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…
Author: Kenechukwu Ofomah
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Officers and men of the Anambra State command of the Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC have been urged to show dedication to their duties and shun acts that can mar the image of the corps. The State NSCDC Commandant, made the call during the maiden edition of the Command’s Wage award, which he established, to honor some select personnel of the command for their exceptional work, outstanding professionalism, diligence, and upholding the ethics of law enforcement. Seven personnel of the command were selected for the January 2024 award comprising both senior and junior staff. They included Deputy Commandant Dennis…
An activist and social affairs commentator, Comrade Boniface Okonkwo who had been in detention over the case of defamation, will on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, know his fate on a bail application he filed. A High Court sitting in Nnewi, Anambra State headed by Justice Vincent Agbata, had last Wednesday, denied Okonkwo bail when the matter came up. Justice Agbata eventually adjourned the matter till Tuesday, Feb. 6th, 2024 for a hearing. The activist was reportedly arrested in his Oraifite Community in Anambra state on January 3rd and clamped into detention by police for allegedly criticizing on social media a meter…
Anambra State Commissioner for Housing Hon. Pauly Onyeka, has charged contractors engaged for the upgrading of Dr Alex Ekwueme Event Centre to turn the place into a centre of attraction comparable to any other one around the world. The Commissioner, who gave the charge during the official handover of the project site to the contractors, explained that the goal of the government is to transform the old event centre into a decent, world-class facility, in line with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s desire to make Anambra a livable and progressive state. The outdoor event centre, named after a one-time Nigeria Vice President,…
Over 95% of the Keke-Ambulances donated to Primary Healthcare Centres, PHCs in Anambra state, by the former State administration under Governor Willie Obiano, less than two years ago, are currently immovable at the moment. Our correspondent who visited PHCs in Awka North, Oyi, Dunukofia, Awka South, Aguata, and Njikoka Council Areas, reports that no single facility had their keke ambulances working. This is also more worrisome, considering the huge amount spent on their purchase and the whole fuse made by the Obiano regime, as to how the Primary Healthcare System in the system has been rejigged for greater efficiency. The…
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anàmbra State has been urged to urgently prevail on his Special Adviser on Market, Evaristus Ubah, to stop further harassment and intimidation of Chief Sabest Uzoeto, the managing director of Ezinwanne Shopping Mall, at No 39 Silas Works Road, Onitsha and the widows carrying out their legitimate businesses at the mall. Addressing newsmen in his office weekend, Sabest said he started business at the premises in 2016 and incorporated it with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), as well as obtained a Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) from the Anambra State Government for the property housing the business. He said when the State…
Ahead of the rerun elections in Nnewi North and Orumba North Local Government Areas of Anambra State scheduled for Saturday, February 3, 2024, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the State Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye has ordered massive deployment of personnel to provide adequate security for the electorate as well as officials taking part in the election. Also in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, the Commissioner has ordered the restriction of vehicular movement in Nanka, Orumba North LGA, and Nnewi in Nnewi North LGA from midnight to 6 p.m. on 3rd February 2024.…
Anambra State Government on Friday commemorated the 2024 Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day, with a call on citizens of the state to assist the government in its drive to eliminate the diseases. According to reports, 100 million Nigerians are estimated to be at risk of at least one NTD, with several million individuals affected by one of them. These NTDs such as lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, and noma disease have had a devastating impact on communities. It is also reported that the effect of NTDs goes beyond health and well-being to economic prosperity, as the World Health Organization (WHO), has estimated…
The Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Budget Matters, Mr Okey Ezeobi has ignited the anger of elders of Nanka Community in Orumba North Council Area of Anambra State, following an alleged outburst he made against the people. The elders under the aegis of Nanka Elders Forum (NEF) in a statement Wednesday, condemned the utterances of In the build-up to the upcoming February 3 Rerun Elections for Orumba North and South Federal Constituency, Ezeobi, while campaigning for the APGA candidate for the Constituency, allegedly said that Governor Soludo does not need Nanka votes to win a second term in 2025. In the statement signed by the chairman…
Anambra governor’s wife, Mrs Nonye Soludo, has condemned the violent abuse of a child live-in maid by her guardian at G.R.A, Onitsha. A viral amateur video of a girl roughly between the age of nine to ten years, who appeared with gory iron-stamp burns all over her body, had trended attracting public outrage. The child maid was said to have been allegedly inflicted by her guardian, Mrs Adachukwu Okafor. The alleged culprit, now at large, is said to be living with the maid at her Akpaka, 33 G.R.A, Onitsha residence, and got enraged when the maid, who was giving her child a bath,…
A 38-year-old, Chinyere Chukwu, and her 17-year-old daughter, Joy have been apprehended for attempting to sell her two male children in Anambra State. The woman and her daughter had concluded plans to sell the children to the State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Hon Ify Obinabo, who posed as a buyer for the two children. The woman had initially pegged the price for the two children at N1 million naira each, but after negotiations, both parties settled for N1.8 million naira for both of them. It was when the plans were concluded for payments, