A young widow from Ekwulobia, in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, Mrs Chikodili Okeke, has cried out for help to the state government to save her from the intimidation and frustration she is suffering from her late husband’s kinsmen over her refusal to engage in sexual affairs with some of them. The widow appealed passionately when she appeared before the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare at the Ministry’s headquarters in Awka. The case, bordering on alleged tormenting and seizure of the widow’s late husband’s property, was reported to the Ministry by the widow herself. Narrating her ordeal…
Author: Kenechukwu Ofomah
A town hall meeting targeted at deepening and institutionalizing accountability and social inclusion systems was held on Wednesday in Awka, Anambra State Capital. The meeting called on communities and Civil Society Stakeholders to intensify efforts at tracking constituency projects in their localities. The event was put together by Connected Development (CODE) with support from the MacArthur Foundation under the ProjectTrust initiative. This initiative aims to mobilize CSOs and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) through the formation of a Community of Practice (CoP) to enhance social accountability processes and advocate for transparency. The meeting resulted from the gaps identified by the CODE during…
A Labour Party (LP) ticket hopeful in the 2025 Anambra State governorship election, Chief George Moghalu has admitted that any move to unseat Prof Chukwuma Soludo as governor in next year’s poll would not be an easy task. Moghalu disclosed this while hosting the party’s 21 Local Government Council Chairmen in his Nnewi home. According to him, it does not imply that such a feat is not unachievable but only requires a crack team of committed, intelligent critical thinkers who are ready to stay awake while other citizens sleep. Moghalu noted that it has become imperative to remove Soludo because, according to him, Soludo has curiously and consistently…
Rights group Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, RULAAC, on Tuesday, expressed worry over what it described as the contrasting statements from Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, regarding the malnourished children who collapsed in court. Recall that while being arraigned on November 1 at the Federal High Court, Abuja, some minors arrested and being arraigned for participating during the August 1 #EndBadGovernance protests had collapsed in court. In their initial reaction to the outrage that greeted the sordid sight of malnourished children fainting in Court during their arraignment on November 1, 2024, for alleged treason, the…
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra State says it will be intensifying enforcement operations across parts of the state in the ember months, but not to rake in revenue or witch-hunt motorists. It assured that the operations would ensure smooth traffic flow, reduce road traffic crashes, and ensure a safer motoring environment during the ember months across the state. Anambra FRSC Sector Commander Joyce Alexander disclosed during a press briefing as part of activities to flag off the 2024 Ember Months sensitization campaign. This year’s ember month’s theme is ‘Speak up against dangerous driving: Crashes kill more passengers…
In a renewed effort to enhance security and end the lingering sit-at-home compliance plaguing Anambra State, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, launched an extensive advocacy and security assessment tour across the 21 local government areas of the State. The initiative, which kicked off yesterday, also aims to engage communities, promote cooperation, and ensure the safety of all residents. The CP had started the initiative at Awka South Local Government Area, where he convened a high-level meeting with key stakeholders, including local government executives, traditional rulers, community leaders, youth representatives, members of the Anambra State Vigilante group,…
The Anambra State Government has been told to intensify efforts to attract private investors to operationalize the Onitsha River Port, which would open new revenue streams for the state. Chief Eusebius Onyemelukwe, a former banker from Igboukwu, Anambra State, made the call while speaking to newsmen about the state of the state’s economy. Statistics released by an investment platform show that the Onitsha River Port has the potential to generate over N23 billion in revenue for the government. Although efforts had started by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to make the port functional in recent times, the port is…
A pro-children, Women, and Girls’ rights group, Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI) has condemned what it described the unlawful detention and arraignment of Nigerian minors, allegedly involved in the August 1 protest in the country. Recall that on the 1st of November, 2024, over three months after they were arrested, the minors were arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja, looking frail, unhealthy and malnourished. There was also a case of some of the children collapsing during the court session, suspectedly as a result of malnutrition. Reacting to the development, the Executive Director of Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI), Amb. Onyinyechi Nwosu said her organization was deeply appalled by…
