₦airaland Forum

Obosi Community Organizes Thank You Rally For Governor Soludo's Transformative Agenda




Titus Maduako Eleweke


Residents of Obosi community in
Idemili North Local Government area of Anambra State have commended the governor Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo for remembering the old and single biggest political ward in Southern Nigeria, Obosi.
In effort to show their heartfelt gratitude and satisfaction with Soludo led administration, the Obosi Development Union (ODU) Worldwide organized a special thank you rally for the governor.


The rally attracted virtually the entire Obosi community, including Eze na Ndichie Obosi, ODU branches, Obosi Youths, ODU Women wing, Ndi Nze na Ozo, Council of Age Grades and other groups.

The event , took place at Nwobodo Ugamuma Square in Idemili North Local Government area of Anambra State.

Speaking at the event ,the President General of Obosi Development Union Worldwide, Barr. Chimezie Obi commended Soludo for remembering Obosi in his government and for the massive ongoing road constructions in both inland and urban parts of Obosi town.

According to him, Obosi people
are rejoicing because Prof. Charles Soludo did not only grant Obosi a seat in his government by appointing their own brother as Commissioner of Works but also appointed ODU Worldwide third Vice President General, Hon. Anthony Amaifobu as Special Assistant to the governor on House of Assembly matters.

Obi however lamented that despite Obosi being the single biggest political ward in the southern Nigeria and second in the entire Nigeria, the community has not been given a fair share of its political entitlement.

He emphasized that with a population of about five hundred and fifty thousand people, geographical size, man power contributions, human capital development and other contributions in Anambra State, Obosi is more than ripe enough to be a full local government.

He called on the Anambra State House of Assembly to commence the constitutional process of designating Obosi as a local government in Anambra State, noting that the voice of Ndi Obosi will be heard in due course.

While praying for more wisdom, protection and blessings on the life of the governor, Barr Obi pledged that the Obosi people will play their part to ensure that the vision of Soludo's administration is brought to a successful completion.

He commended the sponsor of the event, Mr. Omezie Chukwura for his magnanimity and support.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Omezie Chukwurah, stated that the rally was organised as a special appreciation to Governor Soludo for his special regards for Obosi community.

He thanked the Anambra State Governor for the two unprecedented special appointment slot and stated that Obosi people will be presenting a life cow to the governor to evidently express their gratitude.

He commended the Anambra State Commissioner of Police for playing an exceptional role in ensuring the notable peace and security in Obosi community and applauded the Obosi Vigilante Group for their dedication and commitment to service which according to him has boosted the security confidence of Ndi Obosi both home and abroad for the Christmas season.

Chief Chukwurah further pledged to continue to support and partner with the Obosi PG, Barr Obi to succeed and sustain positive change and promised to keep giving value to Ndi Obosi in his own capacity.

He also called for more support from sons and daughters of Obosi both home and abroad to assist the ODU in developing Obosi.

Contributing, the leader of the Enugu Branch of the Obosi Development Union (Women Wing), Prof Mrs Felicia Obioma Ononye expressed her joy and gratitude to Governor Soludo for the ongoing massive road construction projects in the community, noting that the development will help ensure better drainage systems to pave way for easy flow of water channels during the rainy season.

She commended the sponsor of the event and went further to request more considerations from the Governor in the following areas: schools renovation, establishment of health centres, and skills acquisition centres. She finally prayed for God's special guidance and protection for the governor and the entire Obosi people.

The traditional ruler of Obosi Kingdom, Igwe Iweka Chidubem, represented by Ogbueshi Mbidebe Ogalanya, in his separate remark, thanked those who contributed to the success of the rally and commended Governor Soludo for attending to the plight of Obosi community, describing the gesture as an act of love.
He also extended Chief Emeka Anyaoku's regards to the governor over the death of his father.

Igwe Iweka further promised to continue doing his best to promote love and peaceful coexistence amongst his people and urged Obosi youths to take education seriously while calling on the entire community to continue to support the Prof Chukwuma Soludo led administration to succeed.

Special dance and display by cultural groups and masquerades climaxed the event.

Old Motor Spare Parts Market Obosi defeat Nnewi New Motor Parts 4-1


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Old Motor Spare Parts Market, Obsoi, otherwise known as 'Ngbuka Obosi', on Saturday, sealed their comfortable passage to the last four of the football event of the 2023 edition of the Anambra State Markets Competition following an emphatic 4-1 thrashing of Nnewi New Motor Parts Market.

The thrilling clash took place at the Godwin Achebe Stadium, Fegge, Onitsha, with two goals on either half of the epic fixture.

The 'Mgbuka Obosi' lads were dominant right from the off, with Toochukwu Okafor opening the floodgate of goals just past the quarter hour mark.

Okwuchukwu Ezuruike doubled his side's advantage six minutes past the half hour mark as the coach Charles charges went into the break with 2-0 advantage.

The 'Obosi Boys' continued from where they left off in the second period with their enthralling rendition of fluid and crisp football to the admiration and cheering of the scanty spectators.

And Chidera Michael claimed the undisputed hero of the sunny afternoon clash with a sumptuous and extraordinary brace.

The Nnewi side consolatory goal came in between Chidera's brace.

Old Motor Spare Parts Market, Obosi, now joins
Ogbo Rod Market, Atani and Nkwo Umunze Market in the last four of the tournament.

At the Chuba Ikpeazu Stadium, Iron Dealers Market, Atani, otherwise known as Ogbo Rod, settled for a one all (1-1) draw with
Nkwo Market Umunze to qualify from Group A.

Old Motor Spare Parts Obosi, Coach, Charles, was on 'Cloud 9' after his team's triumph.

"I'm happy, not only with my team's win but as well the players overall performance", starts the traders cup veteran coach.

"Honestly speaking, I was a bit jittery facing the Nnewi New Motor Parts Market Team. But, I had to face it, with my experience in the past editions of the tournament.

"I remember winning the cup twice, back-to-back in the past when it was being sponsored by Tony One Week.

"I was close to winning it then for keeps but something dramatic happened in the final and I was denied that opportunity".

The elated coach disclosed that his sight was supremely fixed on the ultimate prize.

"I don't know who our opponents in the semi final would be", Coach Charles added.

"But one thing is clear: when we entered into this competition, the ambition was to win the cup. I've not deviated from that objective.

"But it's going to be one game at a time. We'll take the games as they come, with respect and regard for our opponents but determined and committed to achieving our target which is to win the cup for Old Motor Spare Parts Market and its football loving Chairman and his executives", the elated coach concluded.

You use you ur office to truncate justice,Azowue tells Nwadike


Titus Maduako Eleweke

A concerned citizen of Anambra state,Emmanuel O. Azowue, has chided a lawyer working with the legal department of the Nigerian Police, Chief Superintendent of Police and founder of a Church, Dr. Joseph Nwadike for his alleged roles in truncating the demand for justice by a victim.

Azowue said that he was surprised at his level of half-truth being promoted as the whole truth on the activities and dealings of personnel of the Nigerian Police by Joseph Nwadike


According to him,"While we can never stop complaining of how bad the Nigeria administrative justice have become, including the criminal activities perpetuated by men of the Nigeria Police, the interview granted by a senior police personnel, Dr. Joseph Nwadike, a Chief Superintendent of Police, lawyer and prosecutor working with the legal department of the Nigerian Police, and also a founder of a church. Honestly, I was surprised at his level of half-truth being promoted as the whole truth on the activities and dealings of personnel of the Nigerian Police by one of their own"

He said that regrettably,he claimed to be a man of God and have always stood on the side of truth and justice throughout his dealings and activities as a personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.

He said Nwadike trying to debunk the claims and position held by him of the Nigeria Police Force, he would be making mockery of the position he occupy.

"I will be making reverence to just one particular case that has passed through his desk where he allowed or supported wittingly or otherwise for justice to be perverted just because of the huge amount that has been paid to him to look the other way or to persuade a victim of injustice as to yield to the demand of an oppressor as a means of achieving peace when he in all consciousness he knew that what he was asking for would truncate the demand for justice by the victim and his community.

Dr. Joseph Nwadike must be reminded that a case against one Chief Pius Nweke was brought before him as a prosecutor in the office of the Inspector General of Police which was sponsored by a money bag from Ukpo community, Prince Arthur Eze against Chief Pius Nweke. He gladly owned up to the latter’s request that he knew that he was pursuing a course of justice but advised the latter to yield to the unholy and irrational demands of the former as a means of achieving peace in the matter. Yet, he claimed to be an objective prosecutor of the Nigeria Police Force and a man of God when his actions and deeds clearly suggests otherwise.

