Author: Kenechukwu Ofomah

The streets of Awka, Anambra State Capital, were on Monday filled with over 300 tricycle operators, who held a road show in solidarity with the State Governor, Prof  Chukwuma Soludo over his massive road infrastructure development projects across the state. The keke riders, under the aegis of Anambra Keke Drivers Forum (AKDF), said they were satisfied with the ongoing road construction across the state, describing it as proof of accountability of their tax payment. Recall that Governor Soludo had promised to turn Anambra into one big construction site immediately during the dry season and all over the state, massive road…

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Unknown persons over the weekend allegedly broke into the house of the President-General of Umuoji community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Chief Silas Onyima, and killed him. It was gathered that the hoodlums shot him right in the bathroom while he was taking his bath. The incident, according to a source, threw the community into panic, forcing residents to desert major roads, and the Eke market in the community, which used to bubble with activities, was also scanty. The murder has once again raised concerns over the way Presidents-General of communities in the state were being…

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The apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has asked people of the Southeast to re-ignite the Igbo spirit of brotherliness, hard work, ingenuity, wisdom, resilience, and capacity to turn adversities into diverse opportunities, especially in this trying times the nation is facing. The group also urged governors in the zone, council chairmen, traditional rulers and town union presidents in Igbo land to take advantage of upcoming farming season to catalyze massive agricultural production for sustainable food security in our region. In a communique issued after a meeting of Southeast leaders and Stake-holders held in Enugu and chaired by President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief…

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An Anambra-based rights activist, Comrade Osita Obi has frowned at the recent directive by the leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, for Nigerians of Southeast extraction not to partake in a planned nationwide protest over the high cost of living. In some parts of the country, protests have begun over the high cost of living and some policies of the government hitting the people hard. However, in the Southeast, it appears the people are standing aloof. Instead, comic videos have surfaced online where Igbos were captured drinking and enjoying themselves, claiming that that was their way of protesting. Recall that the…

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Anambra State Government has taken a major step towards achieving a technologically advanced future for the state, through the launch of the pilot phase of the Public Wi-Fi initiative, Solution Wi-Fi. Driven by the Anambra State ICT Agency in collaboration with Pineheight Systems Limited (PHSWEB), this pilot phase initiative, which signposts a resounding fulfillment of promises outlined in Governor Soludo’s  People’s  Manifesto, marks a significant stride towards launching the state into the digital age. According to a statement signed by the MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, CFA, the agency is dedicated to realizing Governor Soludo’s…

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As part of efforts towards advancing Information and Technology (IT) development in Nigeria, Anambra and Lagos States have agreed to a collaborative partnership that will see to the strengthening of their respective IT ecosystems. This collaborative effort which stemmed from bilateral meetings with the IT Ecosystem members during the Reverse Trade Mission in the United States of America, is geared towards addressing emerging challenges, fostering innovation, and enhancing the overall cybersecurity infrastructure. This no doubt resonates with the Federal Government’s call, through the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, at the recently concluded meeting of the…

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Anambra-based female lawyer, Adachukwu Okafor has been remanded in the custody of the State Criminal and Investigative Department custody by the Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court, sitting at the Chief Magistrate’s Court, Awka, Anambra State. The suspect was remanded for allegedly inflicting physical injuries on the body of her 11-year-old housekeeper in Onitsha. The suspect, a resident of Chris Igwilo street Akapka GRA, 3-3 Onitsha, was arraigned on a-two count charge of willfully infliction of physical injuries on the body of one Happiness Nwafor an offence punishable under Section 4(1) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition and Protection) Laws of Anambra State…

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The need for a working collaboration among the academia, the government and the industries, to begin to provide  solutions to Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges, formed the crux of the keynote lecture at the maiden memorial lecture series of late Prof Innocent Osita Onyeyili, a former Deputy Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The lecture instituted by the Faculty of Engineering of the University, witnessed the unveiling of a book authored by the deceased. Also at the event held at the Chike Okoli Centre for Entrepreneurship Studies, the University management commissioned the Prof Innocent Onyeyili Avenue at the Faculty of Engineering. In…

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Governor Chukwuma Soludo has terminated the contract awarded to NBHH for nine roads in Okpoko, Ogbaru Council area of Anambra State, over the contracting firm’s failure to deliver the project within the stipulated time. The governor announced the termination of the contract on Tuesday when he went on an unscheduled visit to Okpoko, a densely populated community, during which he discovered unfinished infrastructure projects and sanitation concerns. The nine roads include Obodoukwu/Owerri Road, Ogbuagu-Ik Onuorah-Anumudu-Mgbuka Amazu-Owerri Road, Edeh road-school road-Awalite-Ojoto-Owerri Road, School road-Umuobom street-Ojoto Street junction, Umuobom street/Ojoto street junction-Adaziani street-Owerri road. Others were Umenweke Street (Obodoukwu junction)/Umeojiofo street, Awalite…

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The Anambra-based lawyer who allegedly battered her 11-year-old maid, Adachukwu Okafor, and has been on the run for a while, may have turned herself in. Still, she is denying inflicting the gory injuries shown in a viral video on the maid. Mrs Adachukwu made the denial on Tuesday when she appeared before the Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Hon Ify Obinabo in her office in Awka. Recall that the suspect was said to have used a hot knife and iron, to inflict grievous injuries on the maid for allegedly touching her son’s private part while bathing him. After the crime, she had taken…

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The Anambra State Government under Governor Chukwuma Soludo has maintained that it has never entertained the hitherto status quo in the state, whereby developmental projects were awarded for political patronage. Across parts of the state, there abound abandoned or shabbily-done projects, awarded to political friends and cronies by the previous state administration of Chief Willie Obiano. Fears among the people are that since Governor Soludo was supported by his predecessor, Obiano, the status quo will remain, impoverishing the people more. But in a chat with a TNC correspondent in his office in Awka, Architect Okey Ezeobi, the General Manager, of…

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The Anambra State Joint Security Force on Monday burst an insurgents’ Camp in Achalla, the headquarters of Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State. The Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, who gave the revelation in a press statement on Tuesday, said the operation ordered by the State Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye took the insurgents by surprise as they fled with gunshot wounds, leaving trails of blood. According to him, the hoodlums have been threatening traders at a nearby community market for opening on Mondays. “The hoodlums had disrupted trading at Achalla Market the…

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As part of efforts to get communities in Anambra communities to be more involved in ensuring the smooth running of schools within their localities, the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board, ASUBEB has inaugurated the Club of Patrons and Community Quality Assurance Supervisors. The inauguration took place at the Utility hall of the ASUBEB headquarters in Awka. Among members of the Club of patrons were Community leaders including traditional rulers, President generals as well as other stakeholders, which is in line with the directive of Mr.  Governor  Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, to give stakeholders buy-in in the day-to-day running…

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The 11-year-old maid who was battered brutally by an Anambra-based lawyer, Adachukwu Okafor, is now in stable condition. A visit to the facility where she was being treated revealed that the 11-year-old girl, who could hardly walk when she was recovered, has almost fully recovered from the physical injuries. She was also able to walk around and receive sympathizers who came to show her law. Recall that a viral amateur video of the victim, who appeared with gory iron-stamp burns all over her body, had trended earlier this year, attracting public outrage. The child maid was said to have been…

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Brighter days appear to be ahead for ailing former tennis champion, Tania Okpala, who hails from the Nkpologwu Community in Anambra State, following a visit to her by the Nigeria Olympic Committee. Recall that Anambra State Government had earlier this year, rescued the former champion, who was homeless in the streets of Awka, the state capital, and involved in drugs. Following her rescue, Tania had been moved into a rehabilitation center in Awka, where she was undergoing treatment and psychological evaluation and correction. The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) team, who came to visit, was first received by the Anambra State…

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A rights group, the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, RULAAC has leaned its weight behind the renewed discussions around the need for the creation of State Police across states of Nigeria. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, while briefing journalists after a meeting between President Tinubu and State Governors in Abuja on Thursday, March 15, 2024, revealed that the State Police was discussed in their meeting. He was quoted as saying ‘’The Federal Government and the state governments are mulling the possibility of setting up state police,” although he pointed out that the process is…

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Anambra State Government has handed over the premises of its defunct printing and publishing company, National Light Newspapers, for the construction of a Neigbourhood Leisure Park for recreational purposes. Recall that the Chukwuma Soludo administration had last year, announced the closure of the company, redeploying all its staff to State Ministries, Departments and Agencies. Present at the hand over ceremony held at the defunct company’s premises in Awka, were the Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr Don Onyenji, the Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Pauly Onyeka whose ministry is the supervisory one, the Managing Director, Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, ACTDA, Mr Ossy Onuko, who all extolled…

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As part of efforts to reintroduce agricultural science to students and pupils in a more practical way, the Agricultural Educational Training Programme, AETP, has been flagged off for select pilot schools across Anambra State. The AETP initiative is organized by the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC in collaboration with Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board ( ASUBEB), and the flag-off took place at the Utility Hall of  ASUBEB in Awka, with Head Teachers, Principals and other education stakeholders as participants. The training saw practical sessions on various aspects of agricultural practices which include, Crop farming, poultry farming and fishery farming…

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The driver of an overloaded truck was on Wednesday convicted by a mobile court in Awka, and handed a six-month jail sentence. The court presided over by a Chief Magistrate, however, gave the sentence with an option of fine. The vehicle was contravened on Tuesday near the Amawbia flyover, along the Awka-Onitsha expressway by men of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC. The Anambra FRSC Sector Commander, Adeoye Irelewuyi disclosed to our correspondent in chat in his office at the FRSC headquarters in Awka today. According to the Sector commander, the driver was arraigned immediately before the court upon apprehension.…

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A rights group, the Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS) has expressed deep concern over recent allegations brought forth by the Abia Retired Teachers’ Forum (ART) regarding the denial of entitlements to retired teachers from the years 2017 to 2023. It was alleged that numerous retired educators have been unjustly denied their rightful entitlements despite years of dedicated service to the education sector. These entitlements represent monies deducted from their salaries throughout their service years, intended to be released on retirement as a welfare support package to help cushion the effects of retirement. According to a statement…

