Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. C-Don Adinuba has called out the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in the state for its call on the federal government to stop releasing the statutory funds for the 21 local governments in the State until elections are conducted into the local governments. Adinuba in a statement today in Awka said the call grew out of profound mischief, as according to him, the question of elections into local governments in the state is the subject of litigation at the Supreme Court. “It has come to the attention of the people and government…
Author: Elochukwu Benjamin
Anambra State Government today arraigned three persons arrested at various parts of Nnewi in court for allegedly assaulting officials of the State Physical Planning Board (ANSPPB), its agency charged with structural development control in the state. The persons were arrested yesterday during a show of force and enforcement operation that took officials of the Board to various parts of the state. In Onitsha, the enforcement team demolished a fence that encroached on a large portion of land designated for the construction of judges quarters and also sealed off some plaza whose structural integrity has been completely compromised and whose occupants,…
The recently deposed Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammad Sanusi is among eminent Nigerians that will be receiving honorary doctorate degrees as Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka holds its 14th convocation ceremony. Others are Chief Innocent Chukwuma of Innoson Motors and renowned business mogul, Chief Dan Chukwudozie. The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Charles Esimone disclosed this during a press conference at the Council Chambers of the University’s Administrative Block, to mark the commencement of activities lines up to mark the convocation ceremony. A total of 2,821 Post Graduates and 6,750 fresh graduates will be convoking at the ceremony, which later today proceeded…
The former member representing Anambra Central in the National Assembly, Senator Victor Umeh has bemoaned the exclusion of Southeast in the 22.7 billion loan requested by President Muhammadu Buhari for various projects across the country. The Senate had last week, approved $22.7 billion as external borrowing plan, for the country out of the 22.7 billion requested by the Presidency, following the adoption of the report of the Committee on Local and Foreign Debts on the Federal Government’s borrowing plan at the floor of the Senate. Southeast geo-political zone got zero allocation in the plan. Reacting to the development, Senator Umeh…
Amidst growing tensions over recent clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers in agrarian communities of Anambra State, the Fulani Community in Anambra State has debunked rumours that they are on a jihadist movement in the State. Recent days have seen renewed clashes between the Fulani herdsmen and farmers in communities of Anambra North Senatorial Zone of the State, resulting in loss of lives and property. Unconfirmed reports had alleged that about four persons have been killed and about 108 cows slaughtered in Ifite-Ogwari in Ayamelum Council Area of the state late last year, a matter that is presently being handled…
Federal Headquarters, Abuja (FHQ) has emerged tops on the medals table at the just concluded 12th Biennial Police Games held in Anambra State, with 239 medals. FHQ won 102 Gold, 70 Silver and 67 Bronze medals to clinch the top spot at the event tagged Anambra 2020. Zone 2 came second with 198 medals; 63 Gold, 80 Silver and 55 Bronze while Zone 11 were second runners-up at 119 medals; 42 Gold, 32 Silver and 55 Bronze medals. In fourth place was Zone 6 with a total of 96 medals while Zone 7 came fifth with 64 medals. With 59…
No fewer than ten mentally-deranged persons have been rehabilitated and reunited with their families through the instrumentality of the Caring Family Enhancement Initiative (CAFE), NGO founded by the wife of Anambra State Governor, Dr. Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano. At an emotional ceremony held at a home for the Mentally Challenged at Nteje in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, the persons who have been certified mentally healthy were handed over to their loved ones. The rehabilitated persons who include four women, five men and a teenage boy, bring it to 110, the total number of inmates cured and discharged from…
Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Vincent Okpala says the State had activated what he called “alert mode” since January 16th, 2020 when Coronavirus broke out. Dr. Okpala made this known at the floor of the State House of Assembly when he briefed the legislators on strategies put in place to manage COVID-19, should there be an index case in Anambra State. The appearance at the Legislative House was following a motion of urgent public importance moved by the Majority Leader of the House, Pharmacist Nnamdi Okafor, urging the House to summon officials of the State Government saddled with responsibilities…
A modern swimming pool constructed by Anambra State Government is the venue for swimming activities throughout today, as the Anambra 2020 Police Games wind up today. The swimming pool which was commenced by the State Government mid-February this year has been a subject of speculation as most people believed it is a utopian project that will never be completed. However, with one day to the end of the Games, the swimming pool has come alive, hosting the swimming category in the Biennial Police Games. Governor Willie Obiano had while inspecting the facility, revealed that the swimming pool for the 2020…
Embattled former Bishop of Ahiara Catholic Diocese, Most Reverend Peter Ebere Okpalaeke has been appointed the pioneer bishop of newly-erected Ekwulobia Catholic Diocese. The Vatican had Thursday, announced the erection of Ekwulobia Catholic Diocese among other Dioceses across the globe. Ekwulobia Diocese which will have its Cathedral at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Ekwulobia in Aguata Council Area of Anambra, was formed from part of the territory of Diocese of Awka and will be a suffragan of the Metropolitan See of Onitsha. In December 2012, Okpalaeke who hails from Amesi Community in Anambra State was appointed Catholic Bishop of Ahiara Diocese…