Maybe, Dr. Joseph Nwadike may need to be reminded that when the case between Prince Arthur Eze and Chief Pius Nweke came to his desk which was bothering on the land dispute between Prince Arthur Eze’s community (Ukpo) and Chief Pius Nweke’s community (Abba), he advised Chief Pius Nweke to close his eyes and go to sleep while allowing Prince Arthur Eze to take possession of the ancestral land of Chief Pius Nweke’s community. He had further advised Chief Pius Nweke to discontinue with the legal tussle between his community (Abba) and that of Prince Arthur Eze’s community (Ukpo) as the surest way of achieving lasting peace and enabling Prince Arthur Eze’s community, Ukpo to take possession of a land that is still under dispute before the court, thereby suggesting that justice cannot be gotten through the Nigeria Police Force and the courts in the land. What Dr. Joseph Nwadike is suggesting is that there are people who are untouchable and above the law, and who must be appeased even when what they are doing is wrong, and should be treated as demi-gods in order to have their inordinate desires to be granted at all cost. Unfortunately, this is what the Nigerian society has become and men like Dr. Joseph Nwadike will continue to pontificate and support evil just because anything seems to go in our present lawless society.

Dr. Joseph Nwadike cannot continue to deceive Nigerians that he is an Evangelist of the gospel of Christ who always acts in the course of justice when he willingly handed over Chief Pius Nweke’s framed up unlawful possession of illegal firearm case to a private legal practitioner to prosecute the case in court. He cannot also claim not to be aware that the trumped up case of illegal possession of firearm against Chief Pius Nweke was used a cover up against the latter as a means to intimidate him from continually standing against Prince Arthur Eze’s quest to silence the people of Abba community and to freely take over the possession of the ancestral land of the people of Abba community.

Men like Dr. Joseph Nwadike are the real bad eggs in the Nigeria Police establishment who are always in the habit of mortgaging the course of justice to the highest bidder. He has succeeded in deceiving innocent Nigerian citizens into believing that he is a man of honour and integrity and a God fearing man when in truth he is the real devil behind the scene. And until men like Dr. Joseph Nwadike are thrown out from the Nigeria Police formation, achieving sanity in the system will be almost impossible. Until men like Dr. Joseph Nwadike are exposed to the world of his devilish and heartless activities in concert with his benefactor, Prince Arthur Eze, achieving justice through the Nigeria Police will remain a herculean task.

Dr. Joseph Nwadike willingly made himself a willing tool in the hand of an oppressor and land grabber. He has allowed himself to be consumed by his lust for illicit wealth as to pervert a crystal clear course of justice, the consequences of his actions and deeds will be his greatest undoing, and on the day of reckoning, he will definitely reap the fruit of his labour" Azowue stated.

Aba Federal Constituency:
Prof Ibe congratulates Alex Ikwechegh victory at Court of Appeal

Titus Maduako Eleweke

The Abia state candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the 2023 governorship election, Prof Gregory Ibe has congratulated Chief Alex Ikwechegh( Onyeocha N' Aba) on his recent court of appeal victory that affirmed his
election to the House Representatives.
Prof Ibe in a congratulatory message, commended the sheer determination, tenacity of purpose and doggedness which characterized the political engagements of Chief Ikwechegh from the party primaries stage through the polling phase and down to the litigation processes.

He commended Chief Ikwechegh for his steadfastness in fighting to enforce his electoral mandate.

Prof Ibe enjoined the in coming law maker to work to sustain and surpass the legislative legacies of late Hon Ossy Prestige, whose representation of the good people of Aba North and South in the National Assembly remain legendary.

The court of Appeal sitting in Lagos had on Thursday declared Chief Alex Ikwechegh of APGA winner of Aba North and South Federal Constituency thereby reaffirming the earlier judgement of the National Assembly Tribunal which disqualified Emeka Nnamani of Labour Party over certificate forgery.

Prof Gregory Ibe condoles governor Soludo on father's death

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Member Ohanaeze Ndigbo Presidential Advisory Council worldwide, Prof Gregory Ibe has commiserated with the Governor of Anambra state Prof Chukwuma Soludo on the death of his father, Pa Simeon Soludo.

Pa Soludo died at the age of 92 years at a hospital in Anambra state .

Speaking on the heels of the announcement of the death of the elder Soludo in the early hours of Monday 6 November, Prof Ibe appreciated God for his benevolence in prolonging the life of the governor's father while affording him the privilege of a fulfilled tenure in divine health.

Prof Gregory Ibe who was the Abia State governorship candidate on the platform of All progressive Grand Alliance APGA in 2023 condoled Governor Soludo and enjoined him to bear the death of his father with fortitude encouraged by Pa Soludo's numerous legacies.

He prayed that God will grant Pa Soludo eternal rest and reassured the Governor of his sustained support and intercession especially during the grievous period of his bereavement.

Chief Press Secretary to Governor Soludo, Christian Aburime had released a statement on Monday officially announcing the death of the nonagenarian Pa Soludo at the age of 92 years.

Anambra SWAN Consoles Families Of 3 Students Killed by lightening
... Traditionalists vow to find cause


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Anambra Sports Writers Association SWAN has commiserated with the families of the three students struck to death by lightening last Saturday.

The incident which took place at Tansian International College Nodu Awka South local government area of Anambra state killed three students and injured Six others .

According to a statement signed by the Chairman Mr Chimezie Anaso and Assistant Secretary Uche Ndeke SWAN condoles with Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, owners of the College.
"We, members of the above named body, wish to convey our deep condolences to parents, management and staff of Tansian International College, Nodu, Awka South Local Government Area over the lightning strike accident of Saturday, Nov. 5"

"The lightning which hit the football of the school while students were playing touched nine of them and left three of them dead"

"This is indeed a huge and irreparable loss to the parents of the deceased, Tansian College, the society and the sports community in particular"

"As the body of sports journalists in Anambra, we are deeply saddened because we are aware of the positive role Tansian College has played in the development of sports in Anambra State by making its pitch available for sporting activities".

"We are appreciate that this particular football pitch was one of the venues of Anambra Independent Football League, the biggest independently run football league as well as other competitions"

"SWAN condoles with Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, Bishop of the Catholic Bishop of Awka, owners of the College for the tragic loss" it said

Meanwhile residents and people of Nodu Community are still in shock over the thunder storm as most football fields are deserted.

Similarly it was gathered that the Traditional Religious bodies have commenced spiritual inquest into the cause of the lightening .

A man that gave his name as Ichie Nwaogu told reporters that such an incident has never happened before, adding that thunder storm only comes to settle issues or punish people.

"We are trying to find out what happened in our own way and in a traditional way because the people are still in shock over what happened" he said.

Anambra community threatens to occupy EEDC Awka with 2000 people,if it fails to restore power within 2 weeks

Titus Maduako Eleweke


Umuawulu community in Awka South local government Area of Anambra state has threatened to mobilise over 2000 to occupy Enugu Electricity Distribution Company EEDC, Awka office,if it fails to restore power to community within two weeks.

The threat was contained in a protest letter titled " Protest Against Continued Breach of NERC Decision on Restoration of Light to Health Centre Substation Transformer ,Umuaeulu"
to EEDC by the community, jointly signed by Chairman, Comrade Osita Obi ,Secretary, Cyril C Eziofor and Legal Adviser, Bar. Tony Anazor on Monday, copied to the Anambra State Commissioner of Police and Director, Department of State Security (DSS) .

The community accused the energy company for breach of contract and disregard to the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC directive on restoration of light.

According to the statement,the EEDC has continuously breached directive from Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC directive for metering and
restoration of light after clearing outstanding bills.

According to the letter,
Electricity Consumers in Umuawulu take exception to the continued disregard of
the directives of Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC for metering and restoration of light to the transformer after clearing outstanding bills ,is deliberately
flouted by the staff of Awka Office of EEDC.
The statement further stated that the consumers of Health Center Substation Transformer Umuawulu have since cleared the outstanding bills of N7,204,000 as far back as 30th December,2022 and
Individual consumers have been captured in EEDC DATA BASE, account numbers
have been assigned to them and Demand Notice issued and many have paid for
prepaid.
It stated that it is regrettable that only a few meters have been installed without energizing the transformer.
"To make the situation more hopeless, many consumers cannot pay for their meters
because the REMITA PAYMENT REFERENCE was deactivated without directives on how else to make payments.

It is unfortunate that this transformer which serves UMUAWULU PRIMARY
HEALTHCARE CENTER, the only health institution in Umuawulu community has
been in darkness since three years ago. AIl efforts to get officials of your organization
at Awka to do the needful have proved abortive as they are unwilling to cooperate with
state.
We therefore demand that you take immediate steps to the following,
consumers.
Restore light to the Health Center Substation Transformer Umuawulu without further delay.
Complete the installation of Prepaid Meters already duly paid for and Immediately reactivate/ revalidate those Demand Notice which REMITA PAYMENT
REFERENCES have been deliberately deactivated, to enable those concerned pay for
meters.
Take note that if after Two Weeks from today nothing is done in this regard, we shall
have no other option than to mobilize over 2000 electricity consumers to occupy EEDC
Office until we receive justice" it stated.

When contacted the Head , Corporate Communication of EEDC, Mr Emeka Eze,said he got information that the community is on supply at the moment and that the transformer will be closed tomorrow.

He said that those outstanding customers who claimed to have paid will definitely be metered.

"Let's have details and proof of payment.
For those who could not pay, they might have to revalidate the Demand Note as it is possible they are expired. Demand Note has a life span of 30 days" he said .

Anambra Traders Competition: Ajasa Market Beats Old Parts 2-0


Titus Maduako Eleweke


Ajasa Market Onitsha started their first Group B game in the State final stage with a resounding 2-0 victory over Old Motor spare parts Obosi.

The match was decided on Saturday at the Godwin Achebe Stadium, Fegge.

With the score, Ajasa Market now top Group B with three points and two goal difference as the competition enters the state final stage.

Odera Market, Arthur Eze, Awka settled for a barren draw with Iron Dealers Market, Atani in the first Group A encounter decided at the Chuba Ikpeazu Stadium, Onitsha.

Group games on Nov. 8 with Odera Market, Awka squaring up against Nkwo Umunze in their attempt for first victory in Group A at the Chuba Ikpeazu Stadium.

Ajasa will play to consolidate their lead in their second Group B game against New Parts Nnewi at the Godwin Achebe Stadium, Fegge.

The last group games will be decided simultaneously at both venues to determine the semi finalists in the football event of the Anambra Traders Sports Competition.

The competition has other events such as Tennis, Table Tennis, Draught and Ncho.

Institute confers Distinguished Fellowship Award on Prof Ibe, Uwakwe

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Institute For Humanitarian Studies and Social Development (IHSD) has conferred a Distinguished Fellowship Award on the Founder and Proprietor of the Gregory University Uturu, Abia State Prof. Gregory Ibe and the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Augustine Uwakwe.

The award is in recognition of their outstanding services to humanity and contributions to education.

Conferring the awards on awardee,the Registrar of the Institute Dr. Francis Origa stated that although, the awards ceremony was taking place in Abuja, the nation's capital, the institute considered it important to formally recognize and confer these distinguished fellowships.

According to him,the awards were a reflection of the exceptional leadership qualities, unwavering character, and outstanding contributions of both Prof. Gregory Ibe and Prof. Augustine Uwakwe to society.

He noted that the numerous philanthropic activities and social development initiatives undertaken by Prof. Gregory Ibe was of immense contributions to human capital development across all strata of life.

He commended Prof Ibe, particularly for using education and academic environment as instruments for driving and promoting purposeful development.

"Prof. Ibe's tireless efforts have cast the southeastern region in a favourable and positive light"he said.

Origa also extolled the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Augustine Uwakwe virtue, especially for his embodiment of values such as simplicity and humility.
According to Origa,the VC character is deeply associated with humanitarian gesture.

He stated that the Vice-Chancellor's unwavering support and contributions to the university's growth, expansion, and success, had made him a beacon of credible leadership.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Augustine Uwakwe, noted that he had the distinct honour of accepting the Distinguished Fellowship award on behalf of Prof. Gregory Ibe.

He also acknowledging his own significant contributions to the services to humanity .

He expressed profound gratitude and overwhelming appreciation to IHSD for recognizing the university's unwavering commitment to human development and corporate social responsibility.

He specifically highlighted the numerous scholarships and educational opportunities made available through the founder's generosity.

He also expressed the university's readiness and willingness to partner with the institute in promoting impact and social development.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, administration, Prof. Evaristus Anyaehie who represented the university's administration, extended a heartfelt vote of thanks to IHSD for its support and recognition of the university's continuous efforts to society.

He underscored the shared dedication to making a lasting impact in human development, a principle deeply ingrained in the values of both the Founder and the Vice-chancellor

The event was also graced by the distinguished presence of various principal officers of the University.

PDP chieftain challenges intellectuals on development of Afrocentric Democracy


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo has challenged political anthropologists across African universities on the development of an indigenous democratic culture that imbibes the traditional values of the people of the continent.


Obiora Okonkwo who is a Chieftain of People's Democratic Party PDP made the call while delivering the keynote address at a two-day international hybrid political conference of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka .

The conference had the theme, “Political Transitions and Economic Development: The African Experience” and it attracted political scientists from across the continent.

According to Okonkwo, developing, and inculcating, an indigenous democratic culture that embodies all traditional African values and norms may be a new roadmap towards instituting a democratic practice that is enduring as well as eliminates problematic transitions.

He argued that incessant forced transitions in Africa, many of which had led to bloodshed and huge economic as well as development losses, could be traced to the imposition of a democratic habit that is alien to traditional African cultural norms.

“Even as we task the political anthropologists in our universities to help develop an Afrocentric democratic system of governance, “we must, especially in Africa, try to resolve the tension between liberal democracy as prescribed by the West and the welfare state and social democratic system that is more in sync with the continent’s communitarian system of living reflected in such time-honoured axiom as it takes a village to raise a child”he stated.
According to him, liberal democracy privileges individual rights and capitalist values at the expense of the collective or what we generally refer to as public interest.

According to Okonkwo, for some critics, democracy is simply foreign to Africa and can never work.

" Others, however, underscore the need for Africa to develop a model of democracy that reflects its cultural values and systems; drawing from the continent’s pre-colonial governance structures.” he said .

According to him,the political tension and forced transitions in the continent had imperiled economic advancement with the attendant loss of momentum on governance which had, to a large extent, been responsible for the rise in poverty in African states.


Okonkwo noted that Africa’s experience with democratization, with very few exceptions, has often stagnated at the phase of transition resulting in a great deal of frustration and disenchantment among the people many of whom remain mired in multidimensional poverty.


He argued that the theorists of democratization in about the past three decades broadly conceive as a two-step process of transition and consolidation which are neither linear nor inevitable.

Okonkwo, also insisted that for democracy to take firm root, bring an end to forced transitions and answer to the yearnings of the people for development, African states must begin to institutionalise behaviours that endear democracy to the people.


He listed weak institutions, ethno-political and religious divisions, economic disparities, and external influence alongside the partisanship of security forces as some of the factors responsible for forced transitions on the continents.

He, however, canvassed the strengthening of democratic institutions, promoting inclusive governance, enhanced civic education and voter awareness, strengthening security measures, international support, and diplomatic engagement among steps necessary to eliminate forced transitions in Africa.

“African countries should prioritize the strengthening of democratic institutions, including electoral commissions, judicial systems, and oversight bodies. These institutions need to be independent, transparent, and accountable to ensure fair and credible elections; building trust in the electoral process can help reduce the likelihood of problematic transitions and post-election violence; encouraging inclusive governance and inclusive political participation is vital for reducing election-related tensions; investing in civic education programs can help to inform citizens about their rights, the importance of peaceful elections, and the consequences of election violence.
“African governments should prioritize the strengthening of security measures during elections. This includes adequate training and equipping of security forces to handle election-related security challenges professionally and impartially; building and strengthening mechanisms for peaceful dialogue, negotiation, and dispute resolution to address issues and conflicts arising during elections and as such help foster peaceful transitions, as well as engaging international partners, regional organizations, and neighbouring countries should provide support and engagement to help prevent and address election violence and transitions in Africa”, among others, he said, can help see Africa through forced transitions" he said.

Gregory University Uturu resumes 2023/2024 academic session on
28 October 2023



Titus Maduako Eleweke


The Management of Gregory University Uturu has released a comprehensive calendar for the 2023/2024 academic session.

According to a statement released by the Registrar of the institution ,Dr Chukwuemeka Mpamah, students are expected to return to the campus on Saturday 28 October 2023.

According to the registrar, highlights of the calendar include, Orientation Programme for Freshmen, Public Lecture on the topic "Harnessing Opportunities in Block Chain Technology and Digital Economy" by Archbishop ,Prof Sam Zuga and Induction Programme for the institution's pioneer medical doctors.

"Other features captured in the calendar include the 8th Inaugural Lecture of the university on the theme " Communicating Life and Death in our Atomistic Conflict Prone Society; Media Role in Resolving the Albatross", a thought provoking treatise to be delivered by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic,Prof Uche Uwaoma, the 12th Matriculation event and activities marking the 8th Convocation ceremony" he stated.

He said the calendar has been designed to guarantee the attainment of the institution's goal of "advancing the cause of developing the total man while delivering technologically powered knowledge, skills and competencies to students.

According to him, the statement sued for strict compliance and participation by members of the university community.

Anambra APGA may suspend ACTDA MD over planned mega rally


Titus Maduako Eleweke

The purported Anambra Central Rally being organized by the embattled MD/ Chief Executive Officer of Awka Capital Territory Development Agency ACTDA Mr Ossy Onuko and one Prince Obinna Ndigwe under the umbrella of the All Progressives Grand Alliance APGA for the zone has been cancelled.
It was also gathered that Ossy Onuko may be suspended from the party if he goes ahead with the planed Mega Rally.

