₦airaland Forum

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 .

Bureaucratic bottleneck: Abia State Civil servants' hostility to official correspondence



In the heart of Nigeria's southeastern region lies Abia State, a land of rich culture and untapped potential. However, amidst the vibrant spirit of this state, a pressing issue has persisted over the years, stifling development and impeding the vital communication between civil society organizations and government offices. The problem at hand is the bureaucratic bottleneck that has plagued the submission of letters to government ministries, departments, and agencies in Abia State.

This bureaucratic hindrance is not a recent phenomenon; it has endured through past administrations and continues to persist even under the leadership of an astute administrator and revered banker, Dr. Alex C. Otti. Dr. Otti, who undoubtedly understands the operational standards of the corporate world, especially when it comes to official correspondence, is, unfortunately, facing a challenge within his administration—the hostility of civil servants towards acknowledging the receipt of vital letters from civil rights organizations.

Numerous civil society organizations have encountered this frustrating bureaucratic bottleneck when attempting to communicate officially with government ministries and parastatals in Abia State. Recently, a poignant example of this issue emerged when the Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative penned a letter aimed at capacity building of civil servants and possibly could lead to attracting donor agencies. The letter, intended for the State Auditor General's office, was met with disbelief when the administrative officer refused to acknowledge its receipt. Astonishingly, the reason provided was an instruction allegedly given by the Governor, Dr. Alex C. Otti himself. This excuse, quite frankly, appears far-fetched and unbelievable coming from an administrative officer in a public office.

One must ask, how could a seasoned professional from the corporate world, like Dr. Alex C. Otti, give such an absurd instruction to impede the vital work of civil society organizations in Abia State? This incident raises questions not only about the efficiency of official communication but also about the transparency and accountability within the state's administrative machinery.

The consequences of this longstanding correspondence hindrance in Abia State have been dire. It has contributed significantly to the state's poor development and the absence of donor agencies. Donor agencies play a crucial role in supporting initiatives that can uplift communities and improve the lives of citizens. However, when letters that could facilitate aid and collaboration are met with skepticism and resistance, it creates a hostile environment that discourages facilitators of these agencies from engaging with the Abia State Government for a proper understanding of the help to render.

There is an urgent need for the current administration in Abia State, under the leadership of Dr. Alex C. Otti, to address this anomaly. It is imperative to refute the purported instruction given by the governor and put an end to the prevailing culture of not officially acknowledging the receipt of correspondence. Open and transparent communication between government offices and civil society organizations is essential for the growth and development of Abia State.

The bureaucratic bottleneck that has persisted for years must be dismantled, and a new era of collaboration, accountability, and development must dawn. Abia State has immense potential, and it is time to unlock it by fostering an environment where civil rights organizations can effectively communicate and collaborate with government entities, ultimately leading to progress and prosperity for all its citizens.

Written by:
*Okoye, Chuka Peter*
Executive Director - Cehraws
chukesto@gmail.com

EEDC announces total system collapse in Anambra , other eastern states


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Less than 24 hours, Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) said it has fully restored power supply in Anambra state, it has announced a total system collapse in the South East region,including Anambra.
The Head, Corporate Communications, EEDC, Emeka Ezeh in a statement on Thursday made available to our correspondent in Awka, said there was a total system collapse which occurred at 12:40am, early hour of today.

According to him, the development has resulted into the loss of supply currently being experienced across the network.

"Due to this development, all our interface TCN stations are out of supply, and we are unable to provide service to our customers in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States.

We are on standby awaiting detailed information of the collapse and restoration of supply from the National Control Centre (NCC), Osogbo" he said

EEDC restores energy supply to parts of Anambra, apologises to customers





Titus Maduako Eleweke

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) has fully restored power supply to its customers in parts of Anambra State that were affected by the recent power outage.

In a statement by the Head, of Corporate Communications, EEDC, Mr Emeka Ezeh the outage was caused by a fault at the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) Station, Awada.

According to Eze, the full restoration of supply followed the successful transfer of the affected 33KV feeders to the newly commissioned 100MVA power transformer in TCN Station, Awada.

He said EEDC apologised to customers of the company who were affected by the unfortunate and unforeseen development.

Eze thanked the consumers for their patience and understanding while the power outage lasted.

He appealed to customers to appreciate the position and role of the distribution companies in the electricity supply industry, stating that, "once there is a disruption within the space of any member of the value chain, it impacts on the service delivery of the distribution companies to customers".

"In this case, the power transformer belonging to TCN which serves as the source of power to our 33KV feeders was faulty, and as a result, we lost supply and couldn't serve our customers," he stated

He further recounted the millions of Naira the company lost as revenue within the period of the incident.

It will be recalled that parts of Anambra State were without power supply for over a week due to the faulty TR11, 60MVA power transformer at the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) Station, Awada.

