₦airaland Forum

EEDC takes electrical safety awareness to schools


Titus Maduako Eleweke

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC), in keeping with its customer education and safety awareness initiative, today visited Government Secondary School, Enugu.

The visit is in continuation of its activities for this year’s Customer Service Week (CSW).

During the visit, the students and their teachers were educated on the electricity value chain, the dynamics of electricity distribution, and their role as customers in ensuring that the sector is sustainable.

The Head, Customer Service, EEDC, Mrs. Ijeoma Ogudebe, who led the team on the visit said that their choice of targeting schools is basically to catch the students at their early formative stage and consciously instill in them important information that they need to know about electricity and its usage.

She affirmed that most of the challenges being experienced in the electricity sector today can be attributed to ignorance and lack of knowledge.

The Head, Health Safety & Environment, EEDC, Dr. Francis Iwu took time to educate the students on the hazards associated with usage of electricity and the necessary precautions to be taken to remain safe while using it.

Some of them include not using electricity appliances with wet hands, not carrying out recreational activities under electricity power line, developing the culture of not using ring boilers, but rather use electric kettle which has an inbuilt thermostat.

Iwu also implored the students to inform their parents on the need to use qualified and competent electricians in carrying out electrical works in their homes and also ensure that the right and standard materials are used in wiring their homes, to avoid electrical fire accidents.

The students were excited with the awareness, and this was obvious in the way and manner they paid attention, took notes, and asked brilliant questions on areas of concern.

The Principal of the School, Barr. Ijeoma Onuigbo appreciated the EEDC team for the visit and requested a repeat.

“We would like to have you again as this knowledge sharing opportunity needs to be regular and consistent,” she requested.

She acknowledged that with the engagement, they have enriched their wealth of knowledge in electricity, its usage, and the precautionary measures to be taken to stay safe, alive, and well.

EEDC staff urged to raise to newer level of quality service to customers


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Staff of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) have been urged to deliver effective and quality service to customers.


They were also charged to raise their benchmark to newer levels and work as a team to deliver efficient and quality service to customers, as that is the only way customer affection can be achieved.

This charge was made by the Managing Director/CEO, EEDC, Mr. Praveen Chorghade, while flagging off this year’s Customer Service Week (CSW), at the company’s corporate head office, in Enugu on Tuesday.

The charges was contained in a statement issued by Head, Corporate Communications, EEDC Emeka Ezeh on Thursday.

CSW is a global event celebrated annually by service-oriented organizations. It provides staff with an opportunity to celebrate their customers. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Team Service.”

In his opening remarks, Mr. Chorghade emphasized the importance of teamwork in every organization and the need for staff of the company to work together to deliver effective and quality service to customers.

“As we celebrate this year’s Customer Service Week, let us raise our benchmark to newer levels and support each other to make it happen,” Chorghade stressed.

In his remarks, the Deputy Managing Director, Dr. Ernest Mupwaya urged every member of staff to see themselves as customer service representatives and to always be willing to attend to customers in distress, without seeing the responsibility as that of the Customer Service Officers.

“We are all responsible to our customers, and our continued existence is dependent on how well we are able to serve them.”

“We can only exist if we are able to achieve a revenue strength that is sustainable because if cease to exist, our service to the customers will not be achievable, Mupwaya admonished.

The Head, Customer Service, Mrs. Ijeoma Ogudebe encouraged her colleagues to drive the theme of this year’s event, because without working as a team, there is no way the organization can effectively delight her customers.

“All our efforts are geared towards the customer, because they are the reason we are in operation”, Ogudebe emphasized.

Highlights of the event include cutting of the Customer Service Week cake, breakfast with customers, outreach to select schools and customers. Some customers who visited the office were given a special treat.

EEDC staff urged to raise to newer level of quality service to customers


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Staff of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) have been urged to deliver effective and quality service to customers.


They were also charged to raise their benchmark to newer levels and work as a team to deliver efficient and quality service to customers, as that is the only way customer affection can be achieved.

This charge was made by the Managing Director/CEO, EEDC, Mr. Praveen Chorghade, while flagging off this year’s Customer Service Week (CSW), at the company’s corporate head office, in Enugu on Tuesday.

The charges was contained in a statement issued by Head, Corporate Communications, EEDC Emeka Ezeh on Thursday.

CSW is a global event celebrated annually by service-oriented organizations. It provides staff with an opportunity to celebrate their customers. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Team Service.”

In his opening remarks, Mr. Chorghade emphasized the importance of teamwork in every organization and the need for staff of the company to work together to deliver effective and quality service to customers.

“As we celebrate this year’s Customer Service Week, let us raise our benchmark to newer levels and support each other to make it happen,” Chorghade stressed.

In his remarks, the Deputy Managing Director, Dr. Ernest Mupwaya urged every member of staff to see themselves as customer service representatives and to always be willing to attend to customers in distress, without seeing the responsibility as that of the Customer Service Officers.

“We are all responsible to our customers, and our continued existence is dependent on how well we are able to serve them.”

“We can only exist if we are able to achieve a revenue strength that is sustainable because if cease to exist, our service to the customers will not be achievable, Mupwaya admonished.

The Head, Customer Service, Mrs. Ijeoma Ogudebe encouraged her colleagues to drive the theme of this year’s event, because without working as a team, there is no way the organization can effectively delight her customers.

“All our efforts are geared towards the customer, because they are the reason we are in operation”, Ogudebe emphasized.

Highlights of the event include cutting of the Customer Service Week cake, breakfast with customers, outreach to select schools and customers. Some customers who visited the office were given a special treat.

Court adjourns hearing,remands 2 suspects over kidnapping of LP governorship candidate in Anambra

Titus Maduako Eleweke

An Anambra state High Court sitting in Nnewi, presided over by His Lordship, Justice C.N. Mbonu-Nwenyi, has remanded two suspects over the kidnapping of Labour Party governorship candidate in the 2021 Anambra governorship election, Obiorah Agbasimalo.
The trial is adjourned for further hearing on Friday, October 27, 2023.


The suspects are Jude Chukwudi Odimegwu and Nwokolo Chukwudi Maxwell.



The suspects are standing trial for the alleged kidnapping of the Labour Party governorship candidate in the 2021 Anambra governorship election, Obiorah Agbasimalo.

Agbasimalo, was kidnapped on September 18, 2021 at Lilu community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, while returning from a campaign rally and has not been found till date.

The adjournment in Suit No. HIH/15C/22, followed the absence of Thompson Ogueriwù Esq., counsel to Nwokolo Chukwudi Maxwell, the second defendant.

Adjourning the matter to October 27, 2023 for definite hearing, Justice Mbonu-Nwenyi warned that she would not tolerate further undue delay in the prosecution of the matter, noting that so far, it is the defence and not the court that has been delaying the case.

However, when the case was called up, both the prosecuting state counsel, Charity Madukaife Esq., an Assistant Director of Prosecution and China Gift Esq., counsel to the first defendant, Jude Chukwudi Odimegwu were present in court, except Ogueriwu who was conspicuously absent in the court.

At the onset, the Department of State Services, DSS had in Charge No. MAW/506/2022, arraigned the accused persons before a Magistrate court sitting in Awka, the state capital on a two-count charge of conspiracy and kidnapping and consequently, the court remanded them in the prison custody without taking their plea.

According to the charge read by the DSS in court, the accused persons had on September 18, 2021 at Lilu in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State, attacked and caused disappearance of of the victim Obiorah Agbasimalo, Labour Party, governorship candidate in the 2021 governorship elections whose whereabouts is still yet unknown at present.

The offences, the prosecution stated, were contrary to Sections 495 (1) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 36, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Anambra state of Nigeria, 1991 and 315 (2) (a) (b) (c) of the Criminal Code (Amended) Law of Anambra state of Nigeria, 2009.

While remanding them in the prison custody, the court also ordered the police to transfer the case file to the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP for legal advice.

On receiving the case file, the DPP, in turn, came up with the same two-count charge of conspiracy and kidnapping.

In the charge prepared by N.J. Nwankwo Esq., the DPP alleged that while armed with guns and other offensive weapons, the accused persons kidnapped Obiorah Agbasimalo against his will and thereafter demanded for a ransom of N1million, N5million and another N1million totalling N7million from his family for his release.

Court adjourns hearing,remands 2 suspects over kidnapping of LP governorship candidate in Anambra

Titus Maduako Eleweke

An Anambra state High Court sitting in Nnewi, presided over by His Lordship, Justice C.N. Mbonu-Nwenyi, has remanded two suspects over the kidnapping of Labour Party governorship candidate in the 2021 Anambra governorship election, Obiorah Agbasimalo.
The trial is adjourned for further hearing on Friday, October 27, 2023.


