₦airaland Forum

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

Titus Maduako Eleweke

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Titus Maduako Eleweke

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

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

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

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

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

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

Titus Maduako Eleweke

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

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

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

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

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

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


BY RAYMOND OZOJI, Awka




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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Titus Maduako Eleweke

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

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

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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

Titus Maduako Eleweke

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

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



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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

Maduako Igbokwe

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

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


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

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


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



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

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

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

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

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

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

Gregory University Uturu announces salaries increment for staff

Titus Maduako Eleweke

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Titus Maduako Eleweke

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dancing traffic Officer honoured in Anambra

Titus Maduako Eleweke


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Titus Maduako Eleweke



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Titus Maduako Eleweke

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

Climate change mitigation:Experts urge Anambra Community to plant trees

Titus Maduako Eleweke

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prof Ibe congratulates Otti on Supreme Court Victory

Titus Maduako Eleweke

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

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

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

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

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

Titus Maduako Eleweke

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IPMAN Enugu Depot congratulates Ebonyi Governor on Supreme Court Victory

Titus Maduako Eleweke


The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN,Enugu Depot has Congratulated the Governor of Ebonyi state, Mr Frances Nwifuru on his resounding victory at the Supreme Court.


The Chairman of IPMAN Enugu Depot, Mr Chinedu Anyaso while speaking with Journalists in Awka Anambra State said the Association has also passed a vote of Confidence on the Governor for his policies and Programmes aimed at alleviating poverty and boosting the economy of the people.

According to Mr Anyaso, the approval and appointment of an IPMAN norminated member as Special Assistant on Oil and Gas is a clear indication that the governor has the progress of the people at heart considering that the sector has a great impact on the economy of the state.

The IPMAN Enugu Depot Chairman, noted that the appointment no doubt will bridge the gap between the marketers and the government which also serves as an intermediary for the resolution of any arising misunderstanding without such impacting on the people negatively.


Mr Anyaso called on the residents zone and beyond not to panic as there was no plan to increase the pump price of petrol by the NNPCL.
He said the association will continue to interface with the government to ensure that consumers are not extorted for commodity that is naturally deposited in the country by God.


The IPMAN Chairman explained that part of the reasons for passing a vote of confidence on the Governor of Ebonyi State was his granting of an appeal for a consolidated internal generated revenue of one hundred thousand naira for each petrol station operating in the area.

" We want to congratulate Ebonyi state Governor on his victory at the Supreme Court and equally thank him for granting our request in giving us a slot in his government by appointing one of us his SA on Oil and Gas, it's a welcome development"


Mr Anyaso said also the association pleaded that a trailer tanker park be provided for its members in the state which the governor had already accepted even though yet to be made available.


" We are equally happy that he is touching lives and empowering citizens as well as building human capital development of the state. We demanded for our members to be paying one hundred thousand naira which he approved ,we don't have any problem of multiple taxation in Ebonyi State as in Anambra State where everything goes in terms of revenue" he said.

Uturu congratulates Otti on supreme Court victory

Titus Maduako Eleweke

The good people of Uturu Ancient Kingdom Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State have congratulated the state governor Dr Alex Otti on his deserved victory at the supreme court of Nigeria.

The people of Uturu under the united umbrella of Uturu Development Association of Nigeria UDAN in a statement jointly signed by the President General Chidi Mba, Ph.D. and the Secretary Mazi Titus Eleweke respectively described the victory as a divine grace.
According to the statement ,the governor was God's sent to rescue the state and restore it to its original status of God's own state

"Your victory from the pulling boots to announcement of results, the Tribunal, Appeal court and finally at supreme court was a Divine manifestation of God's love to rescue Abia State and reposition it for greater height.

Abians have much confidence and believe in your capacity to lead the state to a greater glory,hence the massive supports and votes for you at the 2023 election.

We celebrate with you on this deserved victory that is designed to move Abia forward .
Uturu is happy to associate with you and will support you in all the ways it can" it stated .

The statement also commended the governor for finding it fit in appointing their daughter permeant secretary in the state and also appointing their son deputy mayor of Isuikwuato Local Government Area.

The statement further thanked the governor for the numerous appointment to sons and daughters of Uturu into key positions in the state .
"We will always ask for more your Excellency and do not forget us in your developmental projects and further appointment " it stated

Dr. Mba emerges Uturu town Union PG, promises to address challenges

Titus Maduako Eleweke


The newly elected President General of Uturu Development Association of Nigeria UDAN,"Uturu Ancient Kingdom worldwide"Chidi Slessor,Mba. PhD has promised to harmonize all stakeholders for the development of the town.
Dr Mba who was elected along other executives on 28th December 2023 and sworn in on 31st December 2023 said there is new hope for Ndi Uturu politically , academically and infrastructurally .