Political interference and limited transparency have been identified as factors hampering value and development-driven procurement processes in government circles in the country. The Deputy Programs Manager, Samuel Akande, of a non-governmental organization, the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), disclosed this in Awka during a stakeholders’ meeting on Strengthening Citizens and Vulnerable Group Engagement for Inclusive Governance. The centre organized the event in collaboration with the Creative Minds Centre for Youth and Community Development (CM-CYCD). It was attended by participants from various communities, government officials, civil society activists, and media professionals. It was targeted at enhancing citizens’ skills in project…
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, over the weekend, vowed not to rest until the current reign of terror in the state is brought to an end and a safe and secure is created. Soludo disclosed this in Awka during the 2024 edition of the Anglican Prayer Rally of Anambra State (APRAS), which had the theme ‘It shall be well with the Righteous,’ based on Isaiah 3:10. The governor, who spoke through his Deputy, Dr Onyekachi Ibezim, acknowledged the flashes of insecurity in parts of the state but insisted that the government would not rest until every part of the state was rescued…
As part of efforts to address the inflationary costs of common food items and vegetables, the wife of Anambra State Governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo on Friday, launched an organic vegetable garden programme in all the twenty-one local government areas of the state. The Anambra first lady, who is also the founder of the non-governmental movement, Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative, also launched a weekly physical exercise activity across the local government areas of the state. Both programmes were launched at the Idemili North Local Government Headquarters, Ogidi, where the pilot projects are expected to kick off immediately. The Healthy Living Garden Programme is a community-based initiative where each local…
At least 14 passengers narrowly escaped death while the driver sustained a minor injury when a commercial bus went up in flames along the Old Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State. The vehicle, a Toyota Hiace bus, was said to be heading to Asaba, Delta State when it suddenly caught up in flames in the middle of the bridge. An eyewitness and trader in the area, who identified himself as Obiora Uzor, said the passengers had managed to jump out of the bus before the fire finally engulfed the whole vehicle, adding that the driver sustained burns as the fire…
The Rotary Club of Onitsha Metropolis has restated its commitment to bringing back the reading culture in communities in Anambra State. The club’s President, Rotarian Oby Arinze, stated this during a visit to the Onitsha Divisional Library, where the club donated a vast collection of books. The club members were received by the Director of Anambra State Library Service, Mrs. Cordillia Obalum, who the Onitsha Divisional librarian, Mrs. Julliet Enemuo, represented. Arinze described reading as the key to unlocking knowledge, creativity, and progress, calling on stakeholders in the education sector to join in the efforts to revive the reading culture…
The Organized Labour in Anambra State has announced a prayer session for its members on Friday, November 1, 2024. The session aims to address lingering issues surrounding the minimum wage payment in the state. The prayer session, scheduled for 10 am at the Teachers House (NUT) behind Prof. Kenneth Dike E. Library in Awka, will be an opportunity to update members on the latest developments regarding the minimum wage and consequential adjustments implementation within the state. The workers gave the notice in a joint statement signed by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC. Recall that…
Anambra State residents may soon heave a sigh of relief over the menace of deadly herbal concoctions, as the State House of Assembly recently passed the Anambra State Herbal Practice Bill 2024. Across the state, all manner of people peddles all kinds of concoctions, selling to people, with no form of regulation or control from the government. Most consumers of these concoctions eventually come down with all kinds of kidney sicknesses, as seen from statistics obtained from the State Ministry of Health, while many have also died. The Anambra State Herbal Practice Bill 2024, when accented to by the state…
