Anaso disclosed this during the 2023 SWAN Week Lecture/Award Night of the association in Awka.

Anaso said SWAN's Week was an annual event which marked the end of activities of the association and also provided stakeholders the opportunity to evaluate activities in the sector during the outgoing year and to set the agenda for the coming year.

He said from the rebirth of school sports, success at the National Youth Games, formation of a state owned football club and the just concluded traders competition, the Anambra government had proven that it meant business with sports development.

"SWAN, Anambra is impressed with the trajectory of sports development in Anambra state.

"It is not in our place to sing the song of government but, as the sporting press, we promised to continue to commend positive actions and also perform our watchdog role by providing constructive criticisms.

"As we look forward to the new year, as an association, we shall uphold the principles that make SWAN a professional body. We shall pay attention to capacity building for our members and further entrench ourselves as critical stakeholders in the Anambra sports sector.

"We have also identified and nominated individuals and an association for special recognition, these are people who had directly or indirectly impacted positively on growth and development of sports in Anambra," he said.

In his lecture, Tony Nezianya Public Relations Officer Nigeria Olympic Committee(NOC) said grassroots sports development was a worthy path to tow as it would activate the abundant talents of Anambra and Nigerian youth in general, noting that sports had so much benefit for the society.

Nezianya said the education system is crucial to be redesigned to incorporate mandatory physical education programmes which focus on skill development, knowledge of sports fundamentals and creation of opportunities for students to participate in competitive leagues.

Nezianya was represented by Prof Chris Abakare, a Lecturer at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and a sports enthusiast.

The NOC Image Maker described grassroots sports as the process of identifying, nurturing, and supporting young athletes at the grassroots level.

According to him, these are the athletes who have the passion and raw talents but lack the necessary resources, facilities, and opportunities to excel.

" Grassroots sports development aims to bridge this gap and provide a platform for these young individuals to grow and flourish.

"It helps identify and nurture young talent from an early age," he said.

Nezianya called for an increased investment and active collaboration between government and the private sector to develop the sector stating that provision of sports infrastructure in sufficient quantity and quality will increase access for young athletes.

He said there should be a strong support system for athletes which include access to quality coaching, sports medicine, and professional guidance.

"With these we can safeguard the physical and mental well-being of our athletes.

"We need to create and improve sporting infrastructure in our communities, this includes constructing well-maintained sports facilities, such as playing fields, stadiums, and gyms.

"We must provide access to quality sporting equipment and resources to enable young athletes to reach their full potential.

"Sports serve as a powerful tool for social development, engaging in sports activities fosters discipline, teamwork, and a strong work ethic among youth participants.

"Through talent identification and proper training, we can groom young athletes to compete at national and even international levels," he said.

The high light of the event ,include
given an award of recognition to the state
Commissioner of Police, Anambra state CP Aderemi Adeoye,in recognition of his contributions to sports development in the state through creating a safe environment for sporting activities to thrive.

Also Mr Chinedu Anyaso, Chairman of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Enugu Depot Community received an award for sponsoring the Odiofele Football competition in his community, Ekwulummiri for years.

The Anambra Cricket Association under the chairmanship of Chuma Anosike was honoured with an award for the Most Grassroots Oriented Sports Association for planting the game in many secondary schools in the state

Obini Onuchukwu, Acting Registrar of the Federation Polytechnic Oko, was installed as patron of the association.

The chairman commended partners who rallied the association to ensure the success of the event.

FG commissions 6
TETFund-sponsored projects worth N2.7bs at Unizik


Titus Eleweke Awka

Federal Government on Friday commissioned six projects valued at N 2,775,227,111.78 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University University,Awka Anambra State.

The project were executed through the intervention of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) allocated between 2016 and 2020.

The projects are,
Construction of Lecture Halls Complex Year 2014-2016 (Merged) Annual Intervention ; and
Construction and Furnishing of Faculty Building for Social Sciences Year 2019 Special High Impact Intervention; and
Construction and Furnishing of Department of Psychology Building for Social Sciences Year 2019 Special High Impact Intervention; and Construction and Furnishing of Departmental Office Block for Faculty of Education (Vocational Studies) Year 2019 Special High Impact Intervention; and
Construction and Furnishing of Classrooms and Block of Offices for Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Year 2019 Special High Impact Intervention; and
Construction of Laboratory and Offices for Faculty of Pharmacy Year 2019 Special High Impact intervention.

Commissioning the projects ,the
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon.
Benjamin Kalu said that Federal Government was committed to growth of tertiary education in Nigeria.
The Deputy Speaker represented by House Member representing Orumba North/ South Federal Constituency of Anambra State,Princess Chinwe Nnabuife described National Assembly as a key stakeholder of the Fund.

"I am excited to note that since the enactment of the TETFund Act in 2011, the Fund has performed exceptionally in the provision of physical infrastructure, support for academic staff training and development, book publication, ICT, Research and Development amongst others in public tertiary educational institutions across the country.

I, therefore, wish to use this opportunity to assure you that the 10th House of Representatives under the leadership of the Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and indeed, the entire National Assembly will continue to provide necessary support to the Fund through the enactment of legislations that would further advance tertiary education in Nigeria" he said .

Earlier , the Executive Secretary of TETfund Arc. Sonny Echono said that TETfund was happy to be associated with developmental efforts that promote the growth of the university in the country.

The Executive secretary of TETfund was represented by Director Corporate Communication of Fund ,Arc Inene Eriyo at the event .

"This is particularly gratifying with the increase
in the development of requisite infrastructure that aid learning, teaching, and
research. It is remarkable to note that TETFund’s interventions to the university
commenced in 2009 and this privilege has been enjoyed till date" he said .
According to him,from
commencement, a total sum of N10,567,075,176.00 has been allocated for
infrastructure-related interventions, cutting across the Annual, Special and Zonal
interventions, amongst others for the institution. So far, about 87.33% of these funds have already been
accessed for the provision of requisite facilities in the university.
We believe the
projects undertaken with these funds have remarkably impacted on the mandate of
the university in facilitating teaching, learning, and research.
I therefore wish to commend the Management of the University for ensuring the successful delivery of the various intervention projects executed from inception,
some of which we are assembled here to commission today" he stated .

He stated that the projects commissioned today in the Awka campus were four in
number and are those of the Annual and Special High Impact interventions.

He said ,funds were allocated to the projects between 2016 and 2020, and completions successfully achieved
between 2022 and 2023.


He said that in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
administration, the Fund has resolved to ensure that all interventions are sustained
and improved as much as possible to enable institutions undertake more laudable
and impactful projects that would make them become globally competitive.

According it is the pleasure of the fund this institution is situate
in enviable positions among their peers both nationally and globally.


He stated that despite the challenges, the projects were delivered,
notwithstanding the debilitating extenuating circumstances.

"We therefore urge the
university to please ensure that these facilities are well maintained to avoid early
dilapidation" he said .


