Less than four days after his release on bail from detention, an Imo-based journalist and rights activist, Nonso Uba known as Nonso Nkwa, has made startling revelations about his arrest by Ebubeagu militants and operatives of Tiger Base of the Nigeria Police and his 54 days in detention. Nonso Nkwa, was arrested on the 20th of October 2024 opposite Teachers House Port Harcourt road, on charges of treason and for trying to organize a protest against police brutality. He was taken to the Imo State CID, and locked up at the intelligence department, before being hurriedly bundled to the Magistrate…
Author: Kenechukwu Ofomah
A senatorial aspirant under the platform of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Sam Ben Nwosu has boasted that the PDP will defeat the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA and other parties in the coming Anambra South Senatorial Elections. According to him, the PDP will replicate the repeated defeat of the ruling party and the governor of the State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, by the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. Ubah, had defeated APGA twice in the district, first in 2019 and 2023 with the Young Progressives Party, YPP. Declaring his intention to contest the position to represent Anambra South senatorial zone at…
Anambra State Auditor-General, Mr Akosa Okocha has applauded Governor Chukwuma Soludo for the prompt and steady release of funds for annual report preparations. Akosa made the commendation in Awka during the Audit Forum and Citizens Accountability Dialogue in 2023 organized by the office of the state Auditor-General. He said the governor, this year, for the first time since the creation of the state, released funds for audit activity and inspection to enable the office to carry out performance audit, inspection and monitoring; peer review, tours and allowance, repairs and audit Forum expenses. He however noted that his office needed funds…
Traders at the popular Onitsha Main Market have been provided with free Wi-Fi, to boost their sales and purchase activities through the e-commerce service. This was disclosed by the Chairman and Managing Director, Anambra State Physical Planning Board, ANSPPB, Barr. Chike Maduekwe, in a chat with newsmen in Awka. The free Wi-Fi service was developed by the State Government through the ANSPPB, the State ICT Agency, the SPERD Market and Xinox Technologies. The free Wi-Fi has a coverage that is in excess of one kilometre radius of the market. According to Maduekwe, free Wi-Fi is available to traders and customers,…
Mothers have been advised to begin grooming their girl children early so that they will be politically conscious and show interest in political positions. The Anambra State Chairperson of the African Action Congress, AAC, Chioma Ifemeludike in a chat with our correspondent on women’s participation in Anambra politics. In the Anambra State House of Assembly comprising 30 seats, only one female member was elected in the subsisting dispensation. For the three senatorial zones, no single woman was elected, while only three out of the 11 members occupying various House of Representatives seats in the state are women. Ifemeludike believes the…
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Anambra State Command, on Wednesday, announced the deployment of 2,409 officers and men for various security operations across parts of the state this yuletide. The Head, Media and Tactical Ops of the State NSCDC, SC Edwin Okadigbo disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen in Awka, Anambra State Capital today. According to him, the deployment was following the appeal of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo to paramilitary agencies under his supervision to focus and redouble their efforts in the discharge of their duties. He also said the move aligns with the directives of the Commandant General of…
Academics, researchers, and stakeholders recently gathered at a one-day Staff Training Bootcamp on Academic Writing and Presentation, organized by the Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, UNIZIK, to discuss strategies for elevating research visibility through effective publishing. The bootcamp with the theme “Publish with Confidence, Promote with Ease,” was held at the UNIZIK Business School Hall, and included practical training for publishing in renowned journals like Scopus and Clarivate and the presentation of partnership awards to organizations such as the Anambra State ICT Agency for their support. The highlight of the event was a presentation by Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, MD/CEO…
Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo on Wednesday, announced plans to launch a joint security operation to tackle insecurity in the state. Soludo said the operation is codenamed Operation Udo Ga Achi, which means Let Peace Reign. The move is coming as gunmen on Monday evening shot and killed a lecturer with Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Dr Osita Chinedu after he allegedly resisted the attempt to snatch his car for operation. The lecturer was accosted by the men at Aroma junction in Awka, and was later shot in the head, while his Toyota Corolla car was snatched from him. In what looked like…
As part of efforts to ensure smooth traffic flow at the Onitsha Head Bridge during the festive period, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Anambra State Command, has requested assistance from the Anambra State Police Commissioner, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, to suspend all checkpoints at the Onitsha end of the bridge. The command is also asking the Police to ensure that they maintain a police presence on the axis of the Second Niger Bridge. The Public Education Officer of the State FRSC Command, RC Margaret Onabe in a statement on Tuesday, said this was part of proactive steps taken by the…
The Nigeria Police authorities have been told to hasten investigations and make available to the public, its findings on the organ harvesting allegations against some ranking police officers in Anambra State, made by a whistleblower. Recall that the whistleblower, Nnamdi Emeh had in 2023, exposed an organ trafficking ring in the Anambra State Command of the Nigeria Police Force. He was later arrested after making the startling revelations, on trumped-up charges of being in possession of firearms, money laundering, defamation of character and unlawful transfer of N47million from someone’s account to another account. Despite being admitted on bail by a…