The suspects are Jude Chukwudi Odimegwu and Nwokolo Chukwudi Maxwell.



The suspects are standing trial for the alleged kidnapping of the Labour Party governorship candidate in the 2021 Anambra governorship election, Obiorah Agbasimalo.

Agbasimalo, was kidnapped on September 18, 2021 at Lilu community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, while returning from a campaign rally and has not been found till date.

The adjournment in Suit No. HIH/15C/22, followed the absence of Thompson Ogueriwù Esq., counsel to Nwokolo Chukwudi Maxwell, the second defendant.

Adjourning the matter to October 27, 2023 for definite hearing, Justice Mbonu-Nwenyi warned that she would not tolerate further undue delay in the prosecution of the matter, noting that so far, it is the defence and not the court that has been delaying the case.

However, when the case was called up, both the prosecuting state counsel, Charity Madukaife Esq., an Assistant Director of Prosecution and China Gift Esq., counsel to the first defendant, Jude Chukwudi Odimegwu were present in court, except Ogueriwu who was conspicuously absent in the court.

At the onset, the Department of State Services, DSS had in Charge No. MAW/506/2022, arraigned the accused persons before a Magistrate court sitting in Awka, the state capital on a two-count charge of conspiracy and kidnapping and consequently, the court remanded them in the prison custody without taking their plea.

According to the charge read by the DSS in court, the accused persons had on September 18, 2021 at Lilu in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State, attacked and caused disappearance of of the victim Obiorah Agbasimalo, Labour Party, governorship candidate in the 2021 governorship elections whose whereabouts is still yet unknown at present.

The offences, the prosecution stated, were contrary to Sections 495 (1) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 36, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Anambra state of Nigeria, 1991 and 315 (2) (a) (b) (c) of the Criminal Code (Amended) Law of Anambra state of Nigeria, 2009.

While remanding them in the prison custody, the court also ordered the police to transfer the case file to the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP for legal advice.

On receiving the case file, the DPP, in turn, came up with the same two-count charge of conspiracy and kidnapping.

In the charge prepared by N.J. Nwankwo Esq., the DPP alleged that while armed with guns and other offensive weapons, the accused persons kidnapped Obiorah Agbasimalo against his will and thereafter demanded for a ransom of N1million, N5million and another N1million totalling N7million from his family for his release.

PG praises Soludo for renaming Anambra Airport after Chinua Achebe


Titus Maduako Eleweke


President-General Umueri General Assembly, Anambra-East Local Government Area of Anambra State, Chief Johnn Chukwudi Metchie has praised Governor Charles Soludo for renaming Anambra International Cargo and Passenger Airport Umueri after the late renowned literary giant Prof. Chinua Achebe.

Metchie who spoke with journalists in Umueri on Monday said that the immortalization of Chinua Achebe by Soludo was a laudable and worthwhile decision.
He described Achebe as legend from Anambra state who have left indelible footprints in the sands of time.

According to him, Achebe should not be forgotten instead he should be remembered for his immense contributions to human development.

" Our governor is visionary. He is very meticulous with decision making and as a matter of public policy, he ensures that every decision taken by his administration is in tandem with the wishes and aspirations of the citizenry. " he said

According to the community leader, late Prof. Chinua Achebe was not just an ambassador of the Igbo nation but also distinguished son of the state who attained global recognition with his literary works.

He said one of Chinua Achebe's works ' Things Fall Apart " have been translated into many different local and international languages all over the world, noting that the renaming of Anambra airport after him was a well deserved honour.

Metchie who stated that the renowned novelist was a native of Ogidi in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state and died at the age of 82, stated that a prophet is not celebrated amongst his people which was why he extolled the governor's decision in renaming Anambra airport after the late sage.

The community leader therefore described Chinua Achebe as a Nigerian novelist, poet, and critic who gave the African literature an identity and a voice and also reconstructed and refined the identity of the people in his literary works.

He said Achebe was not a president or governor or military but great personality.

He stated that the late literary giant rejected Nigeria’s national honours twice in protest against what he perceived as injustice to his home state Anambra.
He therefore re-echoed his profound gratitude to Governor Soludo for finding the late literary oracle, Professor Chinua Achebe worthy of such an honour and announcing same at an auspicious occasion as the 63rd Independence Anniversary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Prof Ibe commemorates Nigerians at 63
anniversary

Titus Maduako Eleweke


Member Presidential Advisory Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Prof Gregory Ibe has
commemorated with Nigeria on her 63 independent anniversary.

Ibe in a statement issued by his media aide Rev. Sleek Ogwo extended his warmest wishes to each and every Nigerian.
The statement reads in parts
"As we come together to commemorate Nigeria's 63rd independence anniversary I extend my warmest wishes to each and every one of you.

This momentous occasion reminds us of the remarkable journey our great nation has traveled since gaining independence in 1960. It is a time to reflect on our shared history, the progress we've made, and the challenges we continue to face. Let us renew our commitment to unity, peace, and progress as we work tirelessly to build a better Nigeria for all.

Let us remember that our diversity is our strength, and together, we can overcome any obstacle that stands in our path towards a brighter and more prosperous future. Coming at a time our nation is experiencing excruciating economic challenges, let me encourage all Nigerian Christians and Muslims to be steadfast in prayers of intercession soliciting for divine intervention to our problems, while joining hands in the spirit of unity and cooperation, working towards a Nigeria that embodies the ideals of justice, equality, and prosperity for all.

Finally, I want to specially felicitate my brothers and sisters from Abia, God's Own State, who have through the ingenuity of innovation, industry and enterprise continued to commit their blood, sweat and tears to the growth and advancement of our dear state in particular and Nigeria as a whole. As long as God remains the Lord over our state, I want to assure you that your labours for the good of our land will not be in vain.
Happy Independence Nigeria!
Yours in unity and progress",

Prof Ibe commends organisers of South East Economic Summit,Igbo Celebration

Titus Maduako Eleweke


Member of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Presidential Advisory Council Prof Gregory Ibe has commended those organising South East Economic Summit and Igbo Day Celebration for their wonderful initiative.


He described the summit as strategic and symbolic noting that the hosting of South East Economic Summit and Igbo Day Celebration simultaneously in the two cities of Owerri and Enugu was remarkable.

Prof Ibe made this known in a statement by his man Rev.Sleek Ogwo on Saturday
in Umuahia Abia state.

Supporting the appropriateness of hosting the two events simultaneously, Prof Ibe commended Governors of the five South Eastern states for creating a common platform to harness the immense economic potentials of the region and the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo for sustaining the annual Igbo Day cultural fiesta.

" I want to particularly commend the spirit of unity exhibited by our Governors who, in spite of being members of four different political parties, decided to come together in Owerri under the common platform of South East Economic and Security Summit for the purpose of promoting the commercial viability of our people in keeping with the Igbo ethos of Onyeaghalanwanneya" he said .

Praying for sustenance of the gains of the summit, Prof Ibe advocated the patriotic revival of the 'Akuruo ulo" spirit and the unique communal self help initiative of the Igbo man, which according to him inspired the establishment of many industries within the South East in the past.

He said that he was particularly motivated by the examples set by such leaders as Dr Michael Okpara and Chief Mbakwe to bring back home such establishments as Gregory University Uturu, Skills FM Okigwe and GUU Teaching Hospital Ezinnachi.
Turning to the 2023 edition of Igbo Day Celebration, Prof Ibe praised the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and members of the 2023 Igbo Day Planning Committee for the choice of 'Igbo Kunie' as theme for the event. According to him, the theme has the prospect of reawakening the traditional enterprising spirit of the Igbo man.
Stressing that the Igbo Day Celebration has the potential of promoting and projecting the rich heritage of Ndigbo, he enjoined leaders of the apex socio cultural organization to leverage the annual fiesta in fostering and strengthening the unity of the region.
According to Prof Ibe, " I want to specially appreciate our able President General Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and members of the Planning Committee for the choice of a timely, stimulating and thought provoking theme 'Igbo kunie', which has the prospect of reawakening the traditional enterprising spirit of the Igbo man. Having served as planning committee chairman of Igbo Day Celebration on two occasions, I know the inert potentials of the annual festival and therefore will like to encourage our leaders to leverage the colourful gathering in promoting and projecting the rich cultural heritage of our people while also deploying the platform to foster and strengthen unity within the region".
In conclusion, the statement advocated the duplication of similar economic, political and socio-cultural events within the South East in order to stimulate speedy development of the region.

We'll be ruthless with kidnappers, cultists in Anambra, CP Adeoye warns




Titus Maduako Eleweke

Anambra Police ,Commissioner of Police CP Aderemi Adeoye has warned politicians and other rich men in the state not beg him for the release of any criminal caught in the act.