Pay our members' N900.7m debts, IPMAN tells Soludo




Titus Maduako Eleweke


The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has appealed to Governor Charles Soludo to pay her members the sum of N900.7 million debt owed to about 70 contractors for the diesel supplied to the Anambra government in 2022.


IPMAN appealed in a letter to Soludo which was signed by Mr Chinedu Anyaso and Mr Emeka Iloafor, the chairman and Secretary of the association respectively and made available to journalists in Awka on Wednesday.


The letter was entitled "Request For Debt Payment OF N900,664,805.00 Owed Our Members For Diesel Supplied And Services Rendered In Respect Of Street Lights".


The association said the decision to intervene in the protracted transactions was reached at its Annual General Meeting held in Enugu on August 24.


It explained that the debts were for March and April 2022 being the period they got approval to supply and after the exit of the administration of Chief Willie Obiano they were directed to stop by the Soludo administration.


IPMAN appealed to Soludo to clear the outstanding debts which had been verified to enable the affected members who were already going out of business to remain afloat.


It notes that the marketers have had their trading capitals trapped with the government and that those who obtained bank loans were in a liquidity crisis because of their inability to pay.

The letter said "We IPMAN covering Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States write to appreciate the good works you are doing in Anambra and commend all your efforts in making the State a livable place.


"Sir, we want to bring to your notice that your department in charge of paying for diesel and services on the Anambra Street lights has refused to offset an outstanding debt owed to our members.


"The debt is to the tune of N900,664,805 accrued for March and April 2022.

"Mr. Governor, our members are dying because of these debts and the banks are chasing them around to settle the funds loaned to them to do this business.

"We attach the breakdown of the debts for your records Sir," it said.



Mr TonyCollins Nwabunwanne, Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs whose office was overseeing the transaction said he had not seen the letter.
Nwabunwanne said he was aware of the transactions and plights of the contractors and the government would take the necessary action.

NGO initiate programme to take care of aged persons in Anambra



Maduako Igbokwe

A non-governmental organisation
First Best Domiciliary Home Care World, has initiated programme to take care of aged persons in Anambra state.
The programme is designed to take care of the aged people who are abandoned by their children in the state .

Speaking at the launch of the programme,a United States of America based clinical psychologist, Prof Kanayo Ofodile described old age as a death sentence in Nigeria.
According to him, many children had abandoned their aged parents without care and compassion in the country.

He said: "I reside in a civiized countries, U.S to be precise, and we see and learn how they care so much about old people. People who are vulnerable and cannot cater for themselves anymore.


"But it is a sad situation in our country. It looks like old age is a death sentence in our society. Children abandon their aged parents and relatives without care.

"Many aged persons are homeless, abandoned, lonely, unhealthy and unkempt, hence, the establishment of this organisation. There is the need to start prioritizing care for the elderly.

"We will be going round the state to pick up and cater for abandoned aged persons and our trained social officers will be going to give home care to those who crave for such services.

"We will be applying spirituality, clinical formulation and reasoning to improve the lives of the aged. Our society should not abandon the elderly, they are still very relevant."

Ofodile called for a re-orientation of the younger generation on the need to see the care of the elderly as an obligation.


In his speech, Mr Ikemefuna Nwafor, Chairman of the event, said that the programme was aimed at setting a template on what should happen to the aged segment of the population.


"It is sad that the aged in civilised countries aged gracefully and successfully while their counterparts in Nigeria are aging in abandonment and fraustration.

"Old age is a stage of life that we will all get to. It does not take a century to get there, it is just a matter of time. So, we need to plan and prepare to do better in taking care of the elderly in our society, "

‘First Domiciliary home care world’ as the name implies is the first of its kind in our clime
dedicated to the care of Geriatrics or the senile old in our society. I will freely refer to them here
as FIRST CARE. Available statistics shows that the geriatrics are increasingly without
adequate care where they exist and sometimes completely without care and attention in the
developing countries. The consequence is the unimaginable assault on the mental and physical
health of the aged, gross reduction in our life expectancy and young people that will be left
without parental care at their young adult age.
The developed countries like the United States of America, Canada and United Kingdom have
carefully documented the statistics as it affects the geriatrics. These demonstrates the importance
of taking care of the senile old in any decent society. The United States expects the 65+ to grow
from 16% in 2019 to 21.6% by 2040. The 85+ is projected to more than double from 6.6million in
2019 to14.4m by 2040 (increase of 118%) and that sets the alarm of preparing to cater for the
old and informs on the gains of previous efforts on the geriatrics. Nobody wants to die once cared
for but the desire to quickly exit is activated by the absence of adequate care. We must therefore
care for the old.
Conversation is gradually shifting from simply aging to successful aging in developed societies.
About 6.9% of the aged and 2.2% of the oldest are classified as aging successfully in any year in
the United States" he said.