Nigeria Union of Mines Workers (NUMW) has warned tipper drivers under its transport unit and all heavy equipment operators (caterpillar operators) to desist from any mining pit not approved by the Anambra State government. The group is also asking the state government to review the tax burden on its members, especially, those of the transport section of the NUMW otherwise known as tipper drivers, in view of the prevailing harsh economic realities. The Chairman of the union, Comrade Onyah Kelvin Chimbuzor gave the warning during its one day sensitization and awareness campaign held across the various mining sites located in…
Anambra State has emerged tops at the 2024 Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge Awards, held in Abuja, with two prestigious awards. Anambra emerged as the best-performing state in the entire country, winning the prize money of $700,000, and the champion of the southeast zone, winning $500,000. The awards were received by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, accompanied by a delegation from the state, including the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Chiamaka Nnake, the Executive Secretary, ANSPHCDA, Pharm Chisom Uchem, among others. The event was organized in partnership with key stakeholders, including the National Primary Healthcare Development…
Barrister Amara Joy Muojeke has been sworn in as the new chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA Nigeria, and Anambra State Branch. Muojeke, an Assistant Chief State Counsel at the Anambra State Ministry of Justice Awka, also heads the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, and Women Forum in Anambra State. Other members of the new executive body were Lauretta Ikwuka, Vice Chairperson; His Worship, Maria Anyabolu, Secretary; Sylvia Ogbuagu, Assistant Secretary; A. C. Peters, Financial Secretary; Chioma Okolo, Treasurer; Chinelo Akorah, Publicity Secretary; and Ginikachukwu Olisa, Welfare Secretary. In her address at the event held at the FIDA…
The acting Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Prof Joseph Ikechebelu, has assured of uninterrupted electricity supply following the commencement of the installation of prepaid and postpaid meters in the university community. Ikechebelu gave the assurance while flagging off the meter installation, commissioning of the Vending/Control Room and equipment, and signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sabrud Consortium Nigeria Limited. He commended the task force committee for the prompt delivery of its mandate and assured the metering of all facilities in the institution in the near future. He expressed happiness that, for the first time, such…
A three-day trial commenced on Wednesday in Awka, Anambra State Capital, for young football talents seeking opportunities in football clubs in European countries. On day one of the trials, which took place at the Awka Township Stadium, a team of European football professionals watched players of various football clubs in the state, including De Gamechanger FC, DOSAD Sports, and Solution FC, among others, showcase their talents. The visiting team includes Jorge Forster, a Spanish FIFA Agent; Rene Merilo, the President of FC Metropol, Estonia; and a scouting manager. They were in Anambra at the invitation of their partners, including De…
Anambra State government on Tuesday resolved to take up the medical expenses of a former President of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Mr Okechukwu Akaneme, who was brutalized by some contractors of Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA). The State Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, who disclosed this to our correspondent in Awka, said the decision was part of resolutions at the 37th Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) Meeting held at the State Government House Awka on Tuesday. Recall that on Friday, October 11, 2024, at about 7 am, Akaneme had his spinal cord broken by agents of the ASWAMA…
Stakeholders from the nine local government areas in Anambra State identified as having underperformed in the routine immunization exercise across the state have been urged to do more to convince their people to uptake the vaccines for their benefit. The call was made during a one-day non-residential Stakeholder Engagement/ Town Hall meeting organized in Awka by the Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency, ANSPHCDA, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health, UNICEF, and other partners ahead of the BIG CATCH-UP Exercise in the State. The Big Catch-Up exercise targets routine immunization intensification in the nine LGAs, which have…
As Human Rights Day is marked today globally, a rights group, the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, RULAAC, has called for an end to the Nigeria Police Force’s unprofessional and abusive approach to the discharge of duties. The rights group is also calling on the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to order the immediate release of Dele Farotimi from illegal detention in Ekiti Correctional Centre, and Dr. Ihekweme and Nonso Nkwa in Imo State as well as others suffering similar oppression and persecution on account of their exercising their democratic rights to freedom of expression. The theme…
Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammadu Ali Pate, has advocated for the effective allocation of available resources in the health sector, prioritizing primary health care while promoting local pharmaceutical manufacturing. He said these suggestions can accelerate the achievement of SDG 3 – Good health and well-being in Nigeria. Prof. Pâte shared these insights during a panel discussion titled “From Challenges to Change: Enhancing Global South Health through Collaboration” at the 2024 Doha Forum held in Qatar. Nadder Kabbani, the Director of Research at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, moderated the session. Since 2003, the Doha Forum…
In a bid to ensure quality services for homeowners, plumbers and other building professionals across Southeast Nigeria converged on Onitsha, Anambra state, on Sunday to discuss real-world plumbing challenges and propose solutions. The educative interaction, held at the Five Star Restaurant Hall, GRA, Onitsha, with the theme ‘Celebrating Mastery and Partnership, offered the plumbers the opportunity to upgrade their skills with hands-on training and interaction with top engineers. The event, driven by technology solutions, showcased how to solve common issues like pipe leaks, bathroom odor, and rusting faucets and revealed tips on delivering quality, durable plumbing for homeowners. Mr Nzubechukwu…