He assure that the Fund will always support
the university’s drive for creativity through meaningful research endeavours while we
continually provide necessary support for infrastructural facilities.


Speaking the Vice Chancellor, Prof Charles Okechukwu Esimone commended the fund for the intervention.
"I want to specially thank TETfund for the wonderful support it has been giving to the university . For the first time in the university that we have a project that come with lift and we designed that for a purpose .
We thank the Fund because at a certain time it appeared that things were not going to work but it actually worked .
The entire members of the university are happy we will send our appreciation letter" he said

Otti commends Gregory University on its maiden medical doctors induction

Titus Maduako Eleweke

The Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, has commended the management of Gregory University, Uturu, for partnering the government in delivering solutions to the health challenges of the people.

Dr Alex Otti gave the commendation at the maiden induction ceremony of pioneer graduates of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences Gregory University, Uturu, Governor Otti.
During the induction,19 medical doctors were admitted .

The governor who was represented by the Secretary of Abia State Government, Prof Kenneth Kalu , applauded the institution's faculty and staff for their commitment to scholarly excellence.

He also encouraged the new doctors to be true ambassadors of their alma mater.

Decrying the worrisome dearth of qualified personnel to successfully undertake the health challenges of the people, the Governor enjoined the new doctors to serve society by ensuring the good delivery of impactful medical practice while upholding high ethical standards, in keeping with vision and mission of Gregory University Uturu.


Speaking before administering statutory induction oaths on the fresh graduates, the Registrar of Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria(MDCN), Dr Tajudeen Sanusi, reiterated the importance of prioritizing quality assurance in compliance with the provisions of established benchmarks of the regulatory body.

Frowning on cases of observed non compliance to the training modules approved by MDCN, Dr Sanusi admonished management of Gregory University Uturu to adhere strictly to the existing statutes of the regulatory body or risk stiff sanctions.

He subsequently enjoined parents of the graduating doctors to grant their wards liberty to practice the profession passionately while choosing their preferred areas of specialization.


Welcoming guests at the event, Vice Chancellor of Gregory University Uturu, Prof Augustine Uwakwe, expressed immense gratitude to God for the realization of the vision of the founder and proprietor of the institution, Prof Gregory Ibe, who according to him continues to labour day and night in his efforts to reduce the increasing deficit of qualified medical doctors in the global world of work.


Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Prof Uwaoma Uche, the Vice Chancellor acknowledged the support of Abia State Government, Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Federal Ministry of Health, Federal Medical Centre Umuahia, who variously collaborated with Gregory University Uturu in attaining the historic milestone achievement of graduating her pioneer medical doctors.

In her address, Deputy Provost of the Medical College, Prof. Ijeoma Nduka, expressed gratitude for the collective efforts that led to the landmark achievement. The deputy provost acknowledged that the eight-year journey was filled with challenges, but it eventually turnout to be highly rewarding.

She charged the newly inducted doctors to discharge their duties diligently.

Highlights of the event include, presentation of an insightful induction lecture on the topic,"Medical Colours and Caps: Celebrating Candid Creative Credible Career Counsel", delivered by Asso.Prof. Enyinnaya Nduka and conferment of awards on graduating doctors who distinguished themselves through outstanding academic performances, with Dr Davis Oluwasijibomi emerging over all best.
Marking a befitting climax to a tedious and rigorous academic journey that Gregory University Uturu's Medical College commenced in 2017, the ceremony witnessed the symbolic induction of 19 medical doctors, who by the express assent of Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria are now licensed to practice, even as stakeholders continue to applaud the proactive societal contributions of the institution under the innovative helmsmanship of the Founder and Proprietor, Prof Gregory Ibe.

Soludo rebranding/ sharing FG palliative rice for political gains , Ifeanyi Ubah



Titus Maduako Eleweke

Senator, representing Anambra South Senatorial District of Anambra State Senator Ifeanyi Ubah at the weekend said the Prof Charles Soludo led All progressive Grand Alliance APGA government in the state is not sharing the federal government palliative to the people.
According to him,the Soludo led government is sharing the rice for political gains in the state.

He made the statement in Anambra state during one of his official assignments in the state.

Senator Ubah said all the rice the federal government sent to the state to cohesion the effect of fuel subsidy removal have not been seen in any place,instead rebranded for other interest.

He said the people whom the rice were meant to soften their challenges are not being touched.


According to him, the rice brought into the state by the federal government,nobody knows exactly where those bags of rice are.

Ubah said the Anambra state All progressive Grand Alliance APGA has rebranded the rice and share to only APGA members.

"We have palliatives sent to us by the federal government. Those bags of rice have not seen the light of day. Meanwhile, we're going through a hectic period. Yet we saw rice being rebranded and share to APGA party members in the state.

Mind you, the rice brought into the state was the first supply. We want to know exactly where those bags of rice are. If not, anything rebranded is our rice.

That is why we are raising this alarm so that those concerned should do the needful" he said .
He said that so much have been done by the federal government in the state and we are not talking about them.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Information Mr Paul Nwosu said that Soludo has since put in place a comprehensive set of palliatives that are in excess of N5 billion to mitigate the hardship brought about by the removal of the fuel subsidy regime.

Nwosu in a statement said that it is also crucial to clarify that out of the initial N5 billion announced by President Bola Tinubu (GCFR) to be given to states, which some media commentators have continued to misrepresent, it’s only N2 billion that has been released, partly as loan, of which the States are expected to pay back 48 percent while the Federal Government will pay the remaining 52 percent.

According to him, Soludo as a strategic manager of resources believes that palliatives should go beyond just doling out bags of rice to the people.

He said Soludo focus and determination to deliver a more diverse package that would be of better impact to the living conditions of the very low income earners cannot be countermanded.


"A well-thought-through programme for maximum impact will significantly alleviate the economic hardship of the poor and downtrodden over a sustainable period of time.

It is not in the Soludo style to settle for distributing palliatives only to the urban areas and some rural villages. Soludo ensures that he gets to uncharted areas and erstwhile unreachable zones of Anambra State" he said .

Group urges Otti to empower Abia Sports Council to hunt for talents

Titus Maduako Eleweke


Abia State Gymnastics Association, has called on the governor Dr Alex Otti led administration to empower the State Sports Council to embark on talent hunt at the grassroots levels to fish out hidden athletes.

The association said that
Abia may be losing in the area of fishing out and equipping talented young athletes.
According to the group,those talents when discovered will represent and bring glory and expose Abia more to the international sporting societies.
The Chairman of the association, Mr Chidi Okpanku in a statement made available to newsmen, said the State, was blessed with talented kids who should be encouraged by the government to excel.
He recalled that two young gymnasts, Chenille and Francisca Okpanku, aged between 9 and 13 years, have since 2021, been making waves by winning laurels for Abia and Nigeria, in national, continental and global competitions.
Okpanku, said that they excelled at the National Youth and Adult Sports Festivals, where both won medals to place Abia among the best in Gymnastics.