According to him, attention would be given to youths empowerment as means of fighting insecurity and other vices.

Speaking shortly after being sworn in, Mba assured that his administration will usher in new hope that will leap Uturu to greater height.
He promised to work with every stakeholders in Uturu for peace and development of the town.

According to him, he will make security his first priority in Uturu, noting that if the security is improved Uturu sons and daughters will be free to come home and contribute for the town's development.
Mba also promised to adopt disruptive approach towards restoring hope and confidence in Uturu leaderships.

According to him, Uturu is blessed with human and material resources, noting that he will deploy all human energy to ensure unity and peace in Uturu.
The PG further stated that empowering the youths is one of his measures of fighting insecurity and drugs consumptions in the town.
"We shall provide skill acquisition centres in Uturu where ,we shall train our willing youths in skills and vocations trainings. We shall also encourage those who may choose to further their education" he said

Soludo vows to fight ravaging erosion menace in Ekwueme's home town , Oko

Titus Maduako Eleweke


Governor of Anambra State Prof Charles Soludo has promised to address the problem of erosion menace threatening late former Vice President Alex Ekwueme’s Oko town, Orumba-North Local Government Area of the state .

Soludo made the statement on Friday evening at the commissioning of the Alex Ekwueme Civic Centre in Oko.

According to the governor,there is an urgent need to address erosion menace threatening Oko, describing it as serious issues that government must fight frontally.

The governor also said that there have been a previous town hall meeting with critical stakeholders, where the erosion threat faced by the community was discussed.

Soludo visibly disturbed by the erosion in Oko banned of kind of sand mining in the town.

The governor noted that Sand mining and uncontrolled flooding are key contributors to erosion in Oko, explaining that solving it requires collective action from the community, individuals, and the government.


He also formed a 25man task force for the enforcement of ban on sand mining in the affected areas .

The prohibition he also extends to three communities: Nanka, Amaokpala Awgbu, and Ekwulobia in Aguata .

According to Soludo he will sign an executive order next week to enforce the ban.

" Those found guilty of contravening the prohibition will face prosecution. Trucks caught transporting excavated sand within these communities will be seized by the state government for a year upon conviction" he said .

According to him,failure to act now could lead to the disappearance of these areas within the next 50 to 60 years.

He described the former Nigerian Vice President Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme as a renowned politician, and intellectual

According to him, the legacies of the late former vice-president in the community include education sector, infrastructural development, health and many others.
He urged wealthy people of the area to sustain his legacies by funding projects that would promote development in the community, especially in the areas of road construction, scholarship award, health, etc.

As a tribute to Ekwueme, he said the state government pledged to construct the PAL Brewery road, initiated by the late vice president, who was the brewery’s founder.

Chief Handel Okoli, the coordinator of Ide Memorial Group representing the Oko Community, praised Ekwueme for the substantial development he brought to the area.

He said Ekwueme was instrumental in establishing the present Federal Polytechnic, Oko, initially founded as the “Comprehensive Secondary School” and later renamed by the federal government.


Earlier, Oko Peoples Union Chairman, Comrade Luke Nweke, expressed gratitude for the completion of the Civic Centre and Governor Soludo's support in combating the erosion.

Uturu elects new executive officers


Uturu Development Association of Nigeria UDAN has elected new executives to pilot its affairs for the next three years.
In a peaceful election held on 28 December 2023 at Uturu Unity Hall ,EkeUkwu Dr Chidi Mba emerged as the President General while Mr. Kingsley Obiora Ohaike elected as the Vice President two.
Mazi Titus Maduko Eleweke was elected general secretary

Others include Assistant Secretary, Barr Evaristus Chukwuemeka Madumere,Financial Secretary Mr. Michael Ofoma,Treasurer Dr. Okoronkwo Christopher Uche,Public Relations Officer one , Dr Onozie Cosmas Odinaka,Welfare Officer one, Mr. Richard Nwachukwu,Welfare Officer two, Mr. Nicholas Chinwendu,Provost one Mr. Emmanuel Ndubuisi Ibegbu.
In his acceptance speech on behalf of the executives Dr Mba thanked everybody who despite all odds was able to come home and vote for the emergence of new executives.