Beneficiaries of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase-One, ATASP-1, in Enugu and Anambra States, have hailed the management for its great impact on the Federal Government’s efforts to tackle food insecurity in Nigeria. They said these impacts were through strategic infrastructural and capacity development and support for rural farmers, processors, and other agricultural value chain actors. The beneficiaries made the commendation when a delegation from the Africa Development Bank, Federal Ministries of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), Ministry of Finance, Water Resources, and ATASP-1 toured some project sites executed by the programme in Adani-Omor Zonal Program Implementation Unit. Some…
As part of activities to mark the 2024 International Migrants Day, the Civil Society Network on Migration and Development (CSOnetMADE) in Anambra State organized an awareness campaign to raise public consciousness about the dangers of irregular migration. The one-day public sensitization program, held in collaboration with the Anambra Broadcasting Service, the Ministry of Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, and other stakeholders, took place at the Healthy Living With Nonye Soludo exercise ground in Awka, the state capital. The programme supported the National Migration Dialogue and had as its theme ‘Honouring the Contributions of Migrants and Respecting Their Rights’. In her remarks,…
The Anglican Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Right Reverend Samuel Ezeofor, has charged Ministers of God with always preaching the gospel in its undiluted form and using their various positions to give hope to the hopeless. He gave this charge at the Cathedral Church of Saint John, Ekwulobia, in Anambra State, during the Advent ordination of Aguata Diocese. Dr. Okwuolisa Igwilo was made a Deacon during the service, while Reverend Innocent Nwankwo, Ochuba Emmanuel, and Obumneme Okeke were made Priests. According to Bishop Ezeofor, priests must always preach the gospel of true love, peace, and unity among Christians, especially to those…
Six suspects, including a Chinese national, have been arrested in Anambra State over suspected illegal mining activities. The suspects were arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps Anambra State Command in collaboration with the state Federal Mines Officer. Among the arrested persons were Udoka Nwankwo, male (25); Amaka Samuel, female (18); Onyi Ijeoma, female ( 45); Chimezie Aniefuna, male (25); Chinaza Omrba, female (18) and the Chinese National Babajeje, (47). The arrest was gathered, followed by a tip-off on their operations at an illegal mining site at Odene Aguleri in Anambra East Local Government Area. Parading…
Residents of Awka, Anambra State Capital, on Thursday, joined a statewide road walk in commemoration of 16 days of activism against Gender-Based Violence in the state to raise awareness of the increasing cases of rape and gender-based violence in the state. The roadshow was organized by the State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee on Prevention of Gender-Based Violence, domiciled with the State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, in partnership with the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, and the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC. It witnessed awareness talks and discussions on the subject matter,…
Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, has called on private school proprietors to take advantage of the Federal Ministry of Education’s re-accreditation exercise to secure approval for their institutions. At the 3rd Annual General Meeting of the Ministry of Education and All Private School Proprietors in the state, the Commissioner advised at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Center, Awka. She said the State Ministry of Education would immediately approve schools that scaled through the exercise, while those who failed to meet the requirements would face closure. She said the essence of the engagement was to prepare the…
Civil society coalition in Edo State, on Wednesday, gave the Nigeria Police, Edo State command, a 48-hour ultimatum to explain to Nigerians the circumstances that led to the death of former Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) chairman, Edo State chapter, Comrade Kaduna Eboigbodin. Eboigbodin’s wife revealed a troubling sequence of events when police stopped him at a roadblock in the Upper Sokponba area of the Edo State capital. The deceased wife said the police stopped Comrade Eboigbodin and demanded to see his vehicle papers, which were all up to date. According to her, the policemen then raised concerns about a discrepancy between the engraved number on…
On Tuesday, the Anambra State Government announced a ban on all medical outreaches it did not approve in the state to ensure public safety and maintain high healthcare standards. This directive was contained in a public notice issued by the state Ministry of Health on December 2, 2024. According to the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Obidike Afam, conducting medical missions or outreaches without prior Ministry approval is prohibited. “This measure aims to protect public health, ensure high standards of care, prevent public health risks, and strengthen collaboration between stakeholders and the Ministry. “To obtain approval, organizations and individuals must submit…
A pro-Igbo group, the Igbo National Council, INC, has called on victims of extortion, harassment, and humiliation on roads across the state of the Southeast to come forward with pictorial and video pieces of evidence of their experiences. The appeal came in a statement on Tuesday from the INC Directorate of Human Rights Protection Desk. There have been complaints by human rights groups, civil society organizations, CSOs, and interest groups over the militarization of parts of the Southeast, as well as the numerous roadblocks on roads in the region. These checkpoints, it was gathered, constituted avenues for extortion, brutalization, and…
The Anambra State Command of Chaplain Corps Policing Explorer (CHAPOL) has called for all hands to be on deck for moral impact on students and pupils for a better society. The State Commandant, Mr. Joseph Ekwunife, made the call during its 10th Annual Conference held at the Prof Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre. He said CHAPOL has, for the past eleven years, assisted in fighting social vices and moral decadence in schools through mentorship and character reformation, thereby bringing about changes. “Our commitment to fighting social vices, moral decadence in schools is unwavering. We call for collective efforts towards instilling…