He said that the command will be ruthless with criminals , especially, kidnappers and cultists ravaging the State.

Adeoye made the disclosure on Friday at the police headquarters,Amawabia, Awka during a meeting with Anambra state transporters forum.

"Any highly placed person intervening for me to set a criminal free should have a second thought.
If you are involve in crime please, change now and be a better person, when there are time.
The police will protect you so long you are doing the right thing, but we will be ruthless if found you in crime" he said .


He also declared war on Kidnappers and Cultists in the state , following the allegations that transporters aid cultists and kidnappers to perpetrate crime.

He also set up security monitoring team to tackle all manner of brigandage in the area.

The CP urged all the Keke and bus operators in the state to register with the command for easy identification.
Adeoye described the Transporters as important sector of the economy stressing that their roles in crime fighting is critical.

"I wish to advise you all to be law abiding and report cases of kidnapping and cultism to the nearest Police station and even if they use your vehicle to kidnap or attack somebody just rush and make entry so that you would not be seen as an accomplice to the crime "

"The essence of this meeting is for us to work together and all those vehicles that are not registered should be registered with the state government and the Transport Forum so that we can easily identify the vehicle used for crime and we shall work to rid Anambra state of crime and criminality" he said.

He urged the transporters to go about their normal business, noting that the police will protect them.


"Nobody is not above the law. Just be law abiding don't constitute harm to any of your fellow human being , if any body forget his property in your Keke or bus return the property. If you witnesses any crime report to the nearest police.

We will do everything to ensure your security. I have learnt that there are different groups but work in unity for for peace " he stated.

Also speaking the Coordinator of Anambra Keke Operators Forum Comerade Osita Obi expressed gratitude to the Police Commissioner for creating the platform for security operatives to interface with the transporters saying that the resolutions reached at the meeting would be far reaching and result oriented at the end of the day.

"This is the first time a meeting of this nature is holding in Anambra state and we commend the hard working Police Commissioner for such an initiative and we as transporters will work hand in glove in the area of check mating all forms of brigandage in the state"

"We shall also work on our fellow transporters and identity those that are not genuine and ensure that they do not soil the image of transporters in the state" he said.

Anambra mulls passing law against illegal revenue collectors, touts

Maduako Igbokwe

Barely 24 hours some Hoodlums were arrested in Okpoko Ogbaru local government area and Onitsha North and South local government areas, the Anambra state government plans to enact a law against illegal revenue collectors.

The law when passed will attract at least two years imprisonment or option of N500,000 for offender.

Combined team of Operation Clean And Healthy Anambra state OCHA Brigade and Anambra Vigilante Group AVG stormed the major flash points of touting and criminality and apprehended some culprits on Tuesday.
The Managing Director of Operation Clean And Healthy Anambra state OCHA Brigade Mr Celestine Anere gave the hint at his office in Awka on Wednesday.

According to him, the essence of the new law is to check mate the activities of touts and ensure that revenue of the state do not get into private pockets.

"We are indeed worried about the activities of these Revenue Thieves who have been ripping off the state and have been harassing and intimidating Innocent members of the public and we as a body,we have put in place measures to check mate them"

"As you can see the enforcements that we have been carrying out is yelling results and this is made manifest in the arrests carried out so far "

"But the Anambra state government has sent a Bill to the State House of Assembly for its passage and when the Bill is passed into law the punishment for offenders would be one or two years imprisonment or option of a fine of N500,000.00 "

"The essence of that Bill is to send the touts out of the streets for a long time and I can assure you that give us one month the number of touts would reduce drastically in Anambra state "he said .

Anere said that the law is not to witch hunt anybody but to bring sanity in the state and increase the Revenue profile of the state.

He advised the youths who are involved in touting to take advantage of the programme of Governor Charles Soludo on One Youth, Two Skills to get themselves gainfully employed and be responsible instead of taking to crimes.

He also noted that the set of staff of the Ocha Brigade they currently have, had been trained to be polite and act responsibility in the discharge of their duties.

According to him, they will continue to undertake periodic training on how to serve the public.

He also expressed his determination wipe touting and other criminals in the state, stating that the raid will be continued

Wonderful

Anambra mulls passing law against illegal revenue collectors, touts

Maduako Igbokwe

Barely 24 hours some Hoodlums were arrested in Okpoko Ogbaru local government area and Onitsha North and South local government areas, the Anambra state government plans to enact a law against illegal revenue collectors.

The law when passed will attract at least two years imprisonment or option of N500,000 for offender.

Combined team of Operation Clean And Healthy Anambra state OCHA Brigade and Anambra Vigilante Group AVG stormed the major flash points of touting and criminality and apprehended some culprits on Tuesday.
The Managing Director of Operation Clean And Healthy Anambra state OCHA Brigade Mr Celestine Anere gave the hint at his office in Awka on Wednesday.

According to him, the essence of the new law is to check mate the activities of touts and ensure that revenue of the state do not get into private pockets.

"We are indeed worried about the activities of these Revenue Thieves who have been ripping off the state and have been harassing and intimidating Innocent members of the public and we as a body,we have put in place measures to check mate them"

"As you can see the enforcements that we have been carrying out is yelling results and this is made manifest in the arrests carried out so far "

"But the Anambra state government has sent a Bill to the State House of Assembly for its passage and when the Bill is passed into law the punishment for offenders would be one or two years imprisonment or option of a fine of N500,000.00 "

"The essence of that Bill is to send the touts out of the streets for a long time and I can assure you that give us one month the number of touts would reduce drastically in Anambra state "he said .

Anere said that the law is not to witch hunt anybody but to bring sanity in the state and increase the Revenue profile of the state.

He advised the youths who are involved in touting to take advantage of the programme of Governor Charles Soludo on One Youth, Two Skills to get themselves gainfully employed and be responsible instead of taking to crimes.

He also noted that the set of staff of the Ocha Brigade they currently have, had been trained to be polite and act responsibility in the discharge of their duties.

According to him, they will continue to undertake periodic training on how to serve the public.

He also expressed his determination wipe touting and other criminals in the state, stating that the raid will be continued

Zenith should refund our money - Idoko Chigozie Collins

The group Managing Director, Peterfan Nnelinc Global Ltd, Mr. Idoko Chigozie Collins has accused the Zenith Bank, New Market Road branch, Onitsha Anambra State of tempering their account, already claimed frozen account by a Court of law.
Idoko Chigozie who spoke with Nweke Nweke in Onitsha,speaks on the challenges the company is passing through in the running of their company.
Please,enjoy the interview

Question: Is our pleasure to meet you, Sir

Answer:
Thank you for coming to hear from us. I am Mr. Idoko Chigozie Collins, the Group Managing Director of Peterfan Nnelinc Global Ltd. I am representing the company in this interview. But before we go further, it is good I make it known that I also have my private account under the initial Chido & Sons Mulitlinks Co. Nig with the same Zenith Bank.

Question: We learned that Peterfan Nnelinc Global Ltd recently took Zenith Bank to Court for tampering with the account of your company. What is the institution now?

Answer :
Yes, you are right, we took a business loan from Zenith Bank for business transactions within the period in review but on the 7th or 9th of December 2021, we discovered that the bank had breached the agreement we reached by interfering with our account illegally. We never breached any part of the agreement. At a time, huge sums of money entered into the account through our customers who paid us for the clearing of their goods as we are a clearing and forwarding agent. Immediately the bank saw the amount, they placed our account on debit even though we were up-to-date in our agreement.

Question:
Did your company approach the bank to ascertain what might have caused their action?

Answer: We met them for clarification on what prompted their action, the bank refused to provide us with the Court order they used to freeze our account. We became perturbed that even though we did not breach any loan condition(s) granted to us by Zenith Bank, the bank went behind us and placed our account on debit when they noticed that a huge amount of money entered into the said account.

It was then we called on the attention of our account officer, one Obinna, aimed at ascertaining what might have gone wrong. The said Obinna did not provide a satisfactory answer as we were still battling for solutions to the issue, our customers who paid money into our said account for the clearing of their goods that were on our neck. This compelled us to sue the bank. The matter came for hearing under Suit No. I/MISC.292/2021, PETERFAN NNENLIC GLOBAL LTD & ANOR. V. ZENITH BANK PLC & 4 ORS. God being on our side, we got a favorable judgment and the Court ordered Zenith Bank to pay us One Hundred Million Naira (100,000,000.00) only as damages.

Question;

Did the bank pay the money according to the Court's order?

Answer:
The bank refused to pay, rather it went for an appeal to challenge the decision of the Court of Competent Jurisdiction . When we informed the same Court of the development, the court further ordered that we should file a new application for the payment of the damages, after we filed, the Bank went for an appeal to stop the Court from ruling in her earlier judgment.