Anambra State Government, through the Solution Innovation District, announced on Tuesday the commencement of the Anambra Innovation Week, AIW, from the 25th to the 29th of next month. The week, which prioritizes growth through bold ideas, technology, and innovation, will feature the Battle4Solutions challenge, which will see many innovators and tech experts provide solutions to myriad challenges across the various sectors of the state economy. A prize pool of over one hundred million naira (N100,000,000) in cash prizes has also been earmarked to be won by winners under the challenge. The Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Innovation and Business Incubation, Chinwe…
The Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, led by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council, Amb. Greg Mbadiwe announced on Tuesday that Professor Benard Ifeanyi Odoh has been appointed as the 7th substantive Vice Chancellor of the University. Odoh is a professor of Geophysics in the Department of Applied Geophysics, Faculty of Physical Sciences of the University. Announcing the appointment on Tuesday after a rigorous selection process and interview of the 18 applicants for the position, Mbadiwe disclosed that Odoh scored the 1st position from the pool of applicants for the job based on his evidence-based significant experience…
Members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, on Tuesday, picketed the university’s administrative block in protest over what they described as the Chairman of the University’s Governing Council, Greg Mbadiwe, imposition of the vice chancellor on the university. The ASUU protesters bore placards with various inscriptions and chanted solidarity songs in protest against the alleged imposition. Upon reaching the university’s administrative block, it was observed that the building was locked, an unlikely scenario considering that it controls all administrative concerns of the institution. Speaking at the block, the ASUU-NAU Chairperson, Comrade Kingsley Uba-Orji, said…
As part of efforts to address the issue of desperate migration by rural and urban dwellers to cities, an NGO, Zaram Life Foundation, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, has organized a one-day empowerment program for rural dwellers in Aguata Council Area of Anambra State. The programme tagged ‘Building Resilient Communities Through Sustainable Entrepreneurship’ was held at Isuofia. The event brought together many aspiring and established entrepreneurs from Aguata communities. Aspects of the program also aimed to provide practical knowledge and essential resources to support sustainable business practices and promote economic resilience. In a keynote address,…
The trending incident involving Federal Lawmaker Alex Ikwecheghi, allegedly assaulting an Uber driver, highlights a troubling abuse of power and lack of respect for basic human dignity, rights group, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, RULAAC has said. On Sunday, the video trended, where the lawmaker insulted the driver, boasting that he could make him disappear. The lawmaker representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency in the National Assembly had claimed the driver disrespected him by not bringing his delivery into his house and refused to pay. He also threatened that he could make the driver disappear and no…
A women’s rights group, Equitable Health for Women and Empowerment Initiatives (EHWEI), is seeking to integrate menstrual hygiene education into schools’ curricula to ensure that young girls maintain healthy lives. They are also calling for the establishment of Menstrual hygiene clubs in schools. The Program Officer, Gloria Paul, made the call during a training workshop at Zion Vocational College in Ebonyi State to mark International Day for a Girl Child, themed “Girl’s Vision For the Future.” The event witnessed the free distribution of sanitary pads and other menstrual hygiene kits to over 100 female students. Paul said the workshop aims to…
The Anambra State Commissioner For Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh has lauded the Agulu Peoples Union (APU) for its foresight in establishing the APU Vocation Academy, Agulu in Anaocha Local Government Area of the state. Prof Chuma-Udeh gave the commendation at the official opening and first matriculation ceremony of the academy held at Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area. She described the investment in education and other aspects of the future of society as laudable and a demonstration of a community interested in the progress of the community. The Commissioner who noted that many youths are in dilemma, not knowing their right from their left, said with the Academy, the community is giving self-sustenance and reliance as the…
A women’s rights group, the Equitable Health for Women and Empowerment Initiatives (EHWEI) is seeking the integration of menstrual hygiene education in the curriculum of schools, as a way of ensuring that young girls maintain healthy living. They are also calling for the establishment of Menstrual hygiene clubs in schools. The Program Officer, Gloria Paul made the call during a training workshop at Zion Vocational College, Ebonyi State to mark International Day for a Girl Child, themed, “Girl’s Vision For the Future”. The event witnessed the free distribution of sanitary pads and other menstrual hygiene kits to over 100 female students. Paul said the workshop is aimed at…