He promised to work with every stakeholders in Uturu for peace and development of the town.

The PG elect also said that he will make that security his first priority in Uturu, noting that if the security is improved Uturu sons and daughters will be free to come home and contribute for town's development.

He also promised to adopt disruptive approach towards restoring hope and confidence in Uturu leaderships.
The PG also said empowering the youths is one of the conditions of fighting insecurity and drugs consumptions.
"We shall provide skill acquisition centres in Uturu where ,we shall train our willing youths in skills and vocations trainings. We shall also encourage those who may choose further their education" he said

CHINEDU OBIGWE public dance of shame in Anambra

Engr Chuks

Profession? CHINEDU OBIGWE is a musician or rather was a musician! He was unpopular though. He couldn't attain his set goal in music and had to join politics. He actually was praise singing for William Obiano as APGA media warrior. He is for any government in power. He was there with William Obiano while TOAN unlished terror and mayhem to helpless Keke drivers. He stood by while the extortion lasted. He never condemned the activities of TOAN! Did I hear you say Keke industry is the only industry APGA opened for dividends of democracy.

Let them know we are all citizens whose rights to survive should not be trampled upon. Chinedu Obigwe who couldn't make money through his brand of gospel music decided to venture into politics for money. Of course it is all about money, no conscience! Hé is a self acclaimed evangelist. Hé attached the revered title to his name because he played some kind of gospel music.

In the Sun newspaper of 30th August 2023, Chinedu Obigwe said: "there is a difference between government authorized revenue tax force agent and agbero, the authorized revenue tax force agents are well behaved unlike the criminals impersonating them. Any unauthorized revenue tax force agent seen on the streets of Anambra State is a criminal and should be treated as such." Obigwe equally said in the same report that upon assumption of office, Soludo categorically stated that Agbero was no job and therefore those into it should embrace his administrations empowerment initiative to better their lives. We well read about that!

Question is who are the agberos? Are they the ones at the local government head quarters Amawbia extorting money from the innocent Keke drivers that pay their taxes regularly or the ones Chiobi, who thinks he has the monopoly of violence, gave uniform as SASA? The same people from ANJET, only a change of uniform! Chinedu Obigwe what is your tax number. Is it not good enough to respect the Keke drivers that pay tax? You answer evangelist! Is it not proper to shield these tax payers from your hoodlum friends so they keep working hard and the money will keep coming in for state projects. Don't you know the taxes paid by this group is what makes Soludo thick? The job Soludo promised Agberos is it Keke tax force under SASA? What about the young and educated graduates in the State that could be recruited and trained for the job. The system should be sanitized after all government realizes a lot from the extreme taxation of poor people. At a time I was waiting for Government to recognize Comrade Ositadimma Obi for his efforts in getting Keke and Shuttle bus drivers together to pay their taxes, a praise singer like Chinedu Obigwe would boldly stand out to malign his character. Comrade Obi that thinks for others, a man of impeccable character and disposition, a colossus of inestimable value and standing. In your music, Nwoke na nwanyị your Igbo proverb said: eburu ozu onye ọzọ odika ebu osisi kpọrọ nkụ! I wonder why you can't work your talk! Whoever demolished his property must have made a mistake, he doesn't cut corners. He always insists that things be done the right way. All the papers for the land and building were acquired legally. His legacy is that of truth. Any government policy that destroyed his property should provide for compensation because it was a government policy that transferred the land to him. After all government is a continuum.

Therefore, Chinedu Obigwe tender an unreserved apology to the amiable and able COMRADE OSITADIMMA OBI and to AKDF for defamation of character. The shoe of Comrade Ositadimma Obi is too big a size for you!

Soludo Anti Touts beat us with 2x2 planks every morning --Keke drivers lament


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Members of Tricycle Drivers in Awka Anambra State detained by the governor Charles Soludo state Anti Touts squad said they were beaten with 2x2 planks without foods for two days in detention.

Some of the victims who spoke with our reporter in Awka at their Christmas end of year party said that the two days they were detained at the Anambra State Anti Touts squad facility in onitsha was like hell , saying,they were beaten every morning with 2x2 planks.

According to them ,the early beating was christened morning tea to us by the Anti Touts squad.

The vice chairman of the Unizik park who was arrested along others said that they were beaten like common criminals in the anti Touts camp onitsha.
"When we got at Anti Touts squad facility onitsha, we slept inside their bus and in the morning they used 2x2 planks to beat us , hitting our legs and joints with the planks. They said it was a morning tea for us . After beating us with 2x2 ,they laid down us again under the sun and continue with the beatings. It was when their 'oga' came out and ordered them to stop the beatings that they stopped beating us" he said.
According to him,before him and other detained persons,the Anti Touts squad were recruiting Agboro/ Touts and sending them out to places to be collecting money .

"Before me and others they were telling some of the arrested Agboro that they will cloth them with Id card and they will move them to work at their respective places . They told them that nobody will disturb or arrest them again in their pit but they should be making returns.
They gave them their phone numbers to call them Incase anyone coming to disturbed them. Most of the Anti Touts members are recruited from the touts for them . There is serious problem because touts cannot fight touts " he said .
Another Keke drivers, Chibueze Nweke said that they stayed two days without food in Anti Touts squad facility in onitsha .
According to him, though, they did not beat him much but there were some people they broke their legs with 2x2 in the Anti Touts squad facility onitsha.
He said that if the Anti Touts people are not properly monitored they will destroy many people in Anambra state .
Also the chairman of Keke drivers Unizik pit , comrade JohnPaul Nnaegbuna said the Anti Touts has no business coming to their pit because the park is privately owned and the State government gave approved of it and it allowed park owner to collect fee from drivers.

"When these men came inside the park some people were wearing Unified Hybrid Enforcement Team (UHBET)
uniforms while others were wearing state Anti Touts squad SASA. I asked them who are you , they replied that they came to catch Agboro I told them that there are no Agboro at our Park. I told them that everybody here is a Keke driver.
I told them also that all the people in the park are Keke drivers and we know ourselves one by one .
It was on the process of discussion, I had wanted to call one of our members Mr Iwunor to come in and beg them that , one of them just pounced on me with with knife and cut my finger ,he said I was making calls as if making calls has become a crime. It was then that Keke drivers said no you cannot come into our park and started beating our Chairman and others without any justification and they started protecting themselves. Then, they begun to shoot and called for reinforcement and they came dealt with every body in the park mercilessly " he said .

He lamented that squad beat them and vandalised their vehicles right inside the park,without a just cause,and wondered what could be their fate outside the park.

According to him,where some people were being detained are not the approved facility by government rather hidden camp for torturing .
He appealed to the state government to intervene and repair those vehicles as it is the only means where these drivers eat and pay their monthly taxes.
He also stated all those who vehicles were vandalised are up-to-date in their tax payments,because the park management made sure that every person that loads in the meet his tax obligation to government.

The chairman said that they are hoping on the government since the deputy governor had visited and promised to address their problems regarding the vandalized vehicles and anti Touts squad brutalization of their members

The coordinator of Ngozi units,which comprises Unizik pit Mr Collins Ude said the Anti Touts squad demonstrated height of unprofessionalism, untrained and barbarism in their conduct.
He said that if those Anti Touts personnel were trained,they should have known that there is no way 20 persons could be tout in a particular park, noting that the highest number is five

According to him,there is no single tout at the Unizik park, noting that what ever they are doing are according to the governor's instructions.


He said that the only two persons collecting N200 every day are for the owner of the Park for mentenance of the pit.



According to him,the N200 daily pay to the owner of the park was authorized by the government of Anambra State.
"Before these people came for the operation,somebody called me that I should provide guide to them . I said ok,we shall help them to identify the touts . I told the person that in the last one year we have been fighting the touts and have drove them away. And my number was sent to the coordinator of anti Touts squad Salomon Chukwuebuka whom I know as Ebuka when he was a driver to Air Vice Marshal Ben Obi, the special adviser to governor Soludo on security matters.
I never knew he was the person until this issue camp up. When I met him and told him that he and his men did not behalf maturely he picked offence and asked me if I can tell him what to do. I also told him that man number was sent him to call me so that we can help you identify and he did not call, possible he knew they were not coming to arrest touts but to disorganize what we have built and
bring back touts at the area" he said .

Christmas message: Prof Ibe seeks spiritual solutions to Nigeria's problems


Titus Maduako Eleweke


A member of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Presidential Advisory Council, Prof Gregory Ibe has admonished Christian faithful to return to God and trust him for divine intervention.
He made admonishment in his
Christmas goodwill message to christian faithfuls .

Against the backdrop of Nigerians groan under the harsh realities of the economic reforms introduced by the federal government,
Prof Ibe advocated the adoption of spiritual solutions to the country's multiple challenges.