According to him, the duo went ahead to represent Nigeria, in Dubai (UAE) in April, 2022, won Gold in South Africa, in August, the same year and was later hosted by then Vice President, Prof Osibanjo, on return.
According to the association chairman, who is the siblings father, the young girls in July, this year, participated in The International World Gymnastics in Malta, Europe, where their performances were declared, "Outstanding" by the World body, after coming overall tops with Gold Medals at the event attended by 12 countries.
"The International World Gymnastics in Malta, came up in July, 2023, and these girls were out. Chenille, got one gold medal and four bronze, and emerged 3rd all-round best among 12 countries that participated in the competition.
"Chenilke, competed in the junior Olympics level. Francisca Okpanku, emerged with two gold and two silver medals at her level and a trophy" he said .
He further said the athletes competed in the September, National Youth Games, representing Abia, and also did so for Nigeria in Czech Republic and Portugal, this November, and appealed to the State government to encourage them to do more and achieve their Olympic dreams, which will bring Glory and Honour to Abia and the country, at large.

"Abia is blessed with talented kids who should be encouraged. We implore the government to identify and support the young talents to achieve their Olympic dreams, which will bring Glory and Honour to Abia State and Nigeria, as a whole."
It was , gathered that while States like Kwara, among others, hosted their athletes who attended the Dubai and South African championships, Abia, had remained aloof even after being helped by the girls to achieve the feat of coming third in the last National Sports Festival.
It was also discovered that the athletes outings including participations in African continental and global competitions, have been sponsored by their parents, including paying their coach, with the State Sports Council, yet to come to terms with what to do to encourage them.

NSCDC personnel brutalize Anambra journalist




Titus Maduako Eleweke

Officers of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State on Saturday brutalized an Anambra state journalist Izunna Okafor.

Over 10 who descended on the journalist , accused media of being the problem of Nigeria.

Mr Okafor who is reporter with 247ureports.com was coming from Nnewi ,where they he was invited to cover the Anambra South Rally of the Soludo Ambassadors,when over 10 staff of NSCDC descended on him.

It was gathered that the journalist was in the same bus provided by the organizer of the rally to convey him and the staff of the Civil Defence officials from Awka to the venue of the Anambra South Rally of the Soludo Ambassador and also bring back to Awka.

Recounting his ordeal in the hands of the agency Staff, the journalist said the trouble started when he wanted to alight at the UNIZIK Junction, Awka, from the bus that was conveying them.

According to him, after he severally informed and reminded the driver that he would alight at the UNIZIK Junction, which he ignored on the instruction of the Civil Defence officers, who insisted that everybody must remain in the bus and follow them to the very last bus stop where they themselves would alight.

He said it was until he spoke with a loud voice before some other civil defence officials and some attendants of the rally in the same bus then told the driver to stop for him to alight.

He said when he alighted, he could not see his second phone which fell out inside the bus when the driver was on a high-speed. However, according to him, as he was informing them that his phone fell off inside the bus and that he would want to pick it, the aggressive civil defence officers ordered the driver to zoom off moving without listening to him.

He said as he was stretching his hand to request for the phone from the person who volunteered to pick it for him, one of the Civil Defence officials attached to the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) callously ordered the driver to speed off, and then furiously jammed the door of the bus, leaving him with severe hand injuries caused by the forceful and unexpected locking of the bus door.

Okafor, who was in severe pains said he had no other option but to board another commercial transport to the place where the Civil Defence officers said would be the last bus stop.

According to him, when he got there, as he sought an explanation from the particular officer for his action, the situation escalated further and aggravated to a chaos as the officer began questioning him on what gave him the boldness to ask him such question as a uniformed and armed man.

He said while the Civil Defence officer began to raise his voice at him, he conked his gun, while his colleagues, numbering about 11, rushed out and irrationally descended on him, physically assaulting him, kicking and hitting him with gun heads.

Okafor said some of the Civil Defence officers also conked their guns and even threatened to shoot him while beating him up, but for the pleas of some other people who were there witnessing what was happened.

According to him, officers also accused Nigeria journalists of being major part of Nigeria's problem, while they themselves stand and suffer under the sun to protect the country and her citizens.

According to the journalist, it took the intervention of Mr. Ossy Onuko, the Managing Director of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) to quell the violence.

Despite Okafor eventually retrieving his phone and receiving an apology from the Mr. Onuko, the Civil Defence officers continued threatening him, vowing to track him and further deal with him.

However,Okafor, said he could identify the officers involved in attacking him, saying that he had reported the incident to the Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Command of the Nigerian civil defence corps, Edwin Okadigbo, who promised to look into the matter.

Meanwhile, the State Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Anambra State Command, Mr. Edwin Osuala has ordered for thorough investigations into the case.

The Commandant in a statement by Public Relations Officer of NSCDC DSC OKADIGBO EDWIN

ordered the Deputy Commandant in charge of Investigation and Intelligence Department to immediately commence full scale investigation into the matter with a view to bringing anyone found wanting.



Osuala noted that the NSCDC as a reputable paramilitary agency in a good working relationship with the Nigeria Union of Journalists would stop at nothing in making sure appropriate disciplinary sanctions are meted against any of the personnel found wanting.

"While affirming his unwavering stance against unethical conduct on the part of Officers and Men, the State Commandant further solicited sustained media partnership, cooperation and support of the public in providing timely and relevant information to the Corps in its renewed efforts against security challenges in the state" it stated.

Anambra Handicapped Student Wins Best WAEC Student Award


Anambra State has continued with its winning streak in educational competitiveness, as one of its indigenes has been declared the best candidate in the category of visually impaired students in Nigeria in the 2022 Senior Secondary School Certificate examination conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

Miss Precious Nzube Mbajiorgu, who wrote the examination at St John of God Secondary School in Awka, has just been rewarded by the WAEC Nigerian headquarters office in Abuja for her academic excellence despite being physically handicapped.

She performed brilliantly in the nine subjects she wrote.

An indigene of Ihiala in Anambra State, Ms. Mbajiorgu is currently a fresh-year student at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, where she is studying guidance and counselling.

Now 21years old, Ms Mbajiorgu lost her sight in 2008 to glaucoma when she was in her terminal class in a primary school in Awada near Onitsha. She subsequently lost some years while adjusting to her new condition which caused her to learn the use of the Braille machine to read.

“Precious has always been a serious and ambitious student”, remarked Chief Greg Okafor, a Lagos-based lawyer who has been following her educational progression.

Ms Mbajiorgu, who plans to be an academic, dedicated her award from WAEC to Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his commitment to quality education and for his effort to empower physically challenged persons.

“Professor Soludo cares for all”, she said, “and he is well-focused, not just brilliant”.

TETFund hands over N550m hostels to Oko polytechnic

Titus Maduako Eleweke


Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund) at the weekend handed over two hostels worth N550 millions to Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra state.

The two hostels are one male and one female hostels at the students village extension site, Oko polytechnic.