A 47-year old man has been found dead in his apartment at Obosi in Idemili North Council Area of Anambra State, Police says. The decomposing body of the man identified as Samuel Nweke was discovered by neighbours at the deceased residence at No 5 Chief Nwankwo street Awada-Obosi. It was gathered that the late Nweke had an altercation with his wife which led to her leaving her matrimonial home on the 25th of February, leaving the deceased alone in the house. Confirming the incident, the Spokesperson of the State Police Command, Haruna Mohammed said Police detectives attached to Awada Police…
The decision of Anambra State Government to evolve a 50-year development plan for the State has received the backing of the State Elders Council. The State’s vision 2070 committee was set up by Governor Willie Obiano last year with former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Professor Chukwuma Soludo as its Chairman and members are drawn from various spheres of human endeavor. The Committee has the charge to craft a 50-year development plan for the security and prosperity of the state and in the process, is expected to among other things, identify specific sectors the state should focus on, initiate…
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State says the recent Supreme Court judgment on Imo Governorship has set a negative precedent that portends great danger for the growth of democracy and political development in Nigeria. The Acting Chairman of the Party, Sir Martin Ejiogu disclosed this to our correspondent in Owerri, Imo State Capital, in reaction to the judgement. According to the Imo PDP helmsman, the precedent which the judgement has set is one that gives the courts power over the people, to decide who wins an election. “We will begin to see situations where people will be stacking…
The President of Council, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Dame Gladys Simplice says governments at all levels can really achieve its aim of effectively taxing the informal sector, if only they can show prudence, accountability and quality performance in the administration of public funds. The CITN Council President was speaking during a breakfast meeting she had with the Chairman, Anambra State Internal Revenue Service, Dr David Nzekwu in Awka as part of activities marking the 2020 Tax Awareness week in the State. The breakfast meeting with the theme “Taxation of the informal sector: challenges and prospects”, brought together,…
An abandoned day-old baby boy has allegedly died in a refuse receptacle near Geneva Hotel Avenue Junction, Okpuno in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State. The baby boy was discovered by Policemen attached to B’ Division Awka following a distress call earlier today. A statement by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Haruna Mohammed said “the Police operatives had rushed to the scene and discovered the baby boy of about a day old inside the container. The victim was photographed and confirmed dead by a Medical Doctor.” The statement said the department of Environmental Sanitation was contacted, and…
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma has appealed to Emeka Ihedioha of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and other political opponents of his to rally round him in the spirit of sportsmanship to move the state forward. Governor Uzodinma was speaking today at Imo Government House, Owerri in reaction to Supreme Court’s judgement today, that reaffirmed its earlier stance that he won the March 19th governorship election in Imo State. He said the Supreme Court’s dismissal of the review appeal brought before it by PDP’s Ihedioha, represents the true expectations and mandate of Imo people. “I want to thank God sincerely…
Anambra State Fire Service has taken delivery of a brand new fire fighting truck donated by the State Government. The 10,000-litre capacity fire truck manufactured by Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company, Nnewi, was received by the State Fire Service Chief, Engr. Martin Agbili at the agency’s headquarters in Awka. Parts of Anambra State have in recent times, been ravaged by all kinds of fire incidents, resulting in the loss of human lives and property. Many citizens of the State have blamed the large extent of damage done by the incidents on the comatose state of the State Fire Service and at…
The Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano today swore in Mr. Ernest Adinweruka as his Special Adviser on Cost efficiency, Research, and Development. The swearing-in happened during the meeting of the State Executive Council at the EXCO chambers of Government House, Awka. Adinweruka before the latest appointment had served in various other capacities under the incumbent administration, such as Senior Special Assistant on Donor Agency and Financial Institutions as well as Executive Director for Financial Institutions under the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA). A financial consultant, he had put in over twenty years in the banking sector, where he…
The Anambra 2020 Police Games today kicked off on Anambra State. The flag-off of the 12th Biennial Police Sporting event whose opening ceremony took place at Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, was done by President Muhammadu Buhari. Prolific singer, Chinedu Okoli, popularly known as Flavour was on ground to treat the mammoth crowd of over fifteen thousand participants and spectators at the event, to a sensational music performance. Clad in colourful sports wears blended with the Nigeria Police colours as well as the traditional Isi Agu wear of Ndi Igbo, guests at the opening ceremony included police commissioners from the twelve…
As the 2020 Police Games kick off today in Anambra State, the State Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Muhammad Idris Misbahu has urged athletes participating in the event not to spike up their system with hard drugs. The opening ceremony of the national sporting event which drew participants from Police Commands across all parts of Nigeria is expected to happen today at the Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka. The ceremony will mark the commencement of other sporting activities across select venues in the State. The massive influx of athletes and personalities was yesterday experienced in the state capital city…