Recall that it is not up to one week when reports had it that the same Ossy Onuko ordered the manhandling of the driver attached to the GUO Transport Company which the state government and the All Progressives Grand Alliance APGA have been battling to manage the situation.
At the peak of the controversy he ventured into convening a political rally.

The Anambra state Chairman of APGA , Bar Ifeatu Obiokoye on Wednesday said the purported Anambra Central Mega Rally being planed by one Ossy Onuko and one Prince Obinna Ndigwe scheduled to hold on Saturday 28th October 2023 under the acronym Solution Team is cancelled.

According to him,the leadership and stakeholders of the party in Anambra Central Senatorial Zone were not consulted nor taken into confidence before the so called Mega Rally was conceived or put into execution.
"We all knew that in the last one week,the party has been doing some damage control on the the same Ossy Onuko for ordering the beating of the GUO driver in Awka. The whole situation is the height of insensitivity"

"Suddenly he is planning a Mega Rally for the entire Anambra Central Senatorial Zone where you have the Deputy Governor , the Deputy Speaker, the State party Chairman and the Secretary to the State Government SSG"

"He did not even consult any of the leaders and these are the kind of things that they have been doing that has always cost us some of our electoral losses in Awka South local government area"

"As the state chairman of the party, I will not let that kind of profligacy to continue. I have stopped the rally and if he does anything on the contrary we shall take disciplinary actions and those behind him should come out and we shall suspend him and his cohorts from the party"he said.

Obiokoye also dismissed what he described as mere rumors about Ossy Onuko becoming a Deputy Governorship,noting that those reports are not only laughable but infantile.

"There have been that kind of stories about being Deputy Governor but you know me and I cannot allow that rubbish as far as I am the chairman and that is not why I am on this saddle"

"We are more concerned about the Governor winning reelection and not about little boys, and for me , Anambra Central is a very important and sensitive area and we shall deliver at the appointed time" he said.

Court sentences 20 years boy to reformation center in Anambra

Titus Maduako Eleweke

A Federal High Court sitting in Awka Anambra state presided by Justice Nnamdi Dimgba has sentenced a 20 year boy ,Ebube Otunyelum to Maryland Pilgrimage centre, Okpunoeme, Awka North of the state for
reformations .

Otunyelum was charged for conspiracy to vandalise and steal, willfull damage and vandalisation and stealing of armour cables.
When the charges were read to him ,he pleaded guilty and beg the court for leniency.
After his plea for leniency ,the presiding judge, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba said that he would have sentenced him fully but for his remorsefullines,he handed him over suspended sentence of six months to Maryland Pilgrimage centre where he will undergo some reformations in life.
The centre is owned by one Rev Father Ejike Nwankwo who was at the court for a different matter .

Dimgba directed that if the convict within six months does not show positive change , he will be fully sentenced for five years jail term .
He asked the Rev Father Nwankwo to report back to court about the convict attitudinal change .

According to him,he would have set him free , but there are likely situation where the convict will go to back to society and graduate to a higher criminal and continue to terrorise the society.
" Iam sentencing you for six months to Maryland Pilgrimage centre for reformation under the tutulage of Rev Father Ejike Nwankwo. In the event ,if he report back shows lack of progress on the part of the convict,he shall be sentenced for five years in prison " he stated.

We're at risk of being electrocuted,
Anambra Community laments

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Residents of Adabebe village in Amawbia Community,Awka South local government area have lamented over the risk of being electrocuted following the destruction of eight electric poles by heavy down pure in the area.

The heavy rainfall after few days of constructing drainage had caused the felling of about eight poles.

The incident had stalled the on going drainage and roads constructions in the community.

The village that houses three post Primary Schools, a hotel and over 200 buildings is under sustained apprehension as school children and residents no longer go to schools and business for fear of being electrocuted.

The concrete poles have all been broken after the rains had eaten deep into the foundations of the poles while the high tension cables are currently on the road .

Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker of Anambra state House of Assembly Nze Pius Okoye, a resident in the area has contacted the Enugu Electrical Distribution Company EEDC over the incident but no respond to the appeal.

"We have contacted the workers at the EEDC and they promised to do something about it, but this is dangerous in view of the risk involved and we have over 2,000 school children that use this road everyday as well as people that live around here "

"There is a power surge , you can imagine what would happen if the unlikely occured? Now, no vehicle can pass through the road and this is dangerous for us here in Adabebe village" he said.

Also speaking a resident in the area Mrs Ngozi Ijeoma who is a school teacher noted that if nothing urgent was not done the number of deaths that would be recorded would be high.

"The EEDC should come and save us from the impending danger that is coming when light is restored"

"At night an unsuspecting visitor may fall victim and for us here we don't have any access or another road we can use so this is not good "

"They don't need to wait until something bad happens and I urge you journalists to please help us tell them because we are living in fear" she lamented.

When reporters visited the EEDC office in Awka no one was willing to speak on the matter and non confirmed receipt of the complaint from the the Deputy Speaker.

Soludo to sack all market presidents ,Park leaders over touting in Anambra

Titus Maduako Eleweke


Anambra State Governor Prof Charles Soludo has stated that he will sack all Presidents of various market Unions in five local government areas of the State,if the activities of touts continue.

He also stated that he will sack all leadership of various motor parts in the Council Areas who harbour and connive with touts to harass, intimidate and rip off innocent traders will be affected.

The local government council are
Onitsha North and South, Oyi , Ogbaru and Idemili North.


Soludo disclosed this in Onitsha at the official launching of the , Anambra Ant- Tout Squad on Monday.

He took the decision following the activities of touts and miscreants in the markets, regretting how louts are intimidating and ripping off innocent traders that have come to do business in the area .


According to him, by the end of March next year when the tenure of the present market leaders would end they will not be renewed if activities of touts continue in those areas.

"Where are the market leaders ? Mr President where are your colleagues in the market ? "
"They are supposed to be here and infact that meeting should have been here but all the same you know that your tenure would end in March next year and come April 1st next year we are not going to renew your tenures because of what the touts are doing in the markets and some of you are using those touts to rip off innocent traders and members of the public and make money"

"I want to make it clear that if any tout is found in your markets we are not going to renew your tenures and all of you would be sacked"

"We have five local government areas where these touts operate which are Onitsha North and South, Oyi , Ogbaru and Idemili North and I had announced that those petty traders should not pay tax or any levy at all but the market leaders use the touts to obtain money from them"he stated.

Soludo however lamented that in the past people come from the North and other parts of the country to do business in Onitsha but due to the activities of the touts the economy of Onitsha and indeed Anambra state has been affected.

Speaking earlier ,the Commissioner for Homeland Matters Chief Chikodi Anarah warned all the touts in Anambra state to leave the state, stating that the state will not spare anyone found touting .
He also announced that the operations of the Anti- Tout Squad would be continuous until they leave the state.

According to him,anyone found without any lawful and visible means of livelihood in the parks would face the music.

Chairman Onitsha South local government area Mr Emeka Joseph Orji who spoke on the behalf of the five Council Chairman said that they are going to work with the squad to rid the area of touting.

Orji said that before now they have been battling with touts, stating that their efforts have started yielding results.

Abia NTTF to host First International Sports Business Conference


Ogbonnaya Ndukwe, Aba

Abia chairman of the Nigerian Table Tennis Association, Mr Dike Dimiri, has announced plans to host an International Sports Business Conference, in Aba, as a necessary step towards the attainment of globally acceptable standards in sports business management in Nigeria.

Dimiri, who is also the president of the newly established Aba Premier League Table Tennis tournament, said the conference, would bring sports business stakeholders together including sports equipment and kit manufacturers, broadcasters and financiers that provide funds for associated sports infrastructure.
He said the pioneer will discuss a range of topics relevant to the sports industry, like marketing, sponsorship, media coverage, branding, value chains benefits, sports technology, sports business/management and athlete development and remuneration are properly discussed and documented.
The Abia Table Tennis Association chairman, posited that "enthusiasm for sports was no longer enough to replace skills, when it comes to management and administration of the games proper," insisting that proper management was now the bedrock of every business including sports, stressing that today's sports industry is no longer a stand-alone affair.
"Today, the strong interconnection between sports, media and technology is evident for all to see. The actual playing of sports, requires technology to record, analyze and transmit it to viewers, using various media both digital and analog, across various devices - television, phones and computers and this is part of the justification for an international conference the kind of which we are planning for May 2024”
"This interconnection I have mentioned also requires skilled human capacity to drive it. All of these elements and stakeholders hardly operate individually, you have to deliberately bring all of them together under one roof to interact.
"The goal of the Aba International Sports Business conference is to do exactly this, bring these stakeholders together to build out the sports industry and help us do business easily in one place," he said.
Dimitri said his group was working with the State government to ensure its active participation in the project as a key player in sports business.
"The time frame being suggested for the conference," according to him, "will allow for all the required logistics and sensitization to be effectively executed, working actively with the Aba hospitality industry in readiness for local and international guests, casual visitors and other sports business game changers expected to attend."
The renowned sports business executive stressed that after the maiden edition of the conference, it is expected that it will become an annual event where every achievement will be reviewed and necessary adjustments discussed and applied to make the sports industry better.
Dimiri said that the organizers expect that the aftermath of the conference will push club owners across various sports to connect and grow with broadcasters, athletes, sports goods manufacturers, media generally and technology platform operators.
He said that they equally expect the conference to result in all the above mentioned stakeholders to hear and understand the government’s short and medium term plans which will enable them to plan their investments alongside the policies.
He ended by expressing the view that the synergy between the public and private sector participants in the sports industry will result in accelerated development of professional sports, growth for the Abia State economy and Nigeria generally.