The hostels are made up of 26 rooms with capacity to accommodate 208 students.

Commissioning the hostels,
member, Senate Committee on Education and TETFund Senator ifeanyi Ubah urged the Polytechnic management to take full advantage of the facilities and make judicious use of them for the educational and vocational development of the students.

Senator Ubah,who also is chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum, Downstream ,said that
aside support for physical infrastructure and provision of equipment at the institution, TETFund has sponsored 101 lecturers for Ph.D from the Polytechnic in both foreign and local institutions, totaling N487,527,656.10.

According to him,TETFund has also sponsored 60 lecturers for Masters Degrees in both foreign and local institutions totalling N293,102,460.00, and 90 staff have been sponsored for Conference Attendance locally and abroad at a total cost of N111,471,159.50 in the polytechnic .
Ubah, a senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District of Anambra State
reiterated National Assembly's willingness to continue to work harmoniously with the Executive towards making nation's educational institutions globally competitive for economic and technological development.
He assured that the 10th Senate would continue to provide necessary support to the Fund through enactment of legislations that would further advance tertiary education in Nigeria.

Earlier, Executive Secretary, TETfund, Arc. Sonny Echono said the projects executed between 2021 and 2023 would go a long way to stem the tide of negative influences on students youth population and address security concerns in the Polytechnic community.

Echeno who was represented by Director, Monitoring and Evaluation Department of TETfund Arc Babatunde Olajide said the projects were thoughtfully prioritised by the Polytechnic to address the aforementioned concerns as well as provide requisite infrastructure for the students wellbeing.

"In line with the "Renewed Hope" agenda of President Bola Tinubu administration, the Fund is committed to ensuring the sustenance of funding to all public beneficiary institutions with a view to ensuring our institutions attain high global ranking in delivery of academic content," he said.

He commended the Polytechnic management and project team for ensuring quality delivery and sticking to terms.
Echono appealed to institution management to put the facilities to their proper use and be maintained to serve generations to come.

In her own address,the Rector of the polytechnic Dr Mrs Francisca Nwafulugo said the hostels will assist in mitigation of students accomodations problem in the institution.

According to her,with new hostels many male students will have opportunity for the first time to enjoy the feeling of being accommodated in a hostel that is within the polytechnic.
She also stated that the hostels are equipped with modern facilities which are tailored to give the students a decent and conducive accommodation space to achieve peak performance academically.

She commended Tetfund for making it possible for an increased number of students to have a safe and decent accommodation within the Polytechnic environment.

"Tetfund has really added value to our polytechnic in so many ways and areas. We remain indebted to the fund. I want to profusely thank the Executive Secretary of Tetfund, Arc. Sonny S.T Echono and indeed the entire staff of Tetfund for making the impact of the fund to be felt in our polytechnic"she said


According to her,the management has built a security post which was carefully planned to provide maximum security for the inmates of the hostels in the students village.

She said the security post is courtesy of 2022 needs assessment intervention.

EEDC to shut down power in Anambra for 4 days



Titus Maduako Eleweke



Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) has disclosed that it will shut down power in Anambra State for four days.

In a statement issued by Head, Corporate Communications, EEDC,Emeka Ezeh on Saturday said the planned outage will take place from 2nd to 6th December, 2023.

According to Eze,the outage is to enable the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) engineers to carry out maintenance on their facility.

"As a result of this planned maintenance, the 60MVA power transformer at the GCM station will be shut down for the four days the maintenance will last.

This will mainly affect our customers in Ogbaru District and some under Onitsha District as the following feeders will be without supply:
Harbour 33KV, Golden Oil 33KV, Dozzy 11KV, BridgeHead 11KV, E-Amobi 33KV, Atani Water Works 11KV, Premier 11KV, Housing EBH 11KV, Iyiowa 11KV, Wharf 11KV,Fegge 11KV, Uga 11KV, Market 11KV, Bida 11KV, Iweka 11KV, and Market 11KV feeder" he said .
He said the affected areas include the whole of Atani, Bida, Main Market, Iweka, Fegge and its adjoining estates as well as all our heavy-industrial clusters within Ogbaru.

According to him, the areas will be out of supply for the period of the outage.

"We regret the inconveniences this development will cause our esteemed customers and assure them that we will be on standby for supply restoration once the maintenance is completed.

We are committed to providing you with quality service delivery" he stated.

Anambra Traders Sports grand finale holds on December 8


Titus Maduako Eleweke

The closing ceremony of the maiden Anambra Traders Sports Competition will hold on Friday December 8 with final and third place matches of the football event.

Iron Dealers Market, Atani in Ogbaru Local Government Area (LGA) and Nkwo Umunze Market in Orumba South LGA will battle for the first and second places while Ajasa Market Onitsha will battle New Motor Spare Parts, Nnewi for the third place.

The third place and final matches will hold by 10am and 1pm respectively at the Awka Township Stadium.

Patrick-Estate Onyedum, Chairman of Anambra State Sports Development Commission said this after a meeting of the Main Organising Committee of the event on Friday.

Onyedum said Gov. Chukwuma Soludo would be around to witness the final of the seven-weeks long sports first for traders in Anambra and also handover prizes to deserving teams and individuals.

He said the finals for four other events featured in the competition including Tennis, Table Tennis, Draught and Ncho would hold on Thursday Dec. 7 at the City Sports Club, Amawbia.

For Draught, Ifeanyi Osunwa of Building Materials Market, Awka will play with Raphael Okoli from Plastic Market, Ogbunike for he first and second places while

In Ncho, Emeka Okoye from Eke Amawbia Market will play with Michael Ibegwa of Electrical Market Obosi in the first semi final of Ncho and Arinze Nwafor of 25D Blessed Line, Odekpe and Nzeka Esther of Nkwo Umunze Market will contest for the second final slot.

The final and semi final will be played later on the same date.

In Table Tennis Nnaemeka Okoli of Nkwo market Umunze will square up on on the table against Olie Onochie of New Tyre Nkpor for the ultimate prize while Ikenna Okafor of Eke Amawbia Market will fight for third place finish against Ndudi Ifinwa representing AMSPDA, Nnewi.

Obidike Emeka representing Odera Market Awka will play with Fidelis Anierobi AMSPDA Nnewi in the Tennis final while Ezeobi Oliver of Etewa Market, Ekwulobia and Kenechukwu Sixtus Building Materials, Ogbunike will play for the third place.

Onyedum said mouthwatering prizes would be won by traders and lovers of sports who purchased lottery tickets for the competition and that draws would be held on the final day.

He called on residents of Anambra across all walks of life to turnout enmass on Thursday at the City Sports Club, Amawbia and on Friday at the Awka Township Stadium to cheer the teams to victory and enjoy good games.

The Sports Commission Chairman commended the markets for the massive participation and impressive performances while charging them to maintain the spirit of sportsmanship till the end of competition.