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige says there is need for collaboration between government and the organized private sector if Nigeria is to overcome its present unemployment woes. Ngige made this known today in Awka when he inspected ongoing development on Millennium City Estate, a partnership initiative between Anambra State Government and MP Infrastructure Limited. A 100-hectare development that saw the State Government contribute land and other services as equity, the Estate will have the investor build prototype houses on 20 per cent of the land and provide sights and services on the rest, for subscribers to buy…
Anambra State Government has been urged to grant unhindered access to information on its policies to ensure that citizens of the state are duly carried along. The call was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a media parley organized by the Association of Digital Media Core Advocates (ADMCA) in Awka, Anambra State Capital. The Media Parley which attracted government functionaries and members of the Media was aimed at appraising the policies of the government of Anambra state across various sectors of the state economy such as Education, Agriculture, Security, Healthcare, Infrastructure, Employment, Tourism, and Transparency in Governance.…
A greater understanding of the Anti-Torture Act (2017) among key stakeholders in the justice sector, has been described as very key in preventing the recent spate of such violence in society. This was part of discussions at a two-day training workshop organized for lawyers, civil society organizations and critical stakeholders in Anambra State on the Anti-Torture Act and the draft rules that guide its implementation. With the theme, “Building the capacity of CSOs on the Anti-Torture Act (2017)”, was organized by the Access to Justice and the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC) through International Federation of Female Lawyers…
An attempt by an armed robber to snatch a commercial tricycle yesterday in Awka, capital of Anambra State, nearly cost him his life. An eye witness said the suspect, Ndubuisi Chibuike aged 21, from Nenwe, Enugu State had attempted to rob one Agbaka Basil of his tricycle at Eke Awka market, a market in the Capital City. When newsmen visited the scene, the suspect had already been beaten to stupor by an angry mob. It took the intervention of Police operatives attached to the State Police Command Anti Robbery Squad (SARS), to rescue the suspect and take him away. Police…
Anambra State government Tuesday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BudgIT Foundation on Open Budget System that aims to promote fiscal transparency in the state. The initiative is with the support of the Rule of Law and Anti-corruption (RoLAC) programme funded by the European Union and is implemented by the British Council in five states of the federation Adamawa, Anambra, Edo, Kano, and Lagos. Anambra state government, having signed up to Open Government Partnership (OGP), went a step further to finalize its OGP State Action Plan (SAP) 2019-2021, as well as the Anambra State Anti-corruption Strategy (ANSACS). Over the…
Anambra State today inaugurated its Open Government Partnership (OGP) Action Plan and the State Anti-Corruption Strategy Document. The Open Government Partnership is an international multi-stakeholder initiative focused on improving transparency, accountability, citizen participation and government’s responsiveness to citizens through technology and innovation. The initiative aims to bring government, civil society and non-state actors to an equal partnership scale where they own and track the progress of each other as well as identify and tackle challenges together. The Anambra OGP Action Plan in focusing on the state’s contextual realities commits to five thematic areas namely- fiscal transparency, anti-corruption, access to information,…
No fewer than 15 persons last night narrowly escaped death in Anambra State in multiple accidents caused by a roadblock mounted by Policemen attached to ‘B’ Division of the Anambra State Police Command. The accident which happened at about 8:30 pm on a slope leading to Obibia bridge, Okpuno in Awka South Council Area, involved a car, two shuttle buses, and three commercial tricycles popularly known as Keke Napep. When our correspondent got to the scene, angry youths and motorists had blocked the road, searching every passing vehicle for any sign of the police who were said to have run…
The decision of Anambra State Government to introduce revenue stamps for any transaction within the state above N1,000 has elicited concerns from citizens of the state over what they tagged ‘government’s insensitivity to their plight’. Last year at Professor Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka, the State Government launched the Anambra State Revenue Stamps and had followed it up by making it compulsory that from February 4, 2020, all transactions within Anambra State above N1, 000 must-have Anambra State Revenue Stamp affixed on the receipt. With this executive directive, it is no longer necessarily going to the Post Office to…
A forty-year-old man has allegedly died during a sexual encounter with a woman in a hotel in Anambra State. According to the manager of Plus View Hotel, Onitsha where the incident occurred, the victim, one Paul Okwudili of Ogboli-Olosi area, off Awka Road Inland Town, Onitsha, had lodged in at the hotel with the lady. According to a report made on the incident to Central Police Station, Onitsha at about 3 am Monday 24th February 2020, the lady had run out of the hotel room, shouting for help, to which the hospital management joined her to the room where they…
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Anambra State has called out the State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for meddling in its affairs in the arrest and parade of a suspected Indian hemp planter in a school in the state. Earlier this month, the State Command of the NSCDC had paraded a suspect, one Amobi Okafor for allegedly planting Indian hemp on a large expanse of land at Lake City secondary school Nri in Anaocha local government area of Anambra state and said that it has declared total war on Indian hemp smokers…