CSOs disagree with Otti over proposed appointment of Mayors in Abia LGAs


Ogbonnaya Ndukwe, Aba


A coalition of Civil Society Groups in Abia State, (CCSGA), a rights group, has advised Governor Alex Otti, against the appointment of rich businessmen, as Mayors to head transition committed in the 17 council areas of the state.

The group, said there was need to thoroughly investigate the antecedents of such individuals being tipped for the positions and to verify their capabilities and honesty required from occupants of such exalted positions.
The Abia Governor had during an event at the Aba Sports Club, last week, disclosed that he would appoint billionaires as Mayors of the 17 local Government Areas of the state, to help his developmental plans.
In a statement made available to reporters, the group insisted that while not against wealthy people occupying political positions, there was need for a thorough integrity tests on the credibility of some of them whose names are being mentioned speculatively, to ensure that they fit into part of the Governor's "new Abia" policy thrust. statement signed by its chairman.

The statement, signed by the leader of the coalition, Johnson Uzor Emeh and the Secretary, Veronica Ijeoma Nwogu, said unconfirmed reports, had linked a certain billionaire being currently investigated for alleged certificate forgery in one of the higher institutions and some erstwhile officials of the immediate past administration, accused of corruption, as among those pencilled down for appointment as Mayors of the local government councils in Aba and other areas.


"CCSGA urged Gov Otti, to carefully select and appoint men of integrity, with no allegations of corruption, certificate forgery or lacking in public trust as transition committee chairmen.

"We have in 2022, petitioned the immediate past Abia state House of Assembly, which commenced investigation into the certificate forgery allegation but did not conclude it before the expiration of it's tenure." It stated.

The group further stated that it had also petitioned the current House of Assembly to investigate the matter.
“We, as stakeholders are partners in the new Abia project. It is in this premise that we deemed it necessary to write to you (Gov Otti), on this subject matter. Recently, there was a viral video where you emphasized that billionaires will be appointed as chairmen of local governments."
"Your Excellency, we brought this to your notice because we are aware of your earned integrity and image going by your antecedents. We will not like anything that will bring down your reputation and the new Abia under your watch.
"We struggled hard to ensure that the old order in Abia was chased away. The new Abia can’t thrive if we keep quiet when we notice some flash points of the old Abia.
"The rumours of appointment of these suspected persons are gaining ground. The rumours may be occasioned by your utterances eulogizing some of these billionaires who are under investigation for fake certificates and financial misappropriation in the last administration.
"We wish to reiterate that appointments as LGA chairmen, should be based on integrity, notable antecedents, sound morals, good administrative acumen, a certain level of education and the fear of God to change the status quo.
"Most of these billionaires have looted public funds, forged certificates and are involved in many nefarious activities known to the society. So, just being wealthy without a critical look at their source of wealth will bring Abia back to the old days.
"We use this medium to demand that any appointee with allegations of corruption and fake certificate should be thoroughly investigated. It will not be good if such matters are not swept under the carpet.
"Recall that everyone is celebrating Prof. Nnenna Oti, the Vice Chancellor of the FU" it added.

Anambra arrests 30 street hawkers,shuts 100 shops for environmental offences


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Anambra State Government has arrested 30 street hawkers and shut over 100 shops for environmental offences .
The Managing Director of Operation Keep Clean and Healthy (Ocha Brigade) Mr Celestine Anere disclosed that they have arrested 30 people violating hawking and trading laws of the state and shut down almost 100 shops at the popular Eke Awka market.
Anere who led the operation yesterday evening said the state government will no longer tolerate street traders who blocked roads and shop owner who keep their environment dirty.
"We are here this evening to decongest streets and stop hawkers and traders from blocking access roads for motorists to ply on the roads. We are tired of begging them not to trade on the main roads " he said .
According to him,what they are doing is to arrest persons who hawks on the Streets and consificate their goods ,noting that they must set the streets free from blockage by traders .
He said that ,while clearing the street traders,they discovered that drainages were filled to brim and cause flooding during rain.
"The control of flooding in this place is simple,what we need is just to distill the drainage to allow water flow freely .
"Our intention is to distill the drainage from Eke Awka to Amawabia bypass both sides and Agu Awka . We know this task will not be easy but we must get it right because solution is here. The governor is serious about clean and healthy Anambra and it is the duty of Ocha Brigade to get it done " he said .
He also said that they are happy that the traders have started complying with the distilling order, noting that their shops would be opened immediately after evidence of serious commitment.
The MD also stated that those who built on drainage and water way are being compel to dismantle and allow water to flow freely.
"We close the shops because their shops were dirty,the distilling laws of Anambra State made it clear that you must keep your environment clean and clean gutters. Based on these laws ,we are compelling the shop owners to distill and keep their sorrounding clean. We will continue to close their shops untill they fully complied " he said .
Speaking to News men, during the operation, Chairman of St Mary Traders Association, Mr Obinna Umeh said they have problems in clearing the drainage in their area.
According to him, they have cleared the drainage three times within the years and immediately after clearing the drainage it will be filled again because of tunnel closure.
He said that there are closed tunnel in the area which need to be opened to allow water flow freely and he appealed to the governor to help open the tunnel.

According to him, government ought to open the tunnel, noting that it was only when the tunnel is open that their distilling can be effective.

Anambra Traders sports Competition Commence Across Anambra With Football

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Anambra State Traders Sports Competition commenced on Wednesday across the eight venues in the State with football.


The competition was simultaneously kicked off by Patrick-Estate Onyedum, Chairman of Anambra State Sports Development Commission and Humphrey Anuna, President General of Anambra State Amalgamated Market Traders Association (ASMATA) in Awka and Onitsha respectively.

Onyedum kicked off the game between Odera Market and Arthur Eze Market Awka at All Saints Church field, Amaenyi, Awka and match ended 9-2 in favour Odera Market team

Onyedum commended the teams for their turning out and urged them to play in the spirit of sportsmanship.

In Onitsha, the President General expressed joy for the opportunity provided by the Gov. Chukwuma Soludo administration for them to display their talents in the area of sports.

Anuna said the ASMATA management team was fully involved in the competition and assured that welfare and security of teams were priorities.

"We hope that after this Competition, Anambra and Nigeria will have new players that will add value to our sports because traders are also talented' he said.

The match at Ikpeazu Stadium Onitsha, between Bida
Road Market Onitsha and God's Portion Plaza ended in 3-0 and three in favour of the Bida Market team after a walkover over their opponents.

At Rojenny Stadium ,Oba, Grain Seeds Market defeated Motorcycle Spare Parts Npkor by 3-2 while Old Mercedes Benz Nkpor and Electrical market Obosi had walkover wins over Amalgamated Bakery Materials and New Motor Spare Parts respectively.

Tagbo Akachukwu of Grain Seeds Market was the man of the day after all his team's three goals.

In Ogbaru Zone, Iron Dealers market football team beat Ogbaru Main Market by 8-7 after a goalless draw to emerge winners.

The two other games scheduled for Thursday between Ogba Efele vs Okoro Ichida and Ogbo Agbada vs United Petro-Chemical did not hold

The Anambra State Traders Sports Competition is featuring other events including Tennis, Table Tennis, Draft and Ncho

Court grants accelerated hearing for trial of Catholic priest over fraud,violence


Titus Maduako Eleweke

A Federal High Court sitting in Awka, the Anambra State capital, has granted three days accelerated hearing on a case between the Inspector General of Police and one Rev Father Ejike Nwankwo, over an alleged fraudulently act, threat to life and others.


One Mrs Nnenna Ezenwa, had reported to the Police that Rev. Father Ejike Nwankwo, had fraudulently deceived her into investing N26,986,000 in his company, a moribund Filling station and giving him cash of N4,250,000.

She reported that when the company was refurbished to standard, Rev. Fr. Nwamkwo, tried to edged her out, using hoodlums to attack her, thereby, inflicting injuries on her, and threatened to kill her.