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Residents of Anambra State are calling on the state government and relevant regulatory bodies to sit up and protect the masses from arbitrary hikes in the cost of commodities. Across Anambra, 1kg of gas is now between N1,450 and N1,500 as against N850 and N1,000 sold in Enugu and Delta states respectively, while cement is now between N9,500 and N10,000 against N8,000 sold in Asaba as at today. Other commodities whose prices have also skyrocketed include pure water bags, planks of wood, as well as house rent. According to the residents, the major concern for them is how these exploitative…

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The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has reduced electricity supply to the Aba Ring-fenced Area that compromises nine of the 17 local government areas in Abia State by more than 50%. According to sources close to Aba Power which serves the nine LGAs but who asked for anonymity in the media because they are not authorized to speak to the press on the issue, the reduction started last week, with supplies dropping from 25 Megawatts to 10MW without any official explanation or apology. The Aba Power Managing Director, Patrick Umeh, confirmed the drastic reduction in a brief telephone conversation…

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A notorious cultist, Chitana Oha (popularly known as Kill and Bury) has been arrested by the operatives of the Anambra State Police Command, the spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga revealed on Monday. Kill and Bury, a 25-year-old ring leader of a cult group responsible for killings in Ihiala and its environs, was said to have been arrested at about 2:20.pm on Sunday, alongside another notorious cult gang leader, Emmanuel Ifeanyi Okonkwo (aged 24 years), popularly known as Good and Bad. According to a statement issued by Ikenga, the duo was arrested at their hideout during a special operation spearheaded by the Police Crack…

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In a renewed effort to end the Mondays’ Sit-at-Home initiated in the Southeastern region of Nigeria, the Anambra state command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC on Monday, announced the deployment of its personnel to protect banking facilities in Awka, the state capital. The State Commandant of the NSCDC, Olatunde Maku made the disclosure today when he embarked on a confidence-building patrol within the Awka metropolis, during which he visited some strategic areas, routes, and banks along Regina Ceili Junction,  Aroma Junction, Ziks Avenue, and Ukwu-oji axis. During the visits, he also interfaced with members of the public,…

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People of the Ezumeri Oraifite community in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State have warned Dr. Daniel Udoji to desist from parading himself as the traditional ruler of Oraifite. The community is accusing him of violating the court order, which they said was an invitation to anarchy in the area, insisting he must abide by the court’s judgment. Addressing reporters over the weekend, a community leader, Chief Charles Momah threatened that the Ezumeru community would be compelled to head for its autonomous community if safety and freedom of expression were no longer guaranteed in Oraifite. He explained that the issue…

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In response to the increasing clampdown on street traders in Awka, Anambra State Capital, the Member representing Awka South Constituency One in Anambra State House of Assembly, Henry Mbachu has appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, to construct mini-markets in the Awka metropolis. Recall that recent weeks have seen the demolition of goods and wares of street traders in the capital, a development many said would worsen the already bad economic situation of the people. According to Mbachu, building mini-markets would provide relief for street traders facing challenges of lack of space, harassment, and insecurity. He appealed a motion he sponsored titled “Urging Mr. Governor, Prof.…

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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has inaugurated the Anti Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State. The committee headed by former Chairperson, of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Comrade Stephen Ufoaroh was inaugurated at the Council Chambers of the UNIZIK, following the administration of oath of allegiance by the Head of Legal of ICPC, Barr. Mrs Ogochukwu Iwoba. Part of the committee’s terms of reference included ensuring transparency and accountability in line with global best practices in the daily administrative affairs of every department, faculties, unit, and directorate…

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A baby factory hospital disguising as Mother and Child Hospital and Maternity has been bursted by the Anambra State Government at Umunya in Oyi Local Government Area of the State. The facility located at No 1 School Road Tansian University, Umunya, was bursted by the State Ministry of Health Facility, Accreditation and Monitoring Unit (ASHEFAAMU), after series of investigation and surveillance. It was gathered that the facility was harbouring pregnant little girls of between 14 to 21 years, to give birth to babies for them. Some of the underaged girls, about five of them, who spoke to our correspondent, revealed…

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After a long legal battle, Anambra State Government and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) have reached an out-of-court settlement over the dissolution of the Anambra State Water Corporation. The settlement agreement signed at the Conference Hall of the Anambra State Head of Service, HOS, by both parties, brought to and end, an over 14- year-long legal battle between the two parties, dating back to the time of Mr Peter Obi, as the Governor of the State. The settlement is targeted to save Anambra State about ₦1.3 billion and offered a chance…

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The Anambra State Government through the State Ministry of Health on Tuesday, suspended the salaries of two medical officers for absconding from their duty posts. The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Ben Obidike revealed the decision to suspend the salaries when he embarked on an unscheduled visit to some hospitals in the state. According to the Commissioner, the decision was a result of a discovery made from the biometric devices (clock-in) installed across government-owned facilities by the Charles Soludo administration to monitor the activities of health workers. Dr. Obidike expressed regrets at the nonchalant attitude of some health workers especially those…

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