He said that the FIRST CARE will be introducing into our Domiciliary care experience trained and professional care
givers akin to what’s obtainable in the western world.
According to him, customized training will be top notch
with unmatched response time designed to minister to our local terrain.

He said the most common health conditions in the aged are noncommunicable diseases.

"FIRST CARE in partnership and relationship with approved and
accredited health institutions will offer unique attention that caters for health of the geriatrics
and the senile old.

Part of the uniqueness of FIRST CARE is the availability of Holiday and Relaxation hubs. Geriatrics
will be made to periodically spend fitness and relaxation time away from traditional habitat. FIRST
CARE will be available to do the movement. This, however, will be for a brief period before they
are returned to their traditional homes.
FIRST CARE will hopefully offer our people scattered across the globe the relaxed nerves (aware
that some people somewhere at home are taking care of their aged parents in the
traditional/natural home) to excel in their businesses and careers. With homes/centers fitted with
360’ solar powered cameras and programmed for real time viewing the conditions of the
geriatrics will offer joy to children and sponsors as they walk through their last bus stops of life
with gladness.
FIRST CARE is here, first care is primed to change the aging dynamics in our environment. The
ritual of multiple burials every weekend must be reduced, life expectancy of 57.75yrs (2023) must
increase and the Society must be happier" he stated.

Mr Ekene Mbah, Director, Care Services of the NGO N, said that over 80 per cent of the elderly in the society lack good domestic care and spend their old age through pains due to negligence and lack of caregivers.

Mbah said that the organisation would be saddled with a new approach of taking care to the homes of the aged to cater for their needs and improve their lives.

He urged the state government and well-meaning individuals to support the organisation in its mission.

"Owing to the nature of this care-giving services, we appeal for support in the areas ambulance for emergency and utility vehicles for movement of social officials across the state.

"We also need a mini bus for strolling with aged persons as part of their fun experiences and a piece of land to build a geriatric Home Centre for training of caregivers, for relaxation and home to homeless aged persons" he stated.

In his remarks, Igwe Emeka Ilouno of Ifitedunu, said that the elderly
needed care and company as
loneliness and depression killed them faster.

"This is a laudable project and we promise that our communities will work with you because we want our people to age gracefully, fulfilled and longer, " he said.

Solution Walk For Healthy Living Holds in Awka on Saturday Sept. 9

Titus Maduako Eleweke

The second edition of the monthly health walk popularly known as "Solution Walk For Healthy Living" comes up on Saturday September 9,2023.



Chairman of Anambra State Sports Development Commission Patrick-Estate Onyedum made this known
in a Statement in Awka,Anambra State .

According to Onyedum, Prof. Charles Soludo and his wife, Dr Nonye Soludo would lead the health walk scheduled to take place at the Awka Township Stadium.

The Commission Chairman said the "Solution Walk For Healthy Living" is practical commitment of Gov. Soludo towards promoting a healthy and active population.

He called on the residents of the state across all ages and walk of life to come out at the stadium on Saturday to participate in the walk.

Illegal detention:
Keke Drivers demand compensation from Anambra govt


Titus Maduako Eleweke


Anambra Keke Drivers Forum AKDF has demanded that one of its members whose Keke was detained for one week illegally must be compensated by the government.

One, Mr Everest Mboto, a Keke driver was arrested and detained for no just cause, after he had paid his monthly taxi and other obligations to the state government.
Mboto said that his Keke was arrested when men of Anambra State Road Traffic Agency ARTMA accosted him and demanded for bribe, when he declined they arrested him.

According to him, many of the Keke drivers who paid N500 were allowed to continue to work, even loading on the main roads.

He said "My Keke was detained for one week without just cause and Anambra state board of Internal Revenue would demand for the payment of the one week in which my sources of livelihood were denied me. The State Government is making the lives of the poorest of the poor in the state to live in mystery. The government is compounding the economic situation of the poorest of the poor in the state. If you pay your taxes, it will not be reflected in the government's app. Will I be punished for the government's ineptitude" .
Speaking on the matter, the Coordinator of
Anambra keke Drivers Forum (AKDF), Comrade Osita Obi said that the management of ARTMA will be held responsible for this irresponsible act.

According to him, ARTMA must pay for the one week Everest Mboto did not go to work as a result of the impoundment of his keke.

He stated that AKDF will no longer allow its members to be treated this way, saying that somebody must take responsibility for this obnoxious behaviour.
He, however, urged the Keke drivers to discharge their civic duties by paying their taxes when due and also to obey traffic rules in the state


Also speaking on the illegal detention of Keke by the state agents, one of the Keke operators
Ifeanyi Okereke non- punishment for erring government officials were responsible for the impunity of the tax enforcement team and other government agents in the state.