In charge sheet made available sighted with case number FHC/Awka/31/21 between Inspector General of Police and Rev. Father Ejike Nwankwo, the accused priest was charged on five counts bordering on fraudulent activity, violence, assault, malicious damages and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.

The Court had some time in June 2023 when the case came up, on the request of the defendant, granted the request for out of court settlement and the defendant had before the court agreed to settle the matter out of court by offering to pay Mrs. Ezenwa the sum of N15,000,000.00.

Prosecutor of the case P.A Ogele told the court that the complainant would not accept the amount because of extra expense she has made in the course of prosecution of the case.
However,the Judge urged the defendant to add more to the sum to end the matter and appealed to the prosecutor to liaise with the complainant to accept any additional amount of money for out of court settlement, otherwise she has to come back to the country to prosecute her case.

However in a meeting in the office of one of complainants lawyers in Onitsha, the defendant allegedly agreed to pay the complainant the sum of N17, 000,000.00, a Jeep car and other things in the company that belongs to her.

When the parties reported back to court in July and the court urged the defendant to ensure that he keeps to his promised in the court that he will pay the agreed N17,000,000,00, relinquish the jeep car and other things that belong to the complainant.
The court gave them from July 19, 2023 to October 6th 2023 to settle but the defendant allegedly failed to pay.

When they returned to the court in September the parties made a fresh agreement to settle out of court and and the judge told them that if they were unable to settle, he will give three days accelerated hearing to the case.

When the case was called for hearing, and after the appearance of counsels, the prosecution counsel P.A. Ogele reported that parties were unable to settled out of court as directed by the honourable Court and that they are ready to go on with the trial.

However, Rev. Father Nwankwo, who instead of appearing in the court presented a letter through his lawyer dated 12th October 2023, citing that doctor had asked him to have a bed rest.

The presiding judge, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba wanted to know when he Rev. Fr. Nwankwo, became sick and when the letter was written, since it has the same date 12th October 2023 and it was submitted to the Court same day.

However, the counsel to Rev. Fr. Nwankwo C.K. Idenyi said “the letter was given to me this morning to be submit to the court so I do not have much information about it.”

However, the court frowned at Rev. Fr Nwankwo's continued absence in the court and cautioned him for the unacceptable behaviour.

The prosecution counsel, Ogele, made an oral application to court to allow the complaint Mrs. Nnenna Ezenwa, to testify before the court through Zoom meeting, since, she is not in the country, saying that Zoom trial will help the Court for the speedy trial of the case.

Counsel to the defendant C.K Idenye, however, opposed the trial through Zoom, but the court overruled him, noting that it has tried many cases through Zoom.

Granting the accelerated hearing Justice Dimgba therefore, fixed further hearing dates for the case on 24, 25 and 26th of October 2023, and urged all parties to be prepared for the trial.

Anambra arrests 30 street hawkers,shuts 100 shops for environmental offences


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Anambra State Government has arrested 30 street hawkers and shut over 100 shops for environmental offences .

The Managing Director of Operation Keep Clean and Healthy (Ocha Brigade) Mr Celestine Anere disclosed that they have arrested 30 people violating hawking and trading laws of the state and shut down almost 100 shops at the popular Eke Awka market.

Anere who led the operation yesterday evening said the state government will no longer tolerate street traders who blocked roads and shop owner who keep their environment dirty.

"We are here this evening to decongest streets and stop hawkers and traders from blocking access roads for motorists to ply on the roads. We are tired of begging them not to trade on the main roads " he said .

According to him,what they are doing is to arrest persons who hawks on the Streets and consificate their goods ,noting that they must set the streets free from blockage by traders .

He said that ,while clearing the street traders,they discovered that drainages were filled to brim and cause flooding during rain.

"The control of flooding in this place is simple,what we need is just to distill the drainage to allow water flow freely .

"Our intention is to distill the drainage from Eke Awka to Amawabia bypass both sides and Agu Awka . We know this task will not be easy but we must get it right because solution is here. The governor is serious about clean and healthy Anambra and it is the duty of Ocha Brigade to get it done " he said .

He also said that they are happy that the traders have started complying with the distilling order, noting that their shops would be opened immediately after evidence of serious commitment.

The MD also stated that those who built on drainage and water way are being compel to dismantle and allow water to flow freely.

"We close the shops because their shops were dirty,the distilling laws of Anambra State made it clear that you must keep your environment clean and clean gutters. Based on these laws ,we are compelling the shop owners to distill and keep their sorrounding clean. We will continue to close their shops untill they fully complied " he said .

Speaking to News men, during the operation, Chairman of St Mary Traders Association, Mr Obinna Umeh said they have problems in clearing the drainage in their area.

According to him, they have cleared the drainage three times within the years and immediately after clearing the drainage it will be filled again because of tunnel closure.

He said that there are closed tunnel in the area which need to be opened to allow water flow freely and he appealed to the governor to help open the tunnel.
According to him, government ought to open the tunnel, noting that it was only when the tunnel is open that their distilling can be effective.

No idiots Can Remove Me from AiRS ,says Madubuko

Maduako Igbokwe

Executive Director Operations in the Anambra Internal Revenue Services AiRS Dr Christian Madubuko has described those calling for his removal as idiots.

He said they do not have no the powers to remove him,noting that only the governor that remove him.

Madubuko however denied any crisis in the Revenue House contending that he has no issues with the Chairman of the Revenue Services Dr Greg Ezeilo challenging those he called rumors mungers to come out in the open to state those that are having problems in the Revenue House.

He however confirmed that he was issued a query by the Chairman Greg Ezeilo but wondered why the said query was also leaked to the public.

"This is an internal matter and it shouldn't have been leaked to the public in the first place . I am not under any obligation to reply to the query but I am still studying the situation "

"You can as well go and ask the chairman why that query was issued in the first place and if I have anything wrong he can call me or approach me rather than going to issue a query,thereby making it public, that is not proper"

"I heard some people are making silly comments that Madubuko must go or he must be sacked and I am not surprised because in the Greek City we have three classes of people and we have the idiots, the tribes men and the citizens and those calling for my removal are idiots because they are after their personal gains and interests "

"They go about in the government house gossiping telling funny stories at the executive corridors about people and they are those that steal government revenue and people like us have been fighting those idiots and that is why they are after me but they will not have their way"

"Their interest is to pocket Anambra tax payers' money and they didn't like the faces of people like us and they must know that they didn't appoint me and do not have the powers to remove me .
"There is no crisis in the Revenue House and you know that after the former Chairman resigned, the governor appointed one of us as Acting Chairman and that is Dr Greg Ezeilo and he has our support for the growth of Anambra Revenue Services "

"It is important to note that those reports are being peddled by those idiots that want to reap where they did not sow and I want those people to come out and tell use what the problems are and is it between who and who " he said.

Anambra community declares war on criminals

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Members of Obosi Community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State have declared war against criminals.

The community is made up of five major villages , Mmakwu, Ugamuma, Uruowulu, Umuota and Ire .

Obosi has been a hotbed for crime and criminal activities, especially drug and cult related activities.

The community has witnessed several killings, including the gruesome murder of a former President General of the community.

The Central Executive Council of the community, the Obosi Development Union (ODU) on Wednesday embarked on a one day awareness campaign to express readiness to secure their land.

The leadership which consisted of members of the community and their vigilante march round the community telling the residents to abstain from crime or face the consequences.

They warned criminal elements to amend their ways or leave the town for their own safety

President General of the community, Barr Chimezie Obi who addressed member of the community stated that the motive behind the campaign was as a result numerous crimes and many other atrocities that have dented the image of the community, and its people.

According to him, this challenge led to integration of Obosi Development Union Central Committee Executives, Branch President and their secretaries, central security unit and also the village branches of the union to decide on the right step to be taken to put a perpetual end to the ugly trend of crimes completely.


“Though many of the culprit are foreigners who claimed to come from Obosi, but we are issuing a final warning to the individuals responsible to pack their loads and leave the community.

“We have the political will to work, and need support in terms of vehicles and other security gadgets and equipments. We need more Police presence, more man power and more recruitment of vigilante operatives,” he added.

He said the primary purpose of the exercise was to secure the Obosi land, before venturing into the Urban part of Obosi and called on Governor Soludo and other well meaning Obosi citizens both home and abroad to partner with the Union in the fight to secure their hometown for the betterment of all.

Transition committee chairman of Idemili North local government area, Hon. ChuksBrown Ezeoba expressed his support for their actions.
He commended the community for doing the right to do the needful and ensure a safe and secured Obosi.

85 Anambra Markets commence Traders Sports Competition Tomorrow

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Anambra State Traders Sports Competition will kick off across the seven market zones in Anambra on Wednesday.

The information was contained in a statement jointly signed by
Chairman, Anambra State Sports Development Commission
Patrick-Estate Onyedum and President General, Amalgamated Market Traders Association,Chief Humphrey Anuna.
According to the statement the competition will feature Football, Tennis, Table Tennis, Draft and it is a great improvement over previous editions which used to be only football.