He urged christians to look unto Jesus Christ, whose birth, "symbolizes salvation from all earthly challenges".

Part of the message reads thus,"It is against the backdrop of the multiple challenges confronting our nation as a result of the financial reforms introduced by the federal government, that I want to use the celebration of Christmas to urge Christians to return to God in order to attract divine intervention to our national problems".
Continuing he said, "Having failed to solve our national problems through political and financial strategies, I recommend the application of spiritual solutions through immediate convocation of a solemn assembly by our church leaders to enable us cry unto God as a people".
According to Prof Ibe," Being the light of the world, I encourage christians not to lose faith but to keep hope alive by looking unto Jesus Christ whose birth during this season of Christmas symbolizes salvation from all earthly challenges".
In conclusion, he enjoined Christians not to be carried away by the secular activities that are usually built around Christmas but to "deploy the season for productive engagements geared towards personal and corporate spiritual revival".
Christians across the world traditionally celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on the 25th of December every year. To mark the 2023 edition of the celebration,the Nigerian government has declared both 25th and 26th of December as national holidays"

Anambra leaders urge Soludo to help stop killing in community

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Leaders and elders in Enugwu Nanka, in Nanka community of Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State have appealed to Governor Charles Soludo to come to their aid, and stop the killing is their community.

According to the leaders and elders, killings in the area is becoming too much for them to bear.


In a Save Our Soul (SOS) letter written to the governor by the leadership of Enugwu Nanka village, which was signed by Joe Omehaa as chairman and Peter Godson Oforkansi as secretary, the village union said there had been division in Nanka, and that some powerful indigenes were seeking to silence the majority for standing by truth.

The letter cited several incidences of killings, and attempted assassination in the community, stating that the new norm is to stop police investigation after killing.

"Your Excellency Sir, one of the killing happened In 2021. A boy of 25 years, Mr. Toochukwu Onyemelukwe was murdered in Enugwu Nanka Village square, along the Main Road at the popular Ukwumango Nwanyi Uzo village square - an open public place.

"This was simply because the young boy was from the opposing faction of the village union, the Enugwu Nanka Village Development Union, against the faction (ODU) being controlled by some powerful persons.

Mr. Martin Okeke, who reported the murder of Mr. Toochukwu Onyemelukwe to the Police, has met many assassination attempts, just because he reported to the Police about that crime.

"Mr. Martin Okeke's life has been continuously threatened by the suspected culprits since they discovered he reported the murder to the police.

"Okeke has had assassination attempts over his life, he has not been sleeping in his house and his wife is in exile for fear of being killed." It stated.

The leaders called on Soludo to order for an investigation into the numerous killings of innocent souls in Nanka, and also to investigate reasons for having many factions of the town union, which has resulted to the abnormalities, sacrileges and abominations in Nanka.

Speaking about the factions, the group said: "Both Nanka Town Union and villagers are into factions and frictions due to high handedness and kill-and-coverup activities in Nanka.

"For some period of time now Your Excellency, you might have heard of number of murders of some innocent souls in Nanka, murder which some of the killings were perpetrated by unknown killers; but the ones that their killers are known are protected from Police investigation by the leaders of the influential group.

"We are thinking these factions may result to a total collapse of our dear town if not checked; also, we seek that the Police be allowed to make proper investigations of crimes in Nanka" it stated.

Anambra elders urge Soludo to avert communal crises in Awkuzu

Titus Maduako Eleweke


Awkuzu Community elders in Oyi local government area of Anambra State have appealed to Governor Charles Soludo to wade into crises rocking the community to avert serious security breach.

The elders under the aegis of "Ojiani Ifite Awkuzu" who thronged the Government House, Awka in their numbers with placards with various inscriptions demanded the urgent need for government intervention to avert serious breach of law and order.

The elders who in their 100s submitted a protest letter to the governor and Department of State Services.

They carried placard with varying inscriptions "Igwe Charles Anikweze,Stop Interfering in Our Communal Land" "We Are Ojiani, Custodians of Land and Tradition of Awkuzu, Respect Our Land", "Igwe Charles Anikweze, Respect the Culture and Tradition of Awkuzu" among others.

They accused the traditional ruler of Awkuzu Community, Igwe Prof. Charles Anikweze of sacking members of cabinet, popularly called Ichie and trying to replace them with younger people against the tradition and constitution of the town.