According to him, somebody must be held responsible for his action, regretting that in Anambra state Keke riders are treated as third-class citizens.

"Everybody wants to make money from the Keke drivers. The government is stretching on tax payments. It forces us to pay even when our Keke are in mechanics, we pay when we are admitted to the hospital without working. We are already on the ground and the government is just matching on us.

You can't hold someone's means of livelihood unjustly for one week and you don't pay for it. The government must be responsible because the riders met all their obligations to the government.
In most cases this is one of the reasons why the law enforcement agencies go Scot free for all these abuses of law" he said.

Soludo names Anambra International Convention Centre after Obiano

Titus Maduako Eleweke,

Anambra State International Convention Centre (ICC),Awka will be named after the immediate past governor of the state Chief Willie Obiano.

The governor of Anambra state Prof. Soludo gave the hint during the Anambra Investment Summit 2023 held at the centre Awka on Thursday.
The Anambra State investment summit had the theme " Laying The Foundation for a Prosperous Smart Mega City"

Soludo said , this is in recognition of his immense contribution to the development of the state.

According to Soludo, who commended the past governor for his vision to build the edifice said Obiano deserved the honour.

The governor said that though, he had not inform chief Obiano about his plans , noting that he deserve to be honoured by naming centre after him.

He said time has come to honour every Anambra leader who had made meaningful contributions to the development of the state.

"The International Conference centre ICC,Awka will be name after chief Willie Obiano for his vision. We will also find other institutions to name after other past governors like chief Emeka Ezeife, Dr Chris Nhige , Peter Obi.
We will also honour other Ndi Anambra people who had contributed immensely to the development of the state" he said.

He also stated that for those who have been making sacrifice, the state government will design awards to appreciate them.
According to him, in the recognition, they will considered on what the person has done to the development of the state , number of people in his/ her employment.

Prof Ibe celebrates Iwuanyanwu @ 81

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Member of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Presidential Advisory Council Prof Gregory Ibe has felicitated with the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu on his 81st birthday anniversary.

Speaking on the heels of the commemoration of the milestone attainment of the octogenarian era by Chief Iwuanyanwu, Prof Ibe appreciated God for granting the renowned politician, businessman and philanthropist sound health and a brilliant mind.

" I want to join men of goodwill across the globe in congratulating our renowned leader Chief Engr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Ahaejiagamba, on the historic commemoration of his 81st birthday"
"I want to particularly thank God for granting him good health mentally and bodily, even in this octogenarian period of his life, while praying that the same grace will be sufficiently available to take him to his nonagenarian era"he stated.
Chief Iwuanyanwu was born on 4 September 1942 and he is a renowned industrialist and Igbo leader of repute.

Soludo charged to probe his commissioner over crises in Anambra communities



Chuks Collins, Awka

In recent times, communal crises -Igweship and town union tussles were rocking various communities in Anambra State.

Some of these included, Ifite-Dunu, Nawfia, Abacha, Oba, Ojoto and many others.

The most notorious is the alleged persistent recognition of and public fraternity by some notable officials of the State government led by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, Mr Tony Collins Nwabunwanne with a court dethroned traditional ruler of Alor community in Idemili South Council of the State, Chief Mac-Anthony Elibe Okonkwo. This is currently rocking the peace and cohesion in the area.

Consequently, Gov Chukwuma Soludo has been called on to investigate and probe the Commissioner as he was accused of having a hand in most of these crises.

He was also alleged to being key participant in their instigating, dating back to when he was Special Adviser to former Gov. Willie Obiano on Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs. Hence was working at variance with the progress of the State and against the public interest.

The immediate past President General of Alor People's Convention, Chief Uzoma Igbonwa while responding to a question from journalists on the tense atmosphere in the hitherto peaceful Alor community pointed out that Mac Anthony Okonkwo was formally dethroned vide an Anambra High court judgment of Feb 17, 2022. His motion for stay of execution was declined by the High Court, but surprisingly, he has continued to parade himself/passing off as, dressing as and presenting himself as a traditional ruler of Alor both in private and in public. He refused to heed to the subsisting court judgment that dethroned him and the State Attorney-General’s recent advice and legal opinion notwithstanding.

It would be recalled that Alor is the country home of the former governor of the State and immediate past Minister of Labour/Employment, Senator Chris Ngige.

This unwholesome situation, Igbonwa stated, "has elicited tension, confusion, agitations, and restiveness in the community, especially among the youths.

According to the February 17, 2022 court judgment, Okonkwo was ordered to desist thenceforth from parading or presenting himself as a traditional ruler.

It was on the strength of this court verdict and the absence of any other impediment that the community had in 2022 elected and enthroned HRM Igwe Collins Ebelechukwu Chukwumesili as Ezediohamma 111of Alor, Igbonwa added.