Question:

What was the relationship between your company and the bank like when the loan was granted?

Answer:
When it gave us the loan, we were partnering as clients and customers, fortunately, we have money in the said account, to our chagrin, the bank at the end of every month used to delve into the company's account it claimed was frozen, and collected both interest and capital. It was then we questioned the rationale behind the bank's interference with the acclaimed frozen bank account.

Question:

While the matter was ongoing in the Court, did So Zenith Bank stop tampering with your company's account?


Answer:

Even while we were in the Court, the bank was illegally collecting amount that dropped into our account. This made us not be transacting business during that December season and remember, our aim of taking the loan was for us to use the loan during the Christmas season and that was the ground we took Zenith Bank to court and we won them.

Before the bank frozen our account, there was a business we did, they gave us loans and the loan is known as a ten loan, and money used to drop every month, both interest and capital when it frozen our account, having denied us access to our account, fortunately, we have money in the account. The bank collects any amount that drops into our account. It was then that I asked them the rationale behind collecting money from a frozen bank account.

Question:

As a layman, do you think anybody (including banks) has the right to pull out money from Court frozen bank account?

Answer:

To the best of my knowledge, in a frozen account, no money goes out, it is only by mistake that money can come into such an account. We kept quiet, by His grace, we secured a judgment against Zenith Bank. But before the judgment was made, the bank had drained our account with it.


Question:

Having noticed that ,what action did your company take?


Answer:

When the bank came back to us for the loan, we told them plain that it hanged and killed the business the loan was meant for during the December period. We made it to understand that it
kept collecting money that dropped into the account till the money finished even before we got the Court judgment and other money that dropped after we got the judgment, we told it that it killed the business, and hung the business in December period, having prevented us from doing any business in the season. We made the bank to understand that it gave us the loan for business but they deliberately frozen our account and we cried to no avail.

(Cut in) did your company later pay the loan?

Instead of allowing us to do our business, the bank was more concerned with collecting it own in our account it claimed to have been frozen. We told the bank that we didn't see money to pay the loan, instead of it coming for us to discuss all that happened before we got the Court judgment, it was targeting the next level to deal with us. Having seen that money no longer drops in our account, the bank started calling us and we asked them why calling us now, by the time you people were collecting money in our account claimed to be frozen, did you people remember to call us? We made it known to the bank that we were the ones calling, begging for it to open our account and the bank claimed the account was frozen by the Court.

Question:
You said your company got a favorable judgment against Zenith Blank in the Court of law, did it obey the Court order ?

Answer:

No, they did not, instead, they continued in their shabby actions till we got the favorable judgment and the Court quashed the issue in our favor. Before then, the loan had expired and we did not pay back the loan as there was no money in the limited liability bank account. It was then we told them that they'd destroyed the business, and we demanded them to come and pay us the amount awarded to us in the Court so that we could forage ahead in our business, they ignored our submission, and we continued.

Question:
What stage is the matter between your company and the Zenith Bank?

Answer:
We are still in the matter, there is another enterprise account, (not limited liability) under the initial of Chido & Sons Multilinks Co. Nig, been managed by me, (Mr. Idoko Chigozie Collins) as a personal account. A few days ago, I noticed that Zenith Bank had gone into my account and removed money from it, I kept quiet. This happened because one of our customers mistakenly dropped money into my enterprise account. Zenith Bank on noticing this, pulled out the money, it is Eleven Million, Seven Hundred Thousand Naira(11,700,000) only.
The bank pulled the money and deposited it in the limited liability account, according to their claim.
The person who mistakenly paid in the money went to court, and demanded a refund of the money he mistakenly paid into my enterprise account, Zenith Bank said we owed their bank. The lawyer who went to court on behalf of the owner of the money, at a time, insulted me and I told him that my enterprise account is not owing the bank. As if pulling out the money was not enough for them, the bank went further to place the enterprise account into debit with Ten Million, Six Hundred and Ninety Thousand, Two hundred and Sixty-three Naira Ninety-Six Kobo (10, 690.263 96) in the account. After pulling the said sum, the bank placed minus in the same account, meaning we are still in debit with their bank.

Question:

What action did you take, having noticed this development?

Answer:

When I noticed this, I called my accounting officer, one Obinna and he said there was nothing wrong with my account. When I opened their app, I noticed that over N10M was pulled out of the said account, having discovered what they did, he started sending me a voice message, claiming that there was a Court order, there was a motion, there was no recovery and I asked him, which Court's order or motion. I asked our accounting officer to prove the bank's claim(s) through a letter or even electronic evidence of debt demand. I let the accounting officer know that Ten Million, Six Hundred and Ninety Thousand, Two hundred and Sixty-three Naira Ninety-Six Kobo (10, 690.263 96) and Eleven Million, Seven Hundred Thousand Naira(11,700,000) are still with the bank and they now took someone's money he mistakenly paid into my private account.

Question:

To the best of your knowledge, where is all this money?

Answer:

I don't know where they kept the money since I am aware that neither my company nor myself is in debt with Zenith Bank. By my calculation, Zenith Bank has over Twenty Million Naira belonging to me and our company and I am sounding it clear, my company and I are not debited to Zenith Bank. The bank is to pay us damages as pronounced in the Court, the matter is still hanging in the Appeal court. It hung the matter in Appeal and abounded it there and ran away.

Question:

What next action do you hope to take to address the problem?

Answer:

We are waiting for the bank to right the wrongs it committed against our company but should the bank fail to do the needful, we will be left with no other option than to approach the Court for a fresh case against Zenith Bank for having dealt with my account and our company's account. By the time our legal team decides on the next action to take, I am going to inform the media after we are done with the bank, it is going to serve as a deterrent to other bank staff who find it happy to tamper with customers 'accounts. Thanks for giving us an audience.

Massive clampdown as Anambra Govt arrest hoodlums, street arrested in Onitsha, environ


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Combined team of Operation Clean And Healthy Anambra ( OCHA ) Brigandage on Tuesday arrested 14 persons in Okpoko, Ogbaru local government area and Onitsha Commercial town for illegal revenues collections from Keke and bus drivers.

Among those arrested were nine street traders blocking the major roads with their goods at River Niger Bridge Head and Owerri road Onitsha against the order of the Anambra state government.

Gov Charles Soludo had banned the activities of fake Revenue Agents directing commercial buses and tricycles Operators to pay directly into the banks.
Soludo also stated that street trading in the state is not acceptable to government as it has contributed to the blocking of drains thereby causing traffic grid lock in the major cities of the state

Before the arrival of the enforcement team at Ifeanyichukwu street Okpoko ,it was gathered that three Keke tricycles had their wind screens smashed by the touts and money forcefully taken from them .

It was also learnt that the arrest of fake revenue agents was made possible through a distress call from Keke Operators who were victims of the fake Revenue Agents.

A victim said that "These people collect between N500.00 and N1,000.00 from us the Keke Operators while they collect between N3,000.00 and N5,000.00 from minibus and bigger trucks and if you refuse to pay they would smash the wind screen of your vehicle"

However,during the raid, there were attempt by some touts to attack the enforcers team with bottles but was repelled by the team and ultimately arrested some in the process.

According to the Anambra North Senatorial District Commander of Ocha Brigade,Mr Daniel Martins the essence of the enforcement was to restore sanity and protect the traders from being harm by the unlikely incident along those roads and streets.

"Our challenge is that they will still come back again and they have shops inside the markets but they will abandon their shops and come to the streets to trade and this is against our terms of reference when we were established" he said.


Mr Ifeanyi Ezeani who is the Enforcement officer for Ogbaru local government area noted that the fake Revenue Agents would be handed over to the Police for prosecution.

"These boys have been ripping off innocent motorists and Keke Operators and this is the end of the road for them because they would be taken to the Police and ultimately charged to Court " he said.

Give Umuahia a capital city status,
Ogudike urges Otti





Titus Maduako Eleweke

President of Abia State Indigenes Forum state, Comrade Damian Ogudike has appealed to the governor of Abia state Dr. Alex Otti to rebrand the state for greater development.

Comrade Ogudike who spoke to journalists shortly after being conferred with an Award of Excellence Service to Humanity in Onitsha on Sunday,by the Abia Ministers Forum, Anambra state (AMFA) said that governor Otti was doing well, but needed to prioritise on developing Umuahia by giving it the capital city status.

He advised the governor to carry all the stakeholders along as nobody can run government alone , noting that governance is a tedious task.