Shettima inaugurates meter manufacturing factory in Anambra,tours gully erosion sites

Titus Maduako Eleweke

The Vice President, Senator kashim Shettima on Thursday inaugurated a Electric Meter Manufacturing Factory in Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The meter manufacturing factory, Advanced Energy Management Solutions limited (AEMDL) has the capacity to produce 1.4 million pre paid meters annually.

Commissioning the company ,the vice president commended the meter manufacturing factory for its support towards Government efforts to resolve the power supply challenges facing the country .

According to him, with the local manufacturing company Nigerians will have the buy electric meters at reduced prices .

Shettima said the private sector forms an integral half of the crucial foundation that holds the Nigerian government.

He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to creating an environment that fosters entrepreneurship and innovation.

This, according to him, explains why the president's vision for Nigeria is grounded in eight priority areas, including poverty eradication, economic growth, job creation, and equitable access to capital.

He stated: "This gathering is a reminder that the private sector forms the other half of the government's crucial foundation. Whatever innovation we design, whatever ideas we explore, whatever interests we pursue, we cannot achieve our objectives if those for whom they are targeted are not carried along or in tune with our agenda.

"I am utterly proud to be here today, honoured and excited to witness the commissioning of these landmark projects. I am convinced that each of us understands the urgency of our collective actions".


Shedding more light on the crucial role the private sector plays in nation building, the Vice President said the hope the Tinubu administration has promised to renew can only be realised in an environment that makes it easier to translate the ideas of private sector to fruition.


Shettima continued: "The profound partnership between the federal government and each state remains an indispensable cornerstone.

"I assure you that commitment knows no bounds when fostering an environment ripe for entrepreneurial growth and innovation. For it is in the nurturing embrace of this collaborative effort that the delicate balance between public and private sectors resonates, defining the trajectory of successful nations." he said .
Earlier,the Chief Executive Officer, Advanced Energy Management Solutions, Okechukwu Onyejiuwa, said the factory has the capacity to produce 1.4 million meters annually to tackle power shortage in the country.

He noted that the establishment of the factory is to support government's efforts to resolve the power supply challenges facing the country by addressing the critical issue of very high metering gap amongst consumers.

Onyejiuwa stated that it is also a direct response to the call by the Federal Government for local and foreign investors to invest in Nigeria, create jobs and stimulate economic activities all around the country.

"This factory has the capacity to produce 1.4 million meters annually. The establishment is to support government's efforts to resolve the power supply challenges facing the country by addressing the critical issue of very high metering gap amongst consumers.

"This facility possesses the capability to produce Single Phase and Three Phase as well as Maximum Demand Meters. The manufacturing facility is equipped with advanced, cutting-edge equipment and machinery to manufacture a wide range of MD and non-MD smart energy meters, as well as feeder meters of accuracy class ranging from 0.2S to 1S in compliance with national and international standards.
"The factory is set to create about 500 direct jobs comprising majorly of engineers, technicians as well as finance and administration professionals. In addition to the direct jobs, we estimate that there will also be over 4,000 jobs created by the activities of this company.

"The operations of this factory will stimulate economic activities in the country especially given the high-tech nature of the skills required for the manufacturing process. It will also conserve scarce foreign exchange through reduction in the cost of imported raw materials, developing local raw materials sources and the potential for export to other countries within Africa and other parts of the world in the near future."

He also stated that it is more beneficial to patronise local meter manufacturers with proven capacities rather than contracting supply of energy meter to foreign companies and granting them import duty waivers.

"Sourcing of foreign exchange to import machines, equipment and raw materials have been a herculean task in recent years. When manufacturers are left with no alternative than to source foreign exchange from the alternative market, the consequences are that the price of the finished product is impacted very negatively, and the capacity is constrained.

"The impact of steady power supply in a manufacturing outfit such as this cannot be over-emphasized. The high cost of diesel and the attendant inefficiency in generating our own power supply is certainly not sustainable, both for the company and for the nation.

"It is therefore pertinent that the government encourages investors and even makes further investments in the energy sector which holds the key to unlock huge potentials in other sectors of the economy.

"On a short trip to deliver our meters from this factory to Enugu for instance, one will encounter over 15 checkpoints and roadblocks comprising police, army, produce inspection, emblem checkers and so many government and quasi government organs who stop vehicles carrying goods indiscriminately to extort and collect taxes and levies prescribed by them and often not backed by law.

"There is certainly an urgent need to improve ease of doing business, harmonise revenue/tax collection and c reate a more conducive environment for businesses to thrive. Ultimately, the nation benefits from increased revenue from better performing production driven enterprises," he added.

Earlier,the Vice President had an aerial view of some gully erosion sites in the state and was briefed on the state government's efforts to address the problem which has caused widespread damage to infrastructure and farmlands in Anambra State.

Shettima pledged the federal government's support to the state government's efforts to address the problem of erosion. He said that the federal government will provide financial and technical assistance to the state to implement solutions to this problem.

The VP restated federal government's continued support for Anambra State's economic development, saying the government will work with the state to address challenges such as gully erosion and improve road infrastructure.

His words: "Anambra State is crucial to the economy of this country, and we are going to ensure interventions in this state, from economic support to infrastructure development, are geared towards sustaining its place as an industrial and economic powerhouse.

"We are aware of the daunting challenge of gully erosion with which the state grapples, a consequence of its loose ferallitic soil. We are aware of the communities that this menacing force has encroached upon. We are aware of the lives and livelihoods it has devastated and threatened.

"We are also going to make our interventions in boosting our road infrastructure projects stand as tangible testaments to our commitment to connect the South-East with other sub-regions of our beloved country.

"These initiatives aim not only to bridge geographical distances but also to knit together the diversity of our nation, fostering prosperity the people deserve".

The Vice President was received on arrival in the state by Governor Soludo; the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; the Senator representing Anambra Central, Victor Umeh; Senator Osita Izunaso and Dr. Emeka Offor, among others

Gregory University holds maiden induction for medical doctors on 5th December

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Gregory University, Uturu Abia state College of Medicine and Health Sciences will on Tuesday 5 December 2023 hold its maiden Medical Doctors induction.

The induction is scheduled to hold
at Dr Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia, Abia state.

In a statement by spokesman of the University Rev.Sleek Ogwo, the
Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Dr Tajudeen Sanusi is expected to administer the statutory Physicians Oath.