One of the protestants Chief Peter Aniemena, 82, who spoke on behalf of the protesting elders alleged that Igwe Anikweze was making efforts to distabilise the community through his attempt to dethrone two titled men in his cabinet by unconstitutional means.

He said the move to dethrone the two lifetime titled men for their uprightness and defense for the right of the people and interest of the community will not be accepted.

Chief Aniemena said the elders of Ifite Awkuzu deemed the move by the traditional ruler as an attempt to aggravate the already heightened tension in the community.

He called on Soludo to take necessary steps and halt the enthronement ceremony of the two illegal Ichie scheduled for December 26 as the event may trigger a serious crisis in the community.

According to him, the Constitution and tradition of the Community provides that the two titled men remain Ichie till they die or the demise, dethronement or resignation of the traditional ruler was not an option.

"The two titled men, Ichie Ikechukwu Okafor and Ichie Nweke Oniezue of Isiorji village who are still alive, active and never tendered any resignation letter to anyone," he said.

The elders alleged that the move by the traditional ruler was not unconnected to a vast land at Egbegolu Ifite which the traditional ruler planned with few persons to allot to developers against the wish of the people and original beneficiaries

Also speaking, Chief Goodwin Igbanugo, a septuagenarian , called on the Commissioner of Police and other security operatives to consider the brewing crisis serious and take urgent steps to forestall breakdown of law and order.

Igbanugo said the traditional ruler could not handpick titled men which was the responsibility of the entire Community to nominate and select when necessary.

In a reaction, Mr Vincent Anyanechi, the Palace Secretary said he could not speak on behalf of the traditional ruler on the matter, noting that it was internal to the community.

Anyanechi however said that a committee was set up for event and that they were working ahead of the event according to norms.

When contacted, the Igwe Anikweze switched off his phone after journalists introduced themselves and the topic.

We'll no longer tolerate unethical practices among you,MD Ocha Brigade warns personnel


Titus Maduako Eleweke




Managing Director of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra ,OCHA- Brigade, Comrade Celestine Anere, has threaten to deal mercilessly with any staff caught in unethical conduct while on duty.


He said that most of the personnel have formed the habits of collecting money, beating people while on duty, noting that the command can no longer tolerate such.
He said Ocha brigade is a clean, orderly, discipline and healthy enforcement agency towards cleanings up the state for healthy living .
Anere gave the warning on Tuesday while distributing 50 kg of rice to each of the staff across the three Senatorial District of the state at Command's headquarters, Awka.

The Ocha brigade MD said that , he was going to activate a special monitoring team to monitor the activities of staff on the field , stating that member of the secret team will be sending pictures to him.
" This monitoring team is not going to be members of Ocha brigade. If any one caught taking bribe, beating or involve in any unethical behaviour, I will dismiss him and before I do that I will show the person video where he was caught doing the wrong things. Ocha brigade is not a breeding ground for you to be collecting money in uniform.infact,it is a double penalty because you are disgracing the uniform. For most of you who have made up their minds to be collecting money ,it is better you resign because if I catch you ,I will treat you like a tout.
This is a festive period,the governor and Ndi Anambra expect you to show decency in doing your jobs and not misbehaving . Again,I will no longer tolerate you beating people like common criminals,if somebody commits an offence arrest him and don't beat him or her. You don't need to beat any person before arrest" he stated .
According to him, there must be discipline in the brigade if there must be way forward towards achieving healthy and clean Anambra .
He further warned those who are bent on tarnishing the image of the brigade to quite and stop destroying the good works of others.

Anere stated that henceforth , Ocha brigade will be ruthless with any body found misbehaving on duty.

"If you don't want to be in the brigade please honorably resign because it is better you resign than being dismissed.
If you are sent to Eke Awka, I expect eke Awka to be free. If I send you to bridge head, I expect no hawker there, these are your primary duty, and not to be collecting N100,N100 from defaulters instead of doing your lawful duty, there by destroying the good work of your colleagues.
Don't allow N100 N100 bribe to push you out of Ocha brigade.
When I came in as your MD of Ocha brigade most of you were receiving N35, 000,now how much are some of you are earnings now ?. Now that iam trying to make sure that everything that belong to state government,you will be accommodated ,you are paying back with betrayal and disgrace to the government and the uniforms" he said .
He also assured that he will make sure that staff welfare are adequately taken as at when due.
According to him, the governor, Prof Charles Soludo has been gracious enough in providing the Christmas rice for all staff of Ocha brigade and he is expecting hard-work in return