"I will advised the governor to bring every body in the state together. He needs to be collective in the approach towards developing the state for the good of the people. He is doing well in Aba,before now Aba was a dirty place but today he has cleaned up Aba. He is marvellously doing well in Aba. He has constructed many roads within some months in Aba. Though, he is doing well in Aba,may be he needed to generate more revenues to run the government. He should not only concentrate n Aba alone. He need to really develop Umuahia and make the capital city, a capital city,not just a glorified local government headquarters. Regrettably, Abia state is still operating from rented building, which ought not to be. He has to make serious efforts to build Abia state owned government House. Let him not behave like the past governments in the state who operated in the state without vision for 24 years. He has to prioritise on giving Abia State a befitting state House" he said.

According to him,they are happy with the works the governor is doing in Abia State and promised that they will work with governor to build a better Abia State.

He said that because of their determination to have a better Abia state,they were involved into politics and prayers.

"We have been working since 2019 to position Abia State as one of the best state in the country, through prayers and involvement in politicking and by the special grace of God all our efforts are bearing fruits. We are happy now that we have a change of government in Abia State.Even though, the governor is not doing what we want. We have reached out to him to have chat with Abia ministers and we knew we have our ideas on how to move Abia forward" he said.

On the issue of bringing Abians together in Anambra State, he stated that they have been meeting and mobilising Ndi Abia for political consciousness but the security situation was a serious challenge.

"We had been meeting regularly every three months until we had COVID- 19. With the insecurity in the zone, we decided to be having our meeting online. The security situation has not allowed us to advance our course, to reach out to our people in the state. Before now ,we have been reaching to most Abia state town unions in Anambra state until the challenges came up.

The chairman of Abia Ministers Forum Anambra Atate Bishop Innocent Chidi had been reaching out to various town unions and he was also bringing us together until the unfortunate development" he said .

Anambra CP warns against sharing of old videos of killing, burning to create fear


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Anambra State Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Aderemi Adeoye has warned those sharing old videos showing burning and killing to create tension to stop.

Adeoye in a statement by spokesman of the command DSP Tochukwu Ikenga on Friday described those
sharing of old video clips of burning of a commercial bus at Nanka and killing of soldiers at Umunze both of which happened last year during the dark days of insecurity as enemies of the people.

The Commissioner described the recycling of such old video clips as vile propaganda.

He assured that the purveyors of false alarm, who seek to create fear in the mind of the public that they will be brought to book.

He tasked the Cybercrime Unit of the Nigeria Police Force to track down those exhuming the old videos to create panic and fear among the populace.

He re-assured people of Anambra that the Police and sister security agencies will always go the extra mile to secure them against agents of darkness that do not mean well for them or for the Nation.

Adeoye called on Ndi Anambra to disregard the videos and not help enemies of progress to share them.

Anambra community Protest to govt house demands for govt intervention in monarch , communal crises



Titus Maduako Eleweke

Over 1000 members of Isuaniocha Community in Awka North Local Government area of Anambra state have staged a peaceful to draw the attention of governor Charles Soludo to traditional ruler tussle and communal land crisis .

They blocked the entrance to the government house thereby forcing the exo meeting to sudden end.

They were seen carrying placards with different inscriptions "Governor Soludo please give us peace in Isuaniocha, Isuaniocha need peace not War , Chikodi Anara should steer clear from Isuaniocha for Peace to return, Chikodi Anara and his cohorts like Cosmas Okonkwor, Onyemazi Ngini, Onuora Okoye and others have War machine terrorising Isuaniocha Community among other write ups".
The leader of the Protesters and Acting President General of Isuaniocha, Mr Friedrik Egwunwa said it was regrettable that government has failed to keep its promise that a committee would be set up to look into the matter during their last protest by the people.

He said that the government failure to set a committee prompted them to block the entrance gate of the government house so that proper attention will be given to the disappointed residents.


Mr Egwunwa said Isuaniocha Community had a laid down procedure of chosing who their traditional ruler will be and never a time was it done through 'cangory' election.

According to him,the people totally reject the imposition of a Traditional ruler on them by few individuals who he alleged were responsible for the sell of the school land and other atrocious acts in the town.

"The issue that brought us here is about Igweship, in Isuaniocha . we don't need that Igweship now,what we want is Peace. we have never elected Igwe in the history of Isuaniocha, we have process of choosing our
Igwe not by election and the people that elected him is not people's choice. The same people that sold the Community Secondary School land, that connived together and imposed Igwe upon us so that they will close up their atrocities,but Isuaniocha is saying no to that, we will never accept that."he said.

Governor of the state Prof Charles Soludo who addressed the protesters through
the Chief of Staff to the government, Mr Ernest Ezeajuyi said government would look into the land and igweship crises in the Community.
According to him,government will soon restore peace in the community.

The Chief of Staff , accompanied by the Commissioner for local government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Tony Nwabunwanne, said the administration of Soludo will not relent in ensuring that there is peace in Isuaniocha and by extension , every Community in the state.

He also commended the people of Isuaniocha for the courage to speak with one voice , noting that the government will have a round table discussion with representatives of the eight villages of the Community including their acting President General , to understand the issues ravaging the town.

According to him, the present administration had recovered several lands belonging to Secondary Schools across the state and so will immediately look into that of Isuaniocha Secondary School land which is one of the contending issues causing problem in the area.

On the issue of certificate of recognition issued to , Mkpuora Ngini as the traditional ruler of the community, Mr Ezeajuyi said Governor Soludo will look into the demands of the people and give them feedback as soon as possible.

" We heard your concerns and also read it on your placards, we heard all what you said, and to summarise is two major things , the land that people have taken in the secondary School and the issue of Igweship, so Mr Governor will look into your two main critical cases and come back to you" the Chief of Staff stated

Anambra JTF arrests 14 persons terrorising Onitsha, environs with army uniform

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Anambra state,joint enforcement team of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra; 'Ocha Brigade' has arrested over 14 persons using military camouflage to terrorise Onitsha and its environs.

The Managing Director of Ocha Brigade Mr. Celestine Anere who spoke to our reporter on Friday said the suspects were arrested on Thursday in Onitsha.
He said some of the suspects are drug syndicate using army camouflage uniform to harass and permeate trouble and all form of criminality within Onitsha metropolis.
According to him, the suspects are forcefully extorting money from motorists and some innocent citizens in the areas.

He also disclosed that some of the suspects have confessed to the crime of stealing and snatching of phones and valuables from commuters and innocent residents.

Anere also said that some have admitted of selling hard drugs and gathering intelligence for their criminal counterparts.

"Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra; Ocha Brigade, has previously arrested and prosecuted some of the hoodlums on similar case and will continue to sanitise the state from criminals and drug syndicates, as such is the gateway to all many of criminality in the State.

Let's support Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo's efforts on green, clean, healthy, livable and prosperous homeland. Let's secure our state" he said .

He also appealed to public to call the customer service lines provided below for emergence and inquiries
07069680112
08122554530
08069695398
08120356133
"Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra; Ocha Brigade is here to serve you" he said .

Isuanocha crisis :
DSS Personnel attacked in Anambra community as Commissioner absolve self


Titus Eleweke,Awka

The communal clash in Isuanocha town, Awka North local government area of Anambra state got messier recently when gunmen attacked officers and men of the Departments of State Service DSS and set their operational vehicle ablaze.
The DSS were on a peaceful mission to the community , when they were attacked by the hoodlums who ambushed them.

The two of the wounded security personnel are responding to treatment at the hospital as a result of the attack while others were slightly injured.

The security personnel were attacked while approaching the Obibia River Bridge when the gunmen stormed on them and open fire on them.

But for stiff resistance of the officers and men in operation many lives would have been lost before the gunmen fled with bullet wounds.
When contacted the Anambra state Director of the DSS Mr Enoch Power he said that he was currently on a meeting but directed reporters to speak with the Committee for Homeland Matters, Chief Chikodi Anarah for detail confirmation.

Anambra state Commissioner for Homeland Matters Chief Chikodi Anarah has absolved himself of any complicity in the crisis ravaging
Isuanocha community .

He dismissed the allegations that he was instrumental to the crisis in the town.

Anarah who spoke through the Public Relations Officer of the Anambra Vigilante Group, Mr. Nweke Nweke, said the crisis in the town are those who sworn never to allow peace to reign in Isuaniocha.

He said those people had decided to bring his name at the center of their game as a way to make him not to use his position as the man in charge of internal security to curb the excesses of the hoodlums engaged by them and the self-acclaimed caretaker chairman of Isuaniocha community, one Fredrick Egwunwa.

According to Anarah, the negative actions of the group in Isuaniocha will never in any way deter him from working assiduously to justify the mandate handed over to him by the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Charles Soludo CFR.

He said it was ridiculous that these people could describe men of the Department of State Security (DSS) drafted by their State Director on official assignment last Saturday as hoodlums.