It added that the traders Sports Competition will give traders in Anambra markets the opportunity to showcase their sports skills on the field of play as well as improve their physical, and psychological well being.

"The traders will be playing to win a whopping Ten million naira (N10,000,000:00) with a lot of other attractive prizes which are up for grabs.

At last count, about 85 markets have indicated interest to take part in the competition and the draws for fixtures have been done.

Winners of the football event will go home with Three million naira (3,000,000:00), Two Million naira (2,000,000) and One million naira (1,000,000:00) as first, second and third prizes.

Winners in Table Tennis, Tennis, Draft and Ncho events will get a reward of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000:00), Three Hundred Thousand Naira(N300,000:00 and Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N200,000:00) respectively.

Our brothers and sisters in the market will not be playing for leisure this time, they have the opportunity to play to entertain themselves and also smile home with good prize money.

We are going to have football champions and high kings of Draught.

There will also be raffle draws where traders, lovers of sports and the entire ndi Anambra will win different prizes including Plasma Television, Fridges, Generators, watching Machines, Bicycles, Motorcycles, Tricycles and shuttles bus.

The tickets will be on sale in the various markets and public places during the competition " it stated

It also urged Anambra to come out enmass to support the traders at each venues.

"The venues are Awka Township Stadium, Awka, Chuba Ikpeazu Stadium, Onitsha, Godwin Achebe Stadium, Fegge, Rojenny Stadium, Oba, Ekwulobia Township Stadium, Ekwulobia, Otuocha Stadium, Aguleri"


The competition will start with Zonal eliminations on Wednesday October 18 where the various market zones will determine their respective champions who will in turn represent them at the state finals.

The state finalists will thereafter compete for places in the semi finals where the gold, silver and bronze winners will emerge.

The competition is expected to end on Sunday Nov. 26 with final draws for the raffle tickets in an elaborate closing Ceremony" it stated.



The sports and traders loving Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo is expected to lead the draws and perform the symbolic handover of prizes to winners at the event as the chief Guest of Honour.

Ndi Anambra, let us once again demonstrate our love for sports and our heritage which is business by supporting this initiative.

Onitsha South LGA Battles NIWA, Julius Berger to Recover N5,299 Billions



Titus Maduako Eleweke

Onitsha South Local Government Area of Anambra State has stated that the duo of National Inland Water Ways Authority NIWA and the Julius Berger Construction Company PLC are owing the council N5,299 Billion tax arrears.

The Council said that it had approached the Revenue Court in Onitsha which has already delivered judgement in favor of the Council compelling Julius Berger to pay the sum of N99 million owed to it .



Similarly the Council said it has concluded arrangements to recover the sum of N5,2 Billion owed by NIWA through every legal means possible.



Secretary to the local government area, Paul Onuachalla stated this in a statement on Monday made available to our reporter in Awka , the State capital.

According to him, NIWA is indebted to the local government area to the tune of N5.2 billion which is the amount of revenue it illegally collected since 1999 to date.

He stated that the Julius Berger is owing about N99.9million being judgment debt to the council for years of unpaid taxes.

The council secretary lamented that Julius Berger has been ripping off on the revenue of the council for years.

Onuachalla pointed out that the activities of staff of the trio of Julius Berger Construction Company Plc, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and one Chief Ngozi Okpagu, who runs a motor park which he allegedly claimed to have acquired from NIWA, have "threatened the staff of the LGA and a Court bailiff who were directed by Court to do their lawful duties of serving the trio a court process.

He urged the Nigeria Army, a body that has well defined roles in the Constitution of protecting the territorial integrity of the country not to allow itself to be used as an instrument of recklessness and rascality by those meddlesome Interlopers.

He described as shocking the level of disregard to the laws of the land by not just private individuals but also corporate bodies and organizations that ought to have been well informed about the workings of he law and government.

According to Onuachalla, it is on record that Julius Berger Plc has been owing the Onitsha South local government are arrears of levies due to the council for at least four (4) years now.

He also stated that in view of this fact, the council had sent demand notice to them in September 2022, and further reminders for them to pay up.

"This is against the of the fact that we have sufficient evidence of service of demand notices before now yet the entity failed to heed to our notice."

"Consequently, the council was compelled to approach the Court and obtained debt judgment against Julius Berger Plc. The execution of the judgment was due on 25th of August 2023 and the High Court Onitsha division was led by the bailiff in company of staff of Onitsha South Local Govt Council."

"The Chief Security officer at the premises of Julius Berger Plc resisted the baliff and refused to allow him perform his duty and he consequently invited the Nigeria Army and on their arrival the army and chief security officer were shown copies of judgment under execution but they bluntly resisted alleging, there was non service of demand notice," Onuachalla said.

He said the army contended that they have order from Abuja to stop the execution of Onitsha High Court judgment and no particular reason was given to that effect.

According as law abiding citizens of Nigeria, the duo of the bailiff and staff of Onitsha South local government area managed to carry out their lawful duties but with a threat to their lives."

"On the said day while executing the judgment of the Onitsha High Court, both the bailiff and the staff of the Council area were beaten blue black an ultimately tear gassed."

"Against all odds and at the risk of their lives, the bailiff and our local government staff eventually managed to seal off two machines but unable to move them out of the premises because personnel of the Nigeria Army allegedly threatened to kill them as ordered by Abuja, except themselves and Julius Berger staff."

Onuachalla explained further that it is not only Julius Berger Plc that has been found neck deep in act of recklessness in alleged land Grabbing and abuse of payment of revenue, their co traveller, the Nigeria Breweries Plc were found to be also involved in the entire mess.

He stated that the brewery company is also involved in encroachment into public space of Onitsha South local government area with a breach of building line by about ten meters.

The council therefore warned all owners of illegal structures, land grabbers and criminal speculators that their days are numbered as the council would ensure that the laws of the land reigns supreme as nobody is above the law."

The council commended the state governor Prof. Charles Soludo for his doggedness and resoluteness in restoring purposeful and populist local government administration in Anambra state.

Over 2 millions die globally every year due to consumption of much Salt, Says Soludo

Titus Maduako Eleweke

The Wife of Anambra state governor Dr Mrs Nonye Soludo has stated that more than two million people die annually due to over consumption of salt across the world.

Mrs Soludo stated this while flagging off the Walk For Life programme organized by the Ultimate Business Women and Farmers Association of Nigeria (UBWFAN) in Awka Anambra state.
She advised all ages to reduce their rate of salt consumption during meals.
Soludo also appealed to members of the Association to take a clue from this report and regulate the intake of sodium based foods.

According to her,the report is contained in research carried out by the World Health Organization (WHO), and stressed the need to reduce the high level of mortality rate in the country occasioned much intake of salt.

She noted that while salt is an important ingredient for food, consuming it more than the recommended leads to serious health problems.

Speaking earlier, the Guest Speaker at the occasion,the Commissioner for Agriculture Dr Forster Ihejiofor noted that there are need for three to ten minutes regular exercise everyday to help prolong lives and eradicate diseases that normally occur when one doesn't exercise regularly

Ihejiofor also observed that since there is life in the blood, there is need to clean the blood stream through regular exercise and healthy dieting.

Also speaking the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu represented by the State Treasurer of the council, Comrade Ogemdi Ozoemenam appreciated the organisation for keying into regular exercise and eating healthy food.

He noted that, the programme was inline with NUJ's vision for healthy journalists so that men of the Pen Profession can stay healthy in doing their job of holding the Government accountable and responsible to the people as contained in section 22 of the 1999 Constitution.

National President of the association, Mrs. Nkiru Nwagbo applauded the Governor’s wife for leading a campaign of change in trying to make healthy living a household norm in the State.

"The Walk for Life project of our organization is one out of many programmes of UBWFAN aimed at lending support to the women who are in business as well as those in farming. This time, we are concerned not only about their physical well being but their mental strength. We believe that a healthy body transmits stability to the mind and the result is predictably, success in every aspect of life. This explains why we consider physical exercise a critical step towards the empowerment of women, including the vulnerable ones among us . It is our hope that our members will leave here, not only physically ready to cope with the challenges of life but psychologically and mentally equipped to run the race of life with renewed energy and vigour"

"This year's programme with the theme, "EAT WELL AND LIVE LONG" was picked as a quick response to those who are still in doubt as regards the critical role good feeding and exercise play in the overall well-being of women" she said.

NBL encroachment into public land stalling development in Anambra--Council



Titus Maduako Eleweke

Onitsha South Local Government Council of Anambra state has urged the Nigerian Brewery to obey the state and council building line laws to allow proper development in the area.

According to the Council's Secretary Mr. Paul Onuachalla, on Saturday, the Nigerian Brewery encroachment into the public land and space in area is one of the major problems to governor Charles Soludo's plan on making the State's business hub a livable City.