Instructively, he pointed out that, "Igwe Chukwumesili was chosen from Uruezeana village in Ifite Section, the rightful and appropriate area whose turn it was to present the new Igwe, as was copiously outlined in the operational Constitution of Alor and consistent with the judgment of the High Court."

Chief Mac-Anthony Okonkwo's surprising illegitimate and unfortunate emergence had remained tenuous and troubled because he hail from the last and youngest Umuokwu Village of Ifite Section of Alor. It was actually a journey to nowhere which had brought nothing apart from darkness, gloom and crises to Alor since he bulldozed his way and fouled the Chieftancy selection arena, when he knows that his Umuokwu village was not in reckoning as far as the Alor Igweship stool was concerned presently, until it gets to her turn in many generations to come.

When contacted, one of the old Ichies, Ichie Ifeanyi Obiazi (Ichie Idee 111 of Alor) bemoaned "the ugly situation Okonkwo had brought upon a once sure-footed progressive Alor community."

Referring our Correspondent to the verdict of court that removed him, Ichie Obiazi expressed shock that he was still clinging to his traditional rulership claim and illusion.

Throwing more light to the conundrum, Ichie Obiazi rhetorically asked, have you ever seen it anywhere in global history where anyone mounted the throne while his father is alive. Would he be breaking kola nut for and or in the presence of his own father, as the traditional ruler? That will be opprobrious.

Mac Anthony Okonkwo's father is very much alive and strong. It's even under his roof that his son, Mac-Anthony, is still living and carrying on as "Igwe" while the folly lasted.

In all these community crises, our investigations, it was disclosed that it's people of Nwabunwanne's ilk that provided the offensive manure that nourishes such festering malady all over the state.

However, apparently reacting to the legal counsel of the State's Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Okonkwo, through one Emeka Ikegwuogu as his spokesman, at a press conference in Awka at the weekend insisted that he "remains the authentic traditional ruler of Alor".

More so, in a letter to the immediate past President General of Alor community, dated August 22,2023, the State's Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice had cautioned Okonkwo to be guided by the court verdict in Suit HID/354/2019, save and until contrary is established. "In the interim, Mac-Anthony Chinedu Elibe Okonkwo is not the Igwe of Alor, and he must stop disturbing the peace of Alor community with his childish behaviour. No reasonable Alor man or woman pays Mac-Anthony any attention. For him, Alor Igweship stool is a business venture and he must not rule Alor people by force".

The State's law compass also pointed out that, "Having been satisfied that the judgment and orders delivered in the suit are the extant and subsisting orders of the court between the parties and on the same subject matter, save and until the contrary is established, Mr Mac Anthony Chinedu Okonkwo should not conduct or superintendent over the new yam festival scheduled on Saturday, August 5, 2023 in the purported capacity of traditional ruler of Alor town is unlawful and against the public peace of the town, therefore he is restrained from doing so to avoid total breakdown of law and order in the community."

It needs highlighting here that Alor community cannot in anyway be seen as inconsequential, having produced a State Governor, Senator, Ministers, incumbent Clerk of the Senate, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Judges, Magistrates, and top business moguls in different areas of discipline, members of the State Assembly and different top government appointees at the Federal and State levels.

Prof. Elo Onyeka, a respectable indigene of Alor, wondered why none of the distinguished well-read citizens was in the motley crowd of Okonkwo's praise singing press conference.

While blaming the crises in most Anambra communities on Nwabunwanne who was alleged to be sitting on most official letters concerning communities and Chieftancy issues, Chief Max Oruche from Ifite-Dunu accused Mr. Collins Nwabunwanne of being too young, inexperienced and immature for the office he occupies, and not sound on the general customs and tradition of most communities in the State and/or working against Gov. Soludo's vision for democracy to thrive in Anambra communities.

Nwabunwanne in reaction to the leadership/rulership crises ravaging the State, especially as he was accused of instigating some blamed those who never liked his rising profile. But vowed to overcome all their antics and come out without blemish.

Records revealed that while trying to paper the heavily cracked walls of the traditional rulership/community leadership mess he allegedly actively participated in during the immediate past administration of Chief Willie Obiano, -Nwabunwanne was visibly attacking Soludo's efforts and the hope for reelection later 2024, as he is creating enemies for Gov. Soludo.

This should be a wake up call for the governor to x-ray Nwabunwanne's activities and some other officials who have become heavy baggage to the administration.

EEDC blames power outage in south east on NLC strike

Titus Eleweke, Awka

Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) has stated that the current loss of power supply being experienced in parts of its network in South East is due to the industrial action embarked by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).
EEDC, Head, Corporate Communications, Emeka Eze on Wednesday said the strike action led to the shutdown of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) Stations, feeding its Injection Substations.



According to him, the development affected supply to customers of EEDC under Ogui, Abakpa, Umuahia, Owerri, New Owerri, Orlu, and Mbaise districts, feeding from the affected TCN Stations.