" It is a show of the height of criminality and brazen challenge to Nigerian security agencies that they could engage unknown gunmen to attack men of the DSS, calling them hoodlums

"I am not perturbed by the names they are calling me because that has been their stock in trade. I think that what they want to achieve is to distance me from using my office to deploy internal security to sack the faceless criminals they engaged against their community people and nothing more.

"Their attack on the DSS last Saturday around Obibia bridge axis of Isuaniocha is clear evidence of inclination to barbaric acts by some bad elements in the community" he stated.

Onitsha South
Seals NIWA Auto Park Over Non-Payment Of N5OOm Taxes

Titus Maduako Eleweke



Onitsha South Local Government, Anambra state has sealed the
Nigerian Inland Water Authority NIWA operator park over non-payment of N500 million taxes and levies.
The Onitsha local government council to take possession
revoked approvals it granted years ago.
The Chairman of the local government area Mr Emeka Joseph Orji said the council revoked and sealed the operator of the market and motor park because he is owing arrears of over N500 million tin axes and levies.

Recall that in the last month the trio of the Council area, the operator Chief Ngozi Okpagu with Basil Ejidike and NIWA have been on a warpath over the actual owner of the market and park.

The duo of Okpagu, the operator and Ejidike who was Chairman of the Council area when the approval was made 17 years ago had contended that the property belongs to NIWA, a federal government agency.

But Onitsha South local government area Orji insists that the park and market belong to the Council area and Anambra state government

Orji said that NIWA has no powers and right to lay claim to the property.

According to a letter entitled Revocation of All Approvals and or Exemption Revenues letter at NIWA Motor Park and Market, read in parts;

"We confirm that the purported exemption and or approval letters granted to you and your company are hereby revoked and declared void abinitio on the following grounds "

"The said exemption letters purportedly granted by the then T.C Chairman Hon Basil Ejidike and Secretary N. Udoji are not contained in the Revenue schedule of Onitsha South local government area or supported by any Finance and General Council (F&GC) extracts or records."

"Additionally, there is manifest evidence of deliberate intention to defraud Local and State Governments of her due Revenue in the NIWA Park and Market abinitio including but not limited to Stallage fees tenement rate capitation rates etc "

"For completeness, all approvals and fees waivers granted in the spirit of goodwill or outstanding relationship with the Council are hereby revoked abinitio"

"Consequently, save for four years of sanitation arrears paid recently, you are expected to pay Onitsha South Local government the accumulated arrears of annual fees, sanitation fees at Council"s approval rate plus interest, fines etc"

Reacting, Chief Ngozi Okpagu said that he is already in Court to wrestle the Park and Market from the Onitsha South Local government.
According to him, the property belongs to NIWA who gave him the property to use.

Onitsha South
Seals NIWA Auto Park Over Non-Payment Of N5OOm Taxes

Titus Maduako Eleweke



Onitsha South Local Government, Anambra state has sealed the
Nigerian Inland Water Authority NIWA operator park over non-payment of N500 million taxes and levies.
The Onitsha local government council to take possession
revoked approvals it granted years ago.
The Chairman of the local government area Mr Emeka Joseph Orji said the council revoked and sealed the operator of the market and motor park because he is owing arrears of over N500 million tin axes and levies.

Recall that in the last month the trio of the Council area, the operator Chief Ngozi Ogbagu with Basil Ejidike and NIWA have been on a warpath over the actual owner of the market and park.

The duo of Ogbagu, the operator and Ejidike who was Chairman of the Council area when the approval was made 17 years ago had contended that the property belongs to NIWA, a federal government agency.

But Onitsha South local government area Orji insists that the park and market belong to the Council area and Anambra state government

Orji said that NIWA has no powers and right to lay claim to the property.

According to a letter entitled Revocation of All Approvals and or Exemption Revenues letter at NIWA Motor Park and Market, read in parts;

"We confirm that the purported exemption and or approval letters granted to you and your company are hereby revoked and declared void abinitio on the following grounds "

"The said exemption letters purportedly granted by the then T.C Chairman Hon Basil Ejidike and Secretary N. Udoji are not contained in the Revenue schedule of Onitsha South local government area or supported by any Finance and General Council (F&GC) extracts or records."

"Additionally, there is manifest evidence of deliberate intention to defraud Local and State Governments of her due Revenue in the NIWA Park and Market abinitio including but not limited to Stallage fees tenement rate capitation rates etc "

"For completeness, all approvals and fees waivers granted in the spirit of goodwill or outstanding relationship with the Council are hereby revoked abinitio"

"Consequently, save for four years of sanitation arrears paid recently, you are expected to pay Onitsha South Local government the accumulated arrears of annual fees, sanitation fees at Council"s approval rate plus interest, fines etc"

Reacting, Chief Ngozi Ogbagu said that he is already in Court to wrestle the Park and Market from the Onitsha South Local government.
According to him, the property belongs to NIWA who gave him the property to use.

Onitsha South
Seals NIWA Auto Park Over Non-Payment Of N5OOm Taxes

Titus Maduako Eleweke



Onitsha South Local Government, Anambra state has sealed the
Nigerian Inland Water Authority NIWA operator park over non-payment of N500 million taxes and levies.
The Onitsha local government council to take possession
revoked approvals it granted years ago.
The Chairman of the local government area Mr Emeka Joseph Orji said the council revoked and sealed the operator of the market and motor park because he is owing arrears of over N500 million tin axes and levies.

Recall that in the last month the trio of the Council area, the operator Chief Ngozi Ogbagu with Basil Ejidike and NIWA have been on a warpath over the actual owner of the market and park.

The duo of Ogbagu, the operator and Ejidike who was Chairman of the Council area when the approval was made 17 years ago had contended that the property belongs to NIWA, a federal government agency.

But Onitsha South local government area Orji insists that the park and market belong to the Council area and Anambra state government

Orji said that NIWA has no powers and right to lay claim to the property.

According to a letter entitled Revocation of All Approvals and or Exemption Revenues letter at NIWA Motor Park and Market, read in parts;

"We confirm that the purported exemption and or approval letters granted to you and your company are hereby revoked and declared void abinitio on the following grounds "

"The said exemption letters purportedly granted by the then T.C Chairman Hon Basil Ejidike and Secretary N. Udoji are not contained in the Revenue schedule of Onitsha South local government area or supported by any Finance and General Council (F&GC) extracts or records."

"Additionally, there is manifest evidence of deliberate intention to defraud Local and State Governments of her due Revenue in the NIWA Park and Market abinitio including but not limited to Stallage fees tenement rate capitation rates etc "

"For completeness, all approvals and fees waivers granted in the spirit of goodwill or outstanding relationship with the Council are hereby revoked abinitio"

"Consequently, save for four years of sanitation arrears paid recently, you are expected to pay Onitsha South Local government the accumulated arrears of annual fees, sanitation fees at Council"s approval rate plus interest, fines etc"

Reacting, Chief Ngozi Ogbagu said that he is already in Court to wrestle the Park and Market from the Onitsha South Local government.
According to him, the property belongs to NIWA who gave him the property to use.

Anambra Deputy Speaker constructs drainage channels for 230 Buildings in Awka

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Deputy Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly Nze Pius Okoye has intervened in flood erosion threatening 230 buildings in Amawbia Awka South local government area.


Two private schools and a three-star hotel are among the buildings being threatened by the flood erosion.
The erosion menace had almost swept away five schoolchildren but the speedy intervention of residents in the area created an ugly situation.
Inspecting the construction of drainages and the earth road in the area, the Deputy Speaker expressed worries over the challenges being faced by residents in the area for about five years.

He noted that with the construction of the water channels and the road over 230 buildings would be saved from flood erosion.

"This used to be a road to the farmlands in those days before people started building and the level of flood in this area is so much that it overfloods most buildings and we have a hill behind here that is capable of turning into a gully erosion as a result of the flooding "

"But with what we are doing now those days of fear and apprehension would be a thing of the past and the road would be more motorable compared with what was the case before now" he said

Okoye further explained that the road would be provided with security architecture given its boundary with the Nise community to avert crimes and criminalities.

He expressed gratitude to Gov Charles Soludo for all the assistance he has so far provided for the project to take off in earnest.

Recently the Deputy Speaker had made financial donations towards the mounting and commissioning of a new transformer in the area and urged the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company EEDC to expedite action on the project.

UNIMED honours Odugbemi with
Life Achievements Award


Maduako Igbokwe

University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo City, ONDO STATE has honoured the former Vice Chancellor of Lagos with a "Life Achievements Award”

The Award is given in recognition of his outstanding contributions to nature's sustainability and tremendously supporting growth of University of Medical Sciences( UNIMED),Ondo City.

The award was award ceremony was held on 31st August, 2023.

Tolu Olukayode Odugbemi NNOM, OON is a Nigerian professor of Medical Microbiology, educational administrator and former vice chancellor of the University of Lagos, Nigeria.He was the 9th vice chancellor of the University of Lagos.