The statement reads, "All is now set for the maiden induction ceremony of medical doctors of Gregory University Uturu's College of Medicine and Health Sciences.
A press release from the institution states that the historic event is scheduled to be held on Tuesday 5 December 2023 at Dr Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia.
According to the statement, the Registrar of the regulatory agency for Medical practice in Nigeria, Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Dr Tajudeen Sanusi is expected to administer the statutory Physicians Oath while also officiating the handover of official documents to the fresh medical doctors.
The statement therefore invites the public to attend the milestone event which incidentally coincides with the consummation of a mutually beneficial linkage relationship with People's Friendship University of Russia(RUDN University Moscow).
Disclosing details about the Memorandum of Understanding(MOU)entered into by the two institutions, the Vice Chancellor of Gregory University Uturu, Prof Augustine Uwakwe, who spoke through a telephone conversation from Moscow, stated that the parties agreed to strengthen joint education programmes in the fields of space research and applications while establishing dual Bachelor's and Masters degree programmes in Space Science, Data Engineering and Space Systems.
According to Prof Uwakwe, the development is in line with the GUU established tradition of globalizing scholarship through the consummation of linkage partnerships with ivy league institutions around the world, stressing that the recent collaboration with RUDN Moscow is targeted at commencing from September 2024.
It will be recalled that since inception in 2012 Gregory University Uturu has continued to blaze the trail by acquiring approval and securing accreditation from both National Universities Commission(NUC) and relevant professional bodies for such sought-after programmes as Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy and Engineering, among many others".

Women nake protest is not Anambra culture, says women organisation

Titus Maduako Eleweke

A women organisation based in
Anambra State,the Ultimate Business Women And Farmers Association of Nigeria UBWFAN has described nude women protest in the state capital as an abomination.

The women group who visited the state Commissioner of Police Mr Aderemi Adeoye in his office, said the action is not in the nature and character of Anambra women.

The leader of the Hon Nkiru Nwagbo while addressing the Commissioner said it is highly abominable for women to protest nake in public for any reason.



According to Nwagbo; " Going by our painstaking investigation it has been discovered that those women are not from Anambra state but some prostitutes recruited from outside the state and paid to go on a protest"

"We want to use this opportunity to state that Anambra women are well trained, a highly cultured and well mannered to reduce themselves to this act of lunacy" she said.

Nwagbo also advised Anambra women not to be used by desperate elements in the state who are out for their selfish gains, noting that the women are on the receiving end of the entire show of shame by creating a wrong impression about women of the state.

She commended the police in the state for their proactive actions, stating that crime fighting has received great attention in the state to the extent that the activities of the unknown gunmen and miscreants have been reduced in the affected eight local government areas of Anambra state.

"Also the confidence of the general public on the Command has been restored as people now go about their lawful duties without fear or apprehension to the glory of God" she said .

Speaking on the association's programme of events in the next two months, the President Hon Nwagbo noted that the function would attract women from the twenty one local government areas of the state.

According to her, the body has since inception been supportive to women and children through charity activities and Skill acquisition which have been far reaching.

In his response, the Commissioner of Police Mr Aderemi Adeoye noted that the incident did not depict the Anambra women, adding that the protest was staged managed by those who have been using the cover of fighting insecurity to execute cult killings in Awka town.

He said the perpetrators have been arrested and are facing charges before the law court.

"Some people went to town using some people to drive home their inordinate demands and such actions are not welcomed in Anambra state" he said .

Adeoye who commended the Ultimate Business Women And Farmers Association of Nigeria for creating synergy and homogeneous relationship among Anambra women stated that such bodies and organizations are needed as a weapon to fight crime in the state through forming cooperatives societies.

Ex- YPP Guber aspirant in Imo petitions Abia CP over illegal dentation, extortion

Titus Maduako Eleweke

A former gubernatorial aspirant on the platform of the Young Progressive Party YPP in Imo state ,Hon.Emeka Emenyeonu has petitioned the Abia state command of the Nigerian Police over what he described as a serious act of intimidation, illegal arrest and detention,as well as criminal case of extortion,by the men and officers of Ndiegero Police Division in Aba.

In the petition letter dated November 27 2023 addressed to Abia state Police Commissioner ,through the Aba Area Commander and made available to media, Hon. Emenyeonu, lamented that the continued refusal of the command to allow medical attention to be extended to one of the detainees, who is seriously injured has placed her life in danger,a situation which he said has been worsened by the insistence of the police personnel handling the matter on being given the sum of #30,000 before granting them bail.


He has therefore called on the commissioner of Police in the state to wade in ,to ensure that justice prevails.

" The fact of the matter is that my younger sister by name ,Miss Ebere Emeh,and her flat mate ,one Oyidiya, had a misunderstanding ,which resulted in a case of two fighting.

In the course of the fighting another of my sister ,Miss Tessy Emeh , who was trying to make peace between the two warring parties was however stabbed by Onyidiya,inflicting in the process heavy bodily injury on her .

In keeping with her earlier promise that her police man friend will deal with my sister Ebere, the said Oyiridiya went ahead to contact the police,which apart from arresting and detaining my sisters ,including the injured person ,has allowed the said Oyidiya to be working free.

To make matters worse ,the investigating police officer IPO and the divisional police officer DPO of Ndiegero police division ,has continued to insist on being given the sum of N30,000 before granting them bail." he stated.

According to him, what is currently playing out in the matter, is a clear case of deliberate,intimidation, miscarriage of justice and attempt at extortion, noting that the continued denial of medication to injured may lead to some avoidable consequence.

Onitsha South LGA chairman bags Nigerian best performing chairman

Titus Maduako Eleweke

TC, chairman of Onitsha South local government area, Hon. Emeka Joseph Orji has been honoured as one of the best Nigerian performing LGA chairmen in 2023 .

He bagged the national Award christened Local Government Merit Award - LOGMA on Saturday.

He was a judged by LOGMA as one of the best performing local government chairmen in Nigeria for surpassing his counterpart all over the federation in quality leadership through service delivery and accountability.

Hon Orji received his certificate as the winner of LOGMA 2023 at Nigeria National Merit Award House, Maitama Abuja alongside 21 other council chairmen in Nigeria by the Landmark Magazine.

Speaking during the presentation of the awards, the Board Chairman, Landmark Magazine, Chief Bayode Ojo stated that the award was designed to showcase the achievements of the Councils’ helmsmen and reward excellence at grassroots governance.

He congratulated all the awardees for making the final list which was reached after a rigorous scrutiny through spot-checking of some of their executed projects to ascertain the veracity of their claims.

He urged the awardees to continue to be the exceptional examples of sustainable growth at the grassroots and the country at large.

He called on the federal government to initiate processes that could lead to granting of financial autonomy to the local governments in the country to enable the leaders at the tiers to deliver better on their mandates .

In his good will message at the well-attended event, the Honorable Minister of Special Duties & Inter Governmental Affairs, Rt. Hon. Zaphaniah Bitrus Jisalo represented by Mrs Ehujoh Patience lauded the Councils’ Chairmen for the steadfast commitment to the advancement of their various communities.

He noted that the event was not only a celebration of the dedicated leaders who have tirelessly served the local governments, but also a testament to the enduring spirit of excellence and selfless commitment to public service that has defined our great nation .

The Minister called on the Councils helmsmen to be re-committed to the principle of good governance, accountability and service to the people, stating that through the principles, brighter future could be built for our beloved country.

Speaking after being conferrment, Hon. Emeka Orji applauded the organizer for recognizing his administration’s commitment towards making onitsha smart town.