“We shall continue to monitor events and provide timely updates as it affects our operations and service to our customers”.

“We are mindful of the inconveniences this situation has caused our esteemed customers and plead for their understanding” he stated.

Anambra APC Chairman denies embezzling Onitsha South LGA's funds


Titus Maduako Eleweke


Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Anambra State chapter Chief Basil Ejidike, has denied the reports that he embezzled Onitsha South Local Government Area funds, during his tenure as the Council Chairman between 2003-2006.

Daily Trust had gathered that the present Transition Committee Chairman of Onitsha South local government council , Hon. Emeka Orji accused Chief Ejidike, of stolen undisclosed millions of Naira being revenue accruing to the Council through National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Motor Park, Bridgehead, Onitsha, during his tenure.

Recalled that the motor park in question was being managed by Onitsha-based businessman, Chief Ngozi Okpagu, Managing Director, J.N.Okpagu and Sons Ltd. before trouble broke out between him and the current Onitsha South Council Chairman.

Emeka Orji had alleged that Ejidike refused to remitte revenue-accruable to the Council which is constitutionally empowered to manage parks within its jurisdiction.

It was further gathered that at the heat of the controversy, the APC Chairman was fingered by the current transaction chairman of having signed a fraudulent agreement with Chief Okpagu over remittance of revenue due to the Council.

According to Orji, the funds paid by Chief Okpagu as revenue to the State through the Local Government was diverted by the APC Chairman, Basil Ejidike, to his private pocket.

According to him, Chief Okpagu had an agreement with the Council over the remittance of revenue from NIWA Park to the local government, but regretted that such funds never got to Council coffers.

"Chief Ejidike, in his reaction debunked the allegation levelled against him, on Wednesday while briefing Journalists.
According to him, the report was ‘false, cook by his enemies to tarnished his political reputation he has built for over decades.

" I am very much surprised that Hon. Emeka Orji, will go to that extent without informing me as best of friends. We do eat and drink together. I am surprised.

"Let me say it, non of these allegations level against me is true. I am innocent of the allegations.

"It is on record, according to Decree No 13 of 1997 establishing NIWA, that for any known water channel declare by the Federal Government in any state of the federation, there will be a measurement of 100 metres from the water bank in both sides, and that is what is called "The right of way to NIWA authority" and they use that to service the water ways. So it has no interference by the State or local government authorities.

"In the case of the controversial land in which Chief Okpagu, is operating a motor park situated within the jurisdiction of NIWA in Onitsha, concerned the federal government and have nothing to do with Onitsha South Local Government Authority or Anambra State Government at large. In otherwise , that 100 metres land in question in Onitsha, belongs to NIWA exclusively to the federal government of Nigeria.

"The matter has been there before I was made Onitsha South Council Chairman between 2003-2006 respectively" he stated.

Ejidike urged Hon Orji to retract his actionn for sake of peace and , called on the general public to disregard the information.

In his reaction, Chief Ngozi Okpagu, the Managing Director of J.N.Okpagu and Sons Ltd, absolved the State APC Chairman of the allegations, saying that he has never for once paid any revenue accrued to Onitsha South to Ejidike, when he was the Chairman of the Council Area.

He noted that the controversial land was allocated to him by the federal government and not Onitsha council area as being speculated.

According to him, he dealt directly with the federal government and not the state.

He said the matter is currently in the Court between himself and Hon. Emeka Orji.

Okpagu, however, accused Orji of extorting him of 7.5 million naira in a hostile manner.

Why power power outage in Awka, Anambra -- EEDC

Titus Maduako Eleweke


The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) has stated that the power outage currently being experienced in Awka, Anambra State was due to the loss of supply from its source of power at TCN Station, Onitsha, at about 6:53pm, on Wednesday.


According to a statement by the EEDC Head, Corporate Communications, Emeka Eze , the power outage was a result of this development, hence all feeders under EEDC Awka district are out of power supply.

He said that the TCN engineers are already patrolling the lines to ascertain the cause of power outage.

"We therefore apologise to our esteemed customers in Awka and appeal for their patience and understanding as we are on standby, hoping that issue is resolved and power restored within the shortest time possible" he said .

Fact checking becoming key to practice of journalism, Don tells practitioners

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Former Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka,Anambra state Prof Stella Okunna has disclosed that fact checking of stories has become critical component to the practice of journalism in the country.

According to her, any person who writes without Bleep checking his stories has no business in the profession.

Prof. Okunna who was a former Head of Department, Mass Communication, Nnamdi Azikiwe University stated this on Wednesday at Ikenga online training workshop for investigative journalists in South East in Awka, Anambra state.