He said that due to the activities of Nigerian Brewery on encroachment and illegal possession of public land in the council, the ongoing construction works in Onitsha South local government area are being stalled.

Onuachalla said that the encroachment had stopped the council for further development of the commercial city as space meant for roads have been taken by Nigerian Brewery .

"We had a meeting with the company on the subject matter and their own commission report showed that they encroached between 3.5 meters in addition to the violation of Onitsha south building line by at least 10 metres. We just want the Nigeria Brewery to obey the building line laws of the council and to allow us carry on with ongoing construction works in the city ," he said.

According to him, the legal efforts by the council to remedy the situation was being stopped by the company who chose to lobby those in Awka just to buy time.

He also stated that when the council decided to go for strict compliance with the laws ,the company rushed to court and obtained an Exparte Order restraining Onitsha south local government and any other from reclaiming public land.

Onuachalla lamented that the blanket order of the court has adversely affected the ongoing construction works on Port Harcourt road,Fegge Onitsha and the people are suffering.

The council secretary said that the council must live up to its statuary responsibility to the people and act responsibly for public interest.

"The matter is currently being challenged by the Onitsha south local government area and the matter has reached advance stage and so far ,the council has been able to establish the facts that there were grave evidences of encroachment into the property of the government and in due time, actions would be taken in that regard" he stated .
He reiterated that all public property illegally collected by organisations and individuals in the area must be reclaimed by the council.

CEO of Best Brain Contest sets to conduct exams for De Imperial Philanthropic Family scholarships





Best Brain Contest CEO Frank Igbojindu gears up for Scholarship Exams after De Imperial Philanthropic Family Contracted him for the job.

On September 29, 2023, De Imperial Philanthropic Family awarded a prestigious contract to Best Brain Contest, represented by CEO Frank Igbojindu.

The contract involves organizing exclusive scholarship exams for Junior Secondary School 1 (J.S.1) students across the South Eastern region in Nigeria.

Under this contract, Best Brain Contest is set to conduct scholarship examinations for Public Secondary School Students in the Five States that make up the South East of Nigeria.

It mandated to conduct exams and select 250 beneficiaries (50 from each state in the South East). These students will be selected to benefit from De Imperial Philanthropic Family scholarship scheme.
The exams will be held in the state capitals of Awka (Anambra), Enugu (Enugu State), Abakaliki (Ebonyi), Umuahia (Abia), and Owerri (Imo).

Best Brain Contest, a reputable educational organization known for its integrity and successful execution of various educational programs, emerged victorious after a rigorous contract selection process. The competition for the contract was fierce, with several educational facilitators vying for the opportunity. Best Brain Contest diligently pursued this contract since January submitting a compelling proposal that ultimately secured their success.

Expressing his gratitude, Frank Igbojindu, the CEO of Best Brain Contest, emphasized the organization's unwavering commitment to excellence.

"We have embraced this responsibility wholeheartedly and are devoted to delivering exceptional results. Our primary focus is to deliver De Imperial Philanthropic Family message of transforming the educational landscape for underprivileged students, ensuring a brighter future for them."he stated

The eagerly anticipated scholarship examinations are scheduled to take place in November 2023. This marks the beginning of a transformative educational journey for the 250 fortunate students in the South East.

For further details about the scholarship examination, interested individuals can contact Frank Igbojindu with
0703 055 5581 or visit the official website at www.bestbraincontest.com to register.

Anambra recruits, retrains over 300 touts for Revenue Collection

Titus Maduako Eleweke


Anambra state government has recruited and trained over 300 youths for revenue collection and compliance enforcement.


This was made known on Saturday by the Project Manager, of
the state Revenue Cooperate Agents Bigly Oil and Gas ltd Mr Chukwuma Nwabuikwu Micheal in Awka Anambra state.

According to him,against the reports in some quarters that the Anambra state government has been using touts as Revenue Agents to intimidated and molest motorists ,over 300 youths have been trained and engaged to collect revenue from motorists in the area.
He said Bigly Oil and Gas Ltd is charged with the responsibility of collecting revenue for the government, noting that the use of touts and miscreants to enforce revenue collection in the state has become a thing of the past .

Nwabuikwu said the essence of the government engaging his services was to collect revenue technologically.

He said that it has transformed and engaged over 300 touts popularly called Agberos into gainful employment in Anambra State.

"We he over 300 Anambra youths trained and engaged for the purposes of collecting revenue,we have collected their details such as passport, and NIN numbers even to their towns and Community levels and passed it to the office of the Special Adviser to the governor on Security Matters "

"Before then when we commenced operations in the state on September 26th this year we organized a three week training for them to function ," he said.

Nwabuikwu however dismissed an allegation that his officers and staff have been molesting and intimidating Innocent motorists after being on drugs.



"We have banned them from the use of drugs of any kind as well as drinks while working for us and not even cigarettes and any of them found wanting would face the full wrath of the law"

"So anyone accusing us of using touts that are on hard drugs is making a mistake and misleading the public and thus should be dismissed as we are corporate body that discharges our functions with civility"

"We are working in partnership with the Anambra Internal Revenue Services AIRS and the state government to close all revenue leakages and increase the revenue profile of the state government " he said.
According to him, the company went into partnership with Anambra State internal Revenue Services (AiRS) to collect statewide haulage tax on behalf of the State government in September 2023 and in less than one month has transformed touts and touting activities as regards revenue collection in the state.

According to him, more touts are in line to be deployed thereby reducing the rate of touts and touting activities and bringing professionalism in the practice of revenue collection in the state.
"The upstream is the tax we collect from trucks passing through the state, and the downstream is the one we collect at the market sites of the state.

"Our mandate is to optimize haulage tax collection through the use of technology in line with the governor's policy to eliminating illegal collection through use of electronic collection system.

"In line with our mandate we have set out to digitalize our process. Since we have been given this authority since September 1, 2023. We hit the ground running. We have been in partnership with the AiRS and have put together mechanisms to collect the revenue through the best civic way of branding and dishing out messages.

"The governor did not plan to throw the touts back into the streets, but what he want to do is to bring back agbero population, and put them back into the working system by rehabilitating, reintegrating them as well as provide them with gainful employment.

"People that are called agbero are Anambra and Igbo youths, who are now gainfully employed by Anambra State government, kitted and mandated to collect revenue from Anambra State government.

"The recruitment process was very thorough. We collected their details, passports, NIN, and other details even to their (Umunna) kindred level and passed them on to the office of the special adviser to the governor on security matters. They were thoroughly vetted and screened before we sent them back to the streets.

Today, they are completely kitted and wearing their ID cards. Before our operation finally took off on the 6th of September, 2023, after we took about 3 weeks to prepare an induction workshop in collaboration with AiRS in Awka.

"After the induction, we have over 300 Anambra Youths employed in the haulage tax collection and they started operation on the 26th September, 2023."he stated.

Revenue Generation: How Madubuko is Working Against Anambra
 
In reality desperation is a good motivator, which should be harnessed for positive ends. But when it gets overboard, it sure leaves sour and destructive taste. This is exactly what most Ndi Anambra are deducing since the ugly incident of some youths who were being hounded and paraded as criminals for working legitimately for a company owned by a legitimate revenue collector went viral online.
The development clearly leaves everyone wondering why all involved cannot put their hands on the deck in order to move our state forward.

For starters, everyone understands that one of the most serious issues affecting most states in Nigeria, including Anambra, is revenue generation, which is why it is a thing of joy that the state has been structured in a vibrant way by Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his men, to harness the gains of the state in terms of IGR.
In doing so, a few credible IGR Partners have been selected and authorised by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the AIRS, Greg Ezeilo, after being urged to identify their revenue hubs, from where government would be expecting incomes from. It is pertinent to note that the dreams of the state in terms of health, education and even security will generously rely on these incomes trickling in. That is why it is befuddling to think that some of the participants are busy tackling the other partners in the project in order to run them out of business, instead of keeping their eyes on the goals of the Prof Soludo-led government.
It is disheartening to say the least that the team, employed and mobilized by Bigly Oil and Gas Services, which is one of the most reliable partners approved by the state government through the mandate of the governor and the helmsman at AIRS is being witch hunted with all manners of powers, just to portray them as illegal. People say, sometimes when a dog is penciled for killing, the conspirators give it a bad name. That is essentially what is going on at the moment.

In the past couple of days, all manners of ugly assault have been directed at Bigly and his men, from intimidation with Ocha Brigade Boys, to physical arrest with the Police and lately and sadly, being paraded like common criminals with a video of them being made and posted on the internet.
This is a sad thing and the governor must urgently look into it to forestall breakdown of law and order. The government can always refer to those who have competence and are authorised to do the job rather than the rat race, orchestrated by Christian Madubuko, which is undermining the gains of Soludo’s government.   

Barr Cyprian Emeka Igbokwe(Jp)
Writes from Nnewi