Professor Tolu Odugbemi was born at Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria on 30th January 1945 but he hails from Oke-Igbo, Ondo State, Nigeria. After a primary education at Emmanuel School, Ado-Ekiti and the St. Stephen’s Anglican School, Ikare-Akoko, later secondary education at Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti between 1958 and 1964, Prof Odugbemi enrolled in the College of Medicine of the University of Lagos to read Medicine. He emerged with a BSc (Honours) degree in 1970 and the MB, BS Degree in 1972. He obtained Fellowships of the West African College of Physicians (FWACP) in 1976, the National Postgraduate Medical College (FMCPath) and the Royal College of Pathologists, UK (FRCPath). He is a Foundation Fellow, (FNAMed) and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Nigerian Academy of Medicine since May 17, 2019. He obtained a Diploma in Bacteriology from the University of Toronto, Canada (1976) as well as Doctor of Philosophy degree (PhD) University of Sheffield (1978) and Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in 1982 from the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

Prof Odugbemi was a Head of the Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin 1983-1985, and College of Medicine, University of Lagos combining these as consultant Microbiologist in the associated teaching hospitals for several years. Honorary Lecturer, Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Sheffield, UK, 1976-1978, Guest Researcher, Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Research Laboratory, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 1981-1982. Provost, College of Medicine of the University of Lagos (CMUL) and member, Governing Council, University of Lagos, January 1997- December, 2000, College Treasurer and Council Member of the West African College of Physicians,1989-1992. Chairman, Research Committee of the West African Health Community, 1989-1992. President/Chairman of Governing Board of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (2002-2003) and Member, Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, 2002-2003. Member of the Council of University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED) Ondo City, ONDO STATE,2015 to date.

Prof Odugbemi was an Editor and Editorial consultant to several medical journals and member of several professional bodies. He is a Fellow of the Nigeria Academy of Science, FAS. Prof Odugbemi was awarded the highest honour of a Distinguished Fellow of the Medical College of Nigeria (DFMC) by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria for his outstanding contributions to the medical profession. The University of Sheffield, United Kingdom, his alma mater, also in recognition of his positive contributions to the upliftment of education, conferred on him an honorary Doctor of Science (Hon DSc) degree on 21st July, 2011. On 23rd January, 2017, University of Lagos under its Legacy projects honoured him by renaming University of Lagos Staff School Hall, TOLULOPE ODUGBEMI HALL. Prof Odugbemi most recent publications are two books titled “Outline and Picture of Medicinal Plants from Nigeria” and “A textbook of Medicinal Plants from Nigeria” which provide in-depth information about medicinal plants and their usefulness in Nigeria. Prof Odugbemi was honoured with the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM) for his outstanding and distinguished academic scholarship and Officer of the Order of Niger (OON) on 6th December, 2007 and 14th February, 2008 respectively by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Prof Odugbemi is a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) (30th April 2007 - 30th January 2010) and former Vice-Chancellor, Ondo State University of Science and Technology, (OSUSTECH) Okitipupa, Nigeria (27th September 2010 - 26th September 2015). Prof Odugbemi, a recipient of many awards and traditional chieftaincy titles. Prof Odugbemi is happily married to Chief (Mrs) Titi Odugbemi and they are blessed with children and grandchildren. He is currently Baba Ijo of St Luke’s Anglican Church, Okeigbo effective December, 2016.

Anambra NUJ honours Chief Imoka, Dr Ezeonu

... Task Soludo on media partnership









Jessica Chinonyelum Edokobi



Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council has installed Hon. Azubike Demian Cosmas Imoka (Okwuoto Agulu)

CEO of ADC Imoka Farms and Agro Allied Industries Limited, makers of ADC Rice ; MD/CEO of Ozisigbago media limited, and

Dr Jane Nkolika Ezeonu, FWACP

Consultant Public Health Physician and Chairman Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Anambra State Branch as patrons of the union.



They were selected after nominations were made and screenings through rigorous processes.



Hon Azubuike Cosmas Imoka and Dr. Jane Ezeonu, thanked NUJ for the honour given to them to become part of the union. They promised to contribute their quotas to the growth and advancement of journalism in the state.

Chief Imoka promised to ensure he uses his good offices to mobilize support for NUJ at all times, adding that the honour is unique in all ramifications for him, while Dr Ezeonu insisted that more work awaits her for the union as a Patron. Ezeonu Jane is the wife of Prof Emeka Ezeonu of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka and former INEC REC ,Imo state.



This is coming as Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has been urged to collaborate more with journalists for the coordination and management of information in the state.

The call was made by the chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Anambra State, Comrade Humphrey Emeka Nwafor, at the NUJ 2023 Veterans and Patrons' Day Ceremony, an event organized by NUJ to celebrate patrons and veteran journalists in the state.



Delivering his Chairman's opening remark at the event, Comrade Humphrey Nwafor said NUJ and state government's collaboration facilitates the growth and development of the state. He also said such collaboration enables the teeming population within and outside the state to be better informed about happenings in the state.



Comrade Nwafor said NUJ is known for its doggedness to see that society hears things as they are. He also stressed that it is the work of journalists that guides society into becoming what it wants.



In his words "NUJ is known for its They promised to contribute their quota to the growth and advancement of journalism in the state.doggedness to see that society hears things as they are and it is the work of journalists that guides society into becoming what it wants".



In his Keynote address titled: "Nigeria Union Of Journalists; The Essence And Roles Of Patrons And Patroness In The Upliftment Of The Union," Head of Mass Communication Department Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Professor Cornelius Ukwueze, said NUJ is populated by unsung heroes and heroines who made marks and impacted the society in their careers as journalists.



According to him, veterans deserve to be celebrated because they survived all the odds and hazards of practicing journalism in the country. He however challenged patrons whom he described as influential personalities in their respective areas of specialization to use their influence to protect journalists from suppression, oppression, and discrimination in the state.



Speaking further, Prof. Ukwueze urged veteran journalists to use their wealth of knowledge to nurture upcoming journalists for the growth and expansion of the profession. He also urged them to use their power and influence to better the working conditions of those still active in the service.



Commending NUJ for the initiative to celebrate its elders, the State Director, of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) Anambra State, Sir Joseph Uchendu urged journalists to see themselves as patrons of their union before anyone else. He urged them to always watch their brother's back irrespective of the situation and circumstances.



NUJ President Comrade Chris Isiguzo, represented by the Zonal President, Comrade Emmanuel Ifesinachi, commended NUJ Anambra leadership in the state for celebrating the veterans, sayingits the most honourable thing to do by active players. He urged the members to give the union the maximum support it needs to keep the union afloat in the state and at the national level.



Meanwhile, Anambra NUJ Chairman, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD who earlier described journalists as the salt of the nation and moral barometers of the society, said the event was to appreciate the veterans and elders for what they contributed to the profession and the society at large during their active days.



He said those celebrated were patrons, journalists who had retired from the profession, and those who are still practicing but have devoted their careers, for decades, to the journalism practice in the state, as well as leaders of the union in capacity of chairmen and Secretaries.



In their reactions, some of the veterans including Onowu Rex Okechukwu, the pioneer NUJ Secretary; Peter Nwagu, a former Director of films, Ministry of Information; and Mrs Joy Ileka of Vanguard newspaper ans later Anambra Ministry of Information encouraged practicing journalists not to relent in their drive to serve the society.



In her remarks, the Matriarch of Anambra NUJ, and Vice-Chancellor Academics, Paul University Awka, Prof Chinyere Stella Okunna encouraged journalists to be ethical in all their dealings, while commending the selection of Hon Imoka and Dr Ezeonu foe the Paton awards.

Anambra Govt arrest 35 suspected drugs dealers, others

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Anambra State Government Joint Taskforce (JTF) on security has arrested 35 persons suspected of engaging in various crimes and criminalities in the state.
They were arrested at different locations by the men of Special Joint Task Force ( JTF) led Operation Clean and Health Anambra (Ocha Brigade) in collaboration with the Anambra Vigilante Group AVG.
The suspects were arrested in connection with drug peddling and Indian hemp smoking, extortion of money from motorists, picking a pocket, one chance and others.

Speaking on the arrest, the Public Relations Officer PRO of Ocha Brigade, Mr Anthony Agbafune said that the agency was determined to keep the state healthy and clean for the residents to live in.

According to him, those arrested were people terrorising the state and environment.
He said they were involved in robbing innocent citizens, selling hard drugs, (mkpurumiri) to youths, and stealing and extorting money from the motorists.
He said the governor had given them a mandate to raid off Anambra state of the bad eggs polluting the environment.

"We have the mandate of the governor to sanitise the state and make it habitable," he said.
Agbafune also stated that the suspects will be transferred to the appropriate authority for arraignment.
"We will soon move those suspects involved in drugs to National Drugs Law
Enforcement Agency( NDELA), Police and the Ministry of Justice for necessary actions. Our job is to pick the defaulters, document them and move them to the appropriate agency for necessary action" he stated.

He said the agency was determined and committed to eradicating the state of the nuisance in line with the governor's dream of a clean and healthy Anambra state.
According to him, the Managing Director of Ocha brigade Mr Celestine Annere has been committed to keeping the mandate of the agency.
He said that in the one year he has been piloting the affairs of the agency, a lot of positive things have happened interim of clearing Anambra of bad eggs.

Speaking to journalists, one of the suspects Mr Mike Agara from Taraba state said he smokes indian hemp but does not sell them.
According to him, the Indian hemp found in his room does not belong to him but to his brother who sells them.

Ikene Eze, from Enugu state, also admitted that he deals with mkpurumiri and others, noting that he gets his supply from Imo State.
According to him, he is involved in the drug business because he has no job and instead of becoming an armed robber.
He said he sells to those big truck drivers because they use them when driving at night to avoid sleeping.
Chima Abigwe from Lmo State, said he was arrested when he was sleeping in an open place because he does not have a home in Onitsha where he lives.

Chukwuemeka Chukwunoso from Anambra state, said he was arrested while walking to his house around 11 p.m....m..m. because there were no vehicles at that time.
Onyekachi Atu, from Abia state, said he was picked up on the road while moving to his house at a late hour.
On whether he was the only person on the road when he was arrested he said, he was arrested because he was not doing anything there.

Chukwurah Micheal, from Anambra state, who admitted to engaging in stealing people's money and property in vehicles appealed for forgiveness.
He said he was involved in the act because he had not been working.

Soludo may loose more Commissioners, Aides over high-handedness

Titus Maduako Eleweke

More of the governor of Anambra state Prof Charles Soludo's Commissioners and other aides may resign their appointments over what they considered high-handedness by the governor.

One of the commissioners, in charge of finance, Mr Ifeatu Onejeme on Thursday resigned from the government citing family affairs.

The Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Christian Aburime had on same Thursday announced the resignation of Commissioner for Finance Mr Ifeatu Onejeme.
In a statement, Aburime said Soludo had accepted the resignation of the commissioner and wish him well in his future endeavours.

He said that the governor had commended Onejeme for meritorious services to the government and the people of Anambra State.

"Mr Ifeatu Onejeme was appointed Commissioner for Finance by Governor Soludo at the beginning of the administration to help the new government settle in.

Mr Ifeatu Onejeme has also previously served as Commissioner during the Obiano’s administration .
"On behalf of the government and great people of Anambra State, i wish to express our gratitude for your commitment, professionalism and great service to Anambra State over the past nine and half years as Commissioner. I particularly appreciate your services over the past year and five months as you worked diligently to facilitate a seamless transition from the previous administration to the current one. While we will miss your services, i appreciate your personal and family circumstances that warrant the resignation. Here is wishing you success in your future endeavours and hope that you will continue to avail your services in the development of Anambra/Nigeria in other spheres. With all best wishes" he stated.

A source close to the government who did not want his name on print said that more commissioners and aides of the governor may likely resign their appointments given the way and manner Soludo treats them.
According to sources , the governor treats the commissioners and his aides as students and never allows them to make input during meetings.

"If Soludo is holding meeting with his commissioners and aides he does not give them the opportunity to air their opinions. He is the headmaster while others are pupils. He does not believe in cross fertilisation of ideas. He believes that he knows everything. Some of the commissioners and the aides who are principled may likely leave the government to face their businesses" he said.

The source, said that the commissioner for finance resigned from the government because of third party's interference in the affairs of his ministry and he decided to leave the government to maintain his integrity.
Our Correspondent gathered that Prof. Charles Soludo during the weekly Exco meeting lectures the executives for long as the meeting last.
He does not allow the executive members to contributions.

Tension: More Soludo's Commissioners, other Aides may resign over high-handedness

Titus Maduako Eleweke

More of the governor of Anambra state Prof Charles Soludo's Commissioners and other aides may resign their appointments over what they considered high-handedness by the governor.

One of the commissioners, in charge of finance, Mr Ifeatu Onejeme on Thursday resigned from the government citing family affairs.

The Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Christian Aburime had on same Thursday announced the resignation of Commissioner for Finance Mr Ifeatu Onejeme.
In a statement, Aburime said Soludo had accepted the resignation of the commissioner and wish him well in his future endeavours.

He said that the governor had commended Onejeme for meritorious services to the government and the people of Anambra State.

"Mr Ifeatu Onejeme was appointed Commissioner for Finance by Governor Soludo at the beginning of the administration to help the new government settle in.

Mr Ifeatu Onejeme has also previously served as Commissioner during the Obiano’s administration .
"On behalf of the government and great people of Anambra State, i wish to express our gratitude for your commitment, professionalism and great service to Anambra State over the past nine and half years as Commissioner. I particularly appreciate your services over the past year and five months as you worked diligently to facilitate a seamless transition from the previous administration to the current one. While we will miss your services, i appreciate your personal and family circumstances that warrant the resignation. Here is wishing you success in your future endeavours and hope that you will continue to avail your services in the development of Anambra/Nigeria in other spheres. With all best wishes" he stated.

A source close to the government who did not want his name on print said that more commissioners and aides of the governor may likely resign their appointments given the way and manner Soludo treats them.
According to sources , the governor treats the commissioners and his aides as students and never allows them to make input during meetings.

"If Soludo is holding meeting with his commissioners and aides he does not give them the opportunity to air their opinions. He is the headmaster while others are pupils. He does not believe in cross fertilisation of ideas. He believes that he knows everything. Some of the commissioners and the aides who are principled may likely leave the government to face their businesses" he said.

The source, said that the commissioner for finance resigned from the government because of third party's interference in the affairs of his ministry and he decided to leave the government to maintain his integrity.
Our Correspondent gathered that Prof. Charles Soludo during the weekly Exco meeting lectures the executives for long as the meeting last.
He does not allow the executive members to contributions.

Philanthropic to train 500 youths on poverty eradication in Anambra


Titus Maduako Eleweke

An oil and gas expert and philanthropic, Engr. Johnbosco Onunkwo has concluded plans to train 500 Anambra youths for the eradication of poverty.


Onunkwo who is the founder of Johnbosco Onunkwo foundation, a youths based foundation for the harnessing of youths potential stated this at the weekend after being honoured with "Leadership and Community Service of Excellence" Award by the Ohaneze Youth ,Anambra state.

He said that he had through his foundation instituted a lot of programmes such as aquatic building training, Agro-Allied training and scholarship to youth just to eradicate poverty among them.
"We tend to start the training with 500 youths for eradication of poverty and we have also empowered 100. we will continue to empower the youths through the entrepreneurial skills acquisition because youths are the pillar of the society" he said.
Onunkwo also stated that he donated N5 million to Nnamdi Azikiwe University to do research on environmental friendly society.

According to him, the foundation is putting in place a seminar for the youth to discoverer their talents in order to eradicate poverty,especially mental poverty among them.
He described mental poverty as major bedrock for youth misfortune, and assured of lifting up the youth for greater services to the nation.
According to Onunkwo , the seminar would be used for youths talent identification and to empower them accordingly to be better citizens.
He also stated that he has sponsored the youth in south east on the problems of insecurity in the South East and the cause.

He said that most importantly, he wants to unite and bring all factions of Ohaneze youths together under one leader for a meaningful development in the region .

We are gradually restoring power supply to Anambra , other states in south East - EEDC

Titus Maduako Eleweke

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) has stated the outage is gradually being restored to South East.


Head Corporate Communication, EEDC Emeka Ezeh in a statement on Thursday in Awka announced to customers that energy supply are gradually being restored after the total system collapse.

According to him,Awada Transmission station, Onitsha has been restored and our Awada, Osamala, 3-3, Army Barracks, Nnewi-Orba, and Obosi 33KV feeders and the PPI and IUNT 11KV outgoing feeders have recieved supply so far in Anambra State.

He also stated that the Ugwuaji Transmission station has equally received supply and Gariki 33KV feeder was restored so far.

"New-Haven Transmission station has received supply and Kingsway 33KV Line 1 and Power-House 11KV outgoing feeder have been restored so far.

Agu-Awka Transmission station received supply but is presently placed on station services only.

Kindly note that restoration after system collalse is gradual to avoid further collapse or challenges.

Restoration is ongoing and we appeal to our customers in locations that are yet to be restored to be patient as all hands are on deck.

EEDC remains committed to delivering improved services to her esteemed customers" he said .