He also said his recognition followed the remarkable strides recorded in localizing good governance and outstanding leadership role in helping to build a sustainable livable and prosperous smart council area amidst other numerous people-oriented programmes and projects in Onitsha South local government area.

While dedicating the award to his people of Onitsha South Council Area, Hon. Emeka expressed his happiness and satisfaction with the recognition but noted that he will feel more fulfill and accomplished when Onitsha South local government area is totally positively transformed.

He said the award would further spur him to work harder in pursuing people-centred programmes.

Orji reiterated his renewed commitment to work harder in delivering democracy dividends to the people of his council area and lauded the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo for giving the transition committee chairmen the opportunity and the necessary support and encouragement to work in the state thereby making it possible for him to qualify for the receive of the coveted award.

He urged the Onitsha South residents to continue to support him and the governor to serve Ndi Anambra better.

The Minister for Special Duties, Hon Fatoba, Tosin Aluko, Members of the House of Representatives and other key Federal Government Dignitaries graced occasion.

Anambra community demands justice for 2 murdered youths

Titus Maduako Eleweke


The Youth of Nsugbe community in Anambra East local government Area of Anambra State have Protested to Government House Agu demanding for justice for two of their brothers murdered by youths of Umueri community in the same local government Area .


The Youth Nsugbe in their hundreds stormed the government house in the evening chanting " we need justice for two of our brothers murdered by the Umueri youths in broad daylight".

They came with different placards with various inscriptions saying " All we are saying give us Justice for Chukwura Nwaeze. Save our lives,our land bleeds. Justice for Chukwura and Gozie. Nsugbe is a land of peace,no war"

The spokeman of the protesting Nsugbe Youth Mr John Paul Mouzie while speaking at the government house said they were in the government house to demand for justice for their murdered brothers by Umueri youths.
According to him, Umueri youths invaded their community and murdered two of their youths for no just cause and they want the government to intervene for justice .
"Last week Wednesday the Umueri youths invaded our community and murdered two of our brothers. Since them we have been crying because we are not ready to go for war with anybody. Everybody knew that Nsugbe is a peaceful community,we are not interested in fighting any war. Ours is to go through the government agencies to get justice for the dead ones. They killed our brothers and destroyed our property. They kept threatening us that they will do more" he said .
According to him,the only issue with them and Umueri is land dispute.
He called on government to urgently intervene and do a proper boundary adjustment to save further blood shade in the communities.

Addressing the protesting Nsugbe Youths,the Chief Security Officer to Governor Charles Soludo SP Kingsley Nkuma commended them for the peaceful way they protested to the government house.
"I love the way you conduct yourself to deliver your case to government" he said
He advised the protesting youths to write petition to state Commissioner of Police and Department of State Services DSS for proper investigations into the matter.
According to him, immediately the security agencies get the petition they will swing into action for justice to be served.

Speaking to journalists,shortly after the protest, the president of Nsugbe Youth Assembly, Mr Chidi Obiodu said that he and the youths of the community are interested in the justice for the dead youths.

He said he is a civil servant with the state ministry of work and immediately he heard that his people were on protest to the government ,he quickly rushed to venue to maintain peace.

"Iam interested in seeking for justice for the two murdered youths. Ia m not happy and the youths are not happy. They are here to seek for justices for their brothers" he said .
According to him,the killing took place since last week Wednesday and uptill today no arrest have been made by the police neither any action from any security agent

Firearm: Blue Shield boss , 9 others remand in Awka correctional center

Titus Maduako Eleweke

The Chief Executive Officer of Blue Shield Security outfit, Ozo Jeff Nweke and nine others have been been remanded in awka correctional center Anambra State till Monday December 4th 2023 for their bail application.

They were charged with illegal poccession of firearm .
In a charge sheet number FHC/Awka/ 2023 between Inspector General of Police and the ten accused persons sighted by our reporter at the Federal High Court 2 Awka Anambra State on Tuesday, Ozo Jeff Nweke who was the sponsor of nude women protest and others were arrianged for illegal procession of fire arm without license.

The charge sheet reads,
That you (1) JEFF NWEKE 'm (2) DENNIS CHUKWUMA OKOLI 'm'(3)
0ZOEMENA EZEKWUSILI 'm' (4) NONSO CHUKWUEMEKA 'm' (5)
ECHEZONA NWAOBU 'm' (6) NWACHUKWU THANKGOD (7) JOHNSON
OLUCHUKWU( EZE CHUKwUNONSO (9) OLISA UZUWULU and (10)
NWADOZI CHUKWUEMEKA were found in procession of round of arminunation prohibited firearm ( pump action) on October 2023 without license granted to you. You thereby committed offence contrary section 8 and punishable under 27(1)(b)(11) of firearm Act CAP F28 law of the federation of Nigeria 2004.

After the reading of the charges to defendants,they pleaded not guilty and the prosecution counsel A.A. Nwano called for their remand in prison custody but the defense counsel Mr. Ifeanyi Obiako SAN opposed and called for their bail applications but the presiding justice , Nnamdi Dimgba said that the defence counsel should official move his bail for application on Monday.
Justice Dimgba in his ruling ordered that they be remanded in the Awka correctional center till Monday 5th December for their bail applications.

Anambra Health Insurance Scheme active , worths over N3bn, says Commissioner


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Anambra State Government has denied the rumour of scrapping off the state health insurance scheme christened, Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) .

There have been rumour that the state government is finding it diffcult to run and would soon close the scheme.

The scheme is designed to provide coverage for health care and related services.

The state commissioner for health,
Dr Afam Obidike made the clarification with selected journalists in Awka Anambra state on Friday.

According to Obidike the scheme has over N3 billion and it is alive and active.

He also disclosed that the ministry has ,what he described as universal health coverage for the state and it addresses all health challenges in the state through ASHIA .

According to him,ASHIA started with 60 persons and before the present administration assumed office it had risen to 160 but today it has over 260 persons.


"We are expanding the package and we are now treating prostrate cancer . We enrolled in the tricycle riders into the scheme" he stated.


Obidike said that because of the successes recorded,the state government increased the budgetary allocations to over 163 percent in the 2024 financial year.

According to him,the increments in the ministry of health is more than that of ministry of works.

The Commissioner said that inorder to achieve better productivity in health care service,it has clock in device that checks attendance of staff.

"If you go to work ,you you tap your hand in the device and it will clock into my phone. It tells me when you come to work and when you leaves work. This is to ensure that we give our people the best. We don't just employ without monitoring personnel movement" he stated.

According to him,most the staff in the state public hospitals got half payment because they did work accordingly.


"We are being strategic, building our public hospitals because most of the private hospitals are interested only in their profits. We in public hospitals ,we are interested in rendering service to the people" he said .

He also stated that ,the ministry is recruiting 500 staff in the primary healthcare service delivery and 350 for hospitals .
Obidike said that the state government is also building blood banks in some strategic hospitals and equipping 17 hospitals with modern facilities across the state .

According to him,due to the successes of the scheme many states are coming to learn how we are succeding.