The Anambra State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has opposed President Bola Tinubu’s nomination of the wife of late Biafran warlord, Amb. Bianca Ojukwu as minister. The Tinubu-led government had on Wednesday, announced the nomination of the widow of Biafra Warlord, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu as minister-designate for Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Bianca, until her nomination, was a member of the Board of Trustees of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). APC stakeholders in Anambra have described the appointment as anti-party, insisting that it was demoralizing to the party faithful in the state. Chief Bunty Onuigbo representing APC stakeholders in Anambra had criticized the appointment, while Dr Josef Onoh, Bianca’s brother and…
Market stakeholders in Anambra state have been assured of the preparedness of the National Union of Market Traders Employers of Nigeria (NUMTEN), to complement their efforts at making the market arena more conducive for trading in the state. The NUMTEN National President, Comrade Ogu James Chukwuma gave the assurance over the weekend, during the inauguration ceremony of state and local government executives with the induction of the Patron and Matron. He also assured that the era of retiring from active market trading activities hopelessly would be a thing of the past, revealing the Union’s plans to partner with the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) to ensure members’ enjoyment of healthy retirement benefits. He sought…
Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu on Thursday distributed 1,200 25kg bags of rice to rural women, the vulnerable, and the less privileged in Anambra State under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI). Mrs Tinubu, represented by the Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo said the initiative was to cushion the effects of economic hardship in the country. She said the government recognizes the effects of the current economic situation and that the gesture was part of efforts to provide relief to those adversely affected by the country’s current hardships. She urged Nigerians to continue to support and pray…
The 2024 Southeast Regional Conference on Improving Regulatory Environment for CSO Operations in Nigeria has emphasized the need for a more permissive environment for Civil Society Organizations to effectively play their roles in deepening democracy and entrenching responsive governance in the Southeast region. The conference, put together by Global Rights in collaboration with the Community of Practice on Civic Space Strengthening, attracted members of CSOs, key state government officials, and other stakeholders from the five states of the Southeast region. With the theme “Building Strategic Partnerships for a Sustainable Operational Environment for the Non-Profit Sector in Nigeria,” the conference aims…
Suspected gunmen on Thursday went on a rampage, killing no fewer than nine persons in Awka, Anambra State capital. The gunmen, who operated in a white Mercedes Benz SUV, were said to have killed two people at Witness Garden Hotel Street before allegedly killing 7 Hausa bikemen for trying to obstruct their movement at the Ifite-UNIZIK gate. A trending video of the incident had shown the gunmen butchering one of the killed persons before bundling one inside their vehicle. One of the gunmen was also seen signaling students and passersby to go about their businesses, shouting, “We did not come for you.” Although an…
Nigerian governments at both national and subnational levels must begin to factor in the input of youths when designing their programmes and policies. The Special Adviser to Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, on Youth Empowerment Programmes, Dr. Nelson Omenugha, gave the view in a chat with newsmen in Abuja. Omenugha, a youth advocate, believes Nigeria’s economic woes and the country’s overarching security situation cannot be divorced from the obvious exclusion of youths from the nation’s scheme of things in the recent past. Acknowledging the potential of youths to engender a turnaround in the country’s unsavoury situation, Omenugha noted that…
It appears Nigerians are not impressed by President Bola Tinubu’s reshuffle of his cabinet on Wednesday. The overarching belief is that underperforming ministers were spared. Yesterday, the Federal Government announced a shake-up in President Tinubu’s cabinet, which saw the sacking of five Ministers, the re-assigning of 10 ministers to new ministerial portfolios, and the appointment of seven new ministers for Senate confirmation. The sacked Ministers include Uju-Ken Ohanenye as Minister of Women’s Affairs; Lola Ade-John as Minister of Tourism; Tahir Mamman as Minister of Education; Abdullahi Gwarzo as Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development; and Jamila Ibrahim as Minister…