The theme of the training was titled, "Ikenga Media and Cultural Awareness Initiative( IMCAI) Training for Journalists on reporting in a treacherous and incurred environment".
The one day training was supported by MacArthur Foundation and facilitated by Wole Soyinka Investigative Journalism.

She said that fact checking of stories has become important with the way things are going in Nigeria.

According to her,people can no longer create news without first fact checkng their stories, noting that any person without first fact checking his stories has no business being in the business of journalism.

" Every journalist must fact check his stories before publishing. Don't take anything for granted and if you can not fact-check your stories , look for another thing to do. Fact checking has become very critical and important ingredient in the practice of journalism" she said .

Speaking on ethical issues: what kind of news is news, the Coordinator, Ikenga Media & Cultural Awareness Initiative, Dr Chido Onumah and his colleague, Mr Uzor Maxim Uzoatu, described investigative journalism as hallmark of societal development.

They argued that upholding the ethics of journalism profession was needed to excel in the industry.

Earlier, the Editor-in-Chief of Ikenga online, Mr Uche Ugboajah, who explained that the medium established in 2022 was positioned to give voice to the South East.

He added that the training was part of their plans to build the capacity of journalists in the zone, thereby help in promoting good governance, gender equality, inclusion of people living with disabilities, among others.

Protesters against Isuanaicha's monarch are disgruntled elements, says commissioner


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Anambra state Commissioner for Homeland Affairs, Hon. Chikaodli Anara has described those who protested against the issuance of certificate to duly elected traditional ruler of Isuanaicha Community, Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State HRH, Igwe (Barr.) Mkpuorah Ngini as disgruntled elements.

The Commissioner who spoke through one of his media aides comrade Nweke Nweke on Friday said HRH, Igwe (Barr.) Mkpuorah Ngini was duly elected by the members of the community and government issued him with certificate of recognition.
Anara said that the present administration of the state governor, Prof. Charles Soludo has done so much by ensuring the peaceful installation of a duly elected traditional ruler and President General (PG) of the community respectively aimed at restoring peace to the area after 16 years of absence of a monarch.
He attributed the activities of unknown Gunmen and other illegal armed men to some influential personalities who are allegedly on government wanted list over their involvement in a murder case.
According to Anara ,the recent protest by hired women in the area by some disgruntled elements was not only laughable but also a bluff and scheme meant to tarnish his image .

He said, "Ordinarily, we would have allowed the nonsense issue to die its natural death as it is a known fact that the claim of those who went to the venue of the Isuanaocha Women August Meeting held on Monday, the 21st of August 2023, forced the women to converge the following day (Tuesday) for the protest or pay 5,000 fine, did so to shelve their image from the murder charge they are facing".

"I am here to dust the claim of the known troublemakers from Isuanaicha Community, Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State who are determined to smear the image of the Commissioner for Homeland Affairs, Hon. Chikaodli Anara through the by-forced protest, they held on Tuesday the 22nd day of August, 2023.

Some disgruntled elements from the Isuanocha community have been trying to portray that the community is boiling, and therefore forced some law-abiding citizens of the area to go into a protest after duly elected traditional ruler, HRH, Igwe (Barr.) Mkpuorah Ngini had been issued with a certificate of recognition by the State Government recently" .

According to him, information had it that the protesters were allegedly led by one Mr. Fredrick Egwunwa who claims to be the Caretaker President of the town , who publicly accused the Hon. Commissioner for Homeland Affairs, Chief Chikodi Anarah of allegedly imposing the monarch on Isuanaocha people.
"The claim is not only laughable but totally depicts the highest disorder but we have it on good authority that there is nothing like a caretaker committee in Isuanaocha as there is a substantive President General, in the person of Chief Paul Okoye."

"However, government officials have since described the ill-organized protest as a bluff, contending that the election of the Traditional Ruler of Isuanocha, which was the brain behind the crisis was led to rest after the conduct of the election that produced the present traditional ruler."

"The election was however witnessed by both the Council Chairman of Awka North, government representatives, and security agencies and it is known free, fair, and credible. Those protesting are those that have continued to make the area ungovernable."


"Let me make it known that Chief Chiokodli Anara is not from the Isuanocha community and he doesn't even have the power(s) or the authority to choose or decide who becomes the Igwe of his Amaunke Community let alone Isuanaicha, though it is a neighboring town to his town."

"The only issue here is that when Hon. Chikodili Anara was the Special Adviser to the former governor on security matters, he made it clear that some people in Isuanaocha town have murder charges against them and they should be made to face the law."

"It is the same people who coaxed the villagers to go on protest or face sanctions and they carried out the pretest under duress and that is why they are the disgruntled elements,they stand out to smear the name of the Hon. Commissioner."