He stated that due to successes in ASHIA,World health organization WHO recognized Anambra State as one of the best in the healthcare adoption in the country.

The Commissioner appealed to people to graciously adopt at least one person from their families into ASHIA.

Winners Of 2022 Anambra Academicals Football Cup smiles home with N4m Cash



Titus Maduako Eleweke


Winners of the 2022 edition of Academicals football cup for primary and secondary schools in Anambra have received cash prizes of N4 million from the state government.


Chairman of Anambra State Sports Development Commission ,Patrick-Estate Onyedum, gave the money to the beneficiaries on behalf of Governor Charles Soludo at the Commission conference hall .




Cash prizes of N1 million and N500,000 were given to first and second places winners respectively in the male and female U17 categories while N500,000 and N250,000 given to first and second placed U13 or primary schools respectively.

Onyedum said the administration recognised the differences in the talent endowment of youths and would continue to provide the necessary environment for them to explore them and achieve excellence.




He said sports was a critical component of the youth empowerment thrust of his administration and charged students to give as much attention to talent development as they did to their academics.

According to the Commission Chairman," we have our Anambra State Sports Solution Initiative (ANSSI) aimed at discovering national and Olympics champions from the earliest age.




"The 2023 edition of ANSSI was very successful, for the first time Anambra became champions in 100m, 200m, 4x100 and Volleyball at the National Youth Games, all these athletes were discovered during our school sports festival.




"We were compliant with age limits, somebody even said they should text our athletes as a matter of fact, three of them are on scholarship in Abuja High School where there parents could not have been able to pay.




"So congratulations for winning the Academicals, even though I had not assumed office when it was played, take your studies very seriously and whenever the opportunity of sports competition presents itself, grab it with your two hands,"

Onyedum said Soludo had graciously approved that the Anambra School Sports Festival would be a yearly event because of the success of the recent edition while charging schools and students to ensure they took part in the 2024 edition.


Ukpor High School in Nnewi South Local Government Area (LGA) and Washington Memorial Grammar got N1 million and N500,000 in the male U17 category.

In the female U17, Christ The Redeemer College, Amaesi, Aguata and Stella Maris College, Umueri in Anambra East got N1 million N500,000 respectively for first and second place finishes.

In the U13: category for primary schools, Umuaraba Primary School, Ukpor got N500,000 while Anyaegbunam Primary School, Onitsha N250,000 cash for placing first and second.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Rev. Fr Emmanuel Onuorah, Principal of Stella Maris College, Umueri thanked Soludo for the kind gesture.

Onuorah said the Anambra government was revolutionalising sports by the uncommon attention, noting that the grassroots was getting promise that the school system would help achieve the desired objectives in sports.
"Not every child can solve mathematics on paper, others do it on football pitch, some intelligent people do not know how to drive but their are some illustrates that are formula 1 winners, so on behalf of all the schools, I want to thank the state government for big encouragement," he said.

Orumba South LGA chairman flags off palliative works on roads in communities




Chairman of Orumba South Local Government Area, Prince Neville Uchendu has flagged off "Palliative works code Operation Access roads in all communities in the council.

The wonderful initiative is designed to cushion the effects of erosion and bad road network in all the communities of the Orumba south local government Area


Flagging off the road work construction at Nawfija, Prince Uchendu emphasized the need for road projects in the community, noting that his administration has strong passion to work and improve the quality of life of the people through the provision of good local road network in the communities.


He assured of providing enablement to cohesion the challenges of the communities in the Council.

He commended the giant strides of Governor Charles Soludo on road construction especially in Orumba South, stating that such was the motivating factor that prompted him to initiate the palliative programme.

Speaking at the flag off , the Anambra State Commissioner for Works, Engr. Ifeanyi Okoma represented by Engr. Obi Okafor and the MD Nevclition Nig Ltd, Chief Bishop Egwim congratulated the Nwafija community


He also commended the TC Chairman for collaborating with relevant key players to ensure that Orumba South communities have accessible roads and benefits from other important intervention sector of the state government.

He urge other Transition Committee Chairman to emulate the good leadership style of the Orumba South Mayor while urging residents to continue to support the Chairman and the Governor Soludo's administration to succeed.

They noted that if the TC Chairman can personally and privately facilitate such a huge project, there is no doubt that given a higher platform to serve, Prince Uchendu can contract bigger names in the construction industry like Julius Berger to execute bigger projects.

Contributing, the member representing Orumba South constituency in Anambra State House Of Assembly, Hon. Emma Nwafor thanked governor Soludo
for entrusting such impactful responsibilities of the Transition Chairman of Orumba South Council Area to their illustrious son, Prince Neville Uchendu.
He was represented by Hon. Ballack Offor and the Chairman of all the President Generals in Orumba South local government area, Hon. Sam Kennedy Oguagbaka .

According to him Orumba South Mayor is not a disappointment to Governor Soludo just the same way Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo is not a disappointment to the APGA led administration and Anambra State Government as a whole.

In his welcome remarks, the traditional ruler of Nawfija Community, Igwe Clifford Okeke (Ezeudo Na Nwafija) expressed his heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the Community.
He commended Governor Soludo for the ongoing road construction projects in the entire Orumba South Local Government Area, saying that Governor Soludo indeed is a wonder working Governor.

He applauded the Chairman's proactive steps in enhancing the living standard of his people and pledged unwavering support from OAU and the entire Nwafija community for Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo's led administration.

He also recognized the positive transformations facilitated by the Orumba South TC Chairman

He added that the entire Orumba South local government can never thank Governor Soludo and Prince Uchendu enough for their passion and commitment to the betterment of lives of the people in the area.

He urge residents to ensure the continuity of APGA and present administration in upcoming governorship polls to continue to enjoy the true benefits of democracy and good leadership.

LP decries none budgetary allocation for conduct of LGAs elections in Anambra




Titus Maduako Eleweke


Anambra State Labour Party LP has observed with dismay the none allocation of funds for the conduct of Local Government Council elections by governor Charles Soludo in the 2024 annual budget.

House of Assembly member representing Awka South Constituency I, Hon Nigeria Mbachu who made the observation decried the obvious omission of local government Area election in the budget.

He made the observation following Governor Soludo's presentation of 2024 appropriation budget at the house on Tuesday.

Hon Mbachu stated that going through the budget presented that it's glaring there are no intentions of conducting LGAs elections next year.

On page 475 of the budget the budget for Anambra State independent Electoral Commission for this current year was 89,120,000.00M while the projected estimate for the incoming year is129,120,000.00m.

"You find out that there's no feasibility or readiness for Local Government Elections for the incoming year.

"I am worry so much because this tier of government has suffered so much because of lack of Local Government Election.

"Local Government as the 3rd tier of government is the bedrock of governance. Leadership and political tutelage is heavily mounted on this tier of government and should be upheld thus.

"If this can be wishfully considered I'll be glad. For now, the budget can go for 2nd reading," he stated.