"By the virtue of the Commissioner for Homeland Affairs, position is that if an election is to be held in any community, including markets' unions and such people require security, it is the responsibility of the Hon. Commissioner to provide such people with security, aimed at making such election, a-hitch-free one, that was exactly what he did during the election of the traditional ruler of Isuanaocha held recently but the ungrateful elements in Isuanoacha are paying the Hon. Commissioner with name calling."he said

Recall that one of the prominent son in the community was fingered for allegedly having used some thugs and murdered the late Angus Okoye in cold blood and they are facing murder charges and they are held in Amawbia prison.
Hon. Commissioner for Homeland Affairs has insisted that the law should catch up with the lawbreakers, those accused in the heinous crime have conspired to seek Governor Charles Soludo's sympathy through attacking Hon. Chikodili Anara as a way to escape the crime they allegedly committed.
"Out of the stupidity of the partners-in-crime in Isuanaocha, some innocent people from the community have been in Amawbia prison for more than a year now and those people fueling the crisis in the community are behind that."

"If you go to Isuanocha today, you will notice that those behind the crisis in Isuanaicha have hired unknown gunmen and they are terrorizing innocent people in the community destroying people's homes and they thought the best way to keep the Hon. Commissioner for Homeland Affairs away in restoring peace was to tag him with a name he never deserved."

"Buttressing my claim, the current President General of the Community is not in town because anyone who opposes the cabal is arrested and charged with murder."

"In trying to achieve their selfish aims, those who came to the protest were forced to do so if not they would be dealt with violently. They also went to where the women were doing their August meeting and disrupted their meeting.

It is amazing that the immediate sacked president general of Isuaaocha, one Tony Onyeagolu that has been working around the clock to foist his brother, Festus Onyeagolu as the traditional ruler of Isuanaocha, having known that his ambition was dead on arrival, decided to castigate the Hon. Commissioner by saying that he has taken over their land, a claim that does not hold water" he said.

He called on those behind the problem in the community and their cohorts to come forward and prove where Hon. Chikodili Anara has even a plot of land in Isuanaocha.

"They should make themselves available and face the murder charge hanging on their neck instead of portraying in bad light the man who has sacrificed his life for the good people of the state" he said .

ALPADA petitions President Tinubu over revocation of operating licenses of micro Finance Banks by CBN


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Aba landed property owners, Aba Landlords Protection and Development Association ALPADA has strongly appealed to president Bola Ahmed Tinubu to revisit the issue of the revocation of the operating licenses of no fewer than 179 micro Finance Banks by the Central Bank Of Nigeria CBN.

In a petition letter signed by the qautet of Chief Leo Ike Nnodu Okoye, Chief Leonard Onyemesiri, Comrade Benson Imo and Sir B.I Okoro made available to our reporter, ALPA DA said the revocation order as contained in two separate federal government official gazettes numbers 93 and 94 in May 2023,have negatively impacted both on the lives of the promoters and staff of the affected Banks,as well as the economy of the country.

ALPADA in the petition addressed to the presidency, lamented that the decision of the country's apex bank in liquidating the affected Banks has led to the loss of about 4000 and several thousands of direct and indirect jobs respectively.

This according to them, is in addition to the untold hardships which rural dwellers who form the bulk of the primary beneficiaries and clientele of the operations of the suspended microfinance institutions have been subjected to.

" The situation has seriously affected the rural dwellers who rely on these microfinance banks for their economic activities especially in those areas that the commercial banks can not cover.. Most of their savings are equally trapped in these microfinance banks. Most of the microfinance banks in the country are off shoots of the Community banks which are easily accessible to the rural dwellers. It is in the light of the hardships being experienced by the poor rural dwellers and the general negative effects of the revocation order that we are appealing for its suspension" APALDA stated.

The petition also faulted most of the reasons adduced by the CBN for the revocation order,noting that while some of the microfinance institutions may have experienced some operational difficulties, most of them nevertheless, despite the prevailing challenging economic ,social and political situations in the country in the last few years still strived to meet their primary responsibilities.

" About three years ago , these microfinance institutions were directed to raise their minimum share capital from N250,000 to N50million the CBN.

It is also a known fact by all that in the last three years the whole world not just Nigeria witnessed some challenges ranging from the Covid-19 pandemic, insecurities, and global economic meltdown" it stated.

However , the group said despite all the challenges the affected micro microfinance institutions still not only met the recapitalization policy , but most of their obligations.

"Most of the reasons given by the CBN for the revocation ,such as insolvency, failure to render returns, inactivity and failure to render most of their mandatory services for over six months are not factual.

Even in the face of the serious challenges posed by the currency redesign , the affected micro microfinance banks still remained viable and responsive to their primary responsibilities" APALDA stated

The group blamed the travails of the affected financial institutions mainly on the corrupt and tainted disposition of the CBN leadership under the now suspended Godwin Emefiele, noting that reversing the revocation order would go a long way in fast tracking the economic recovery efforts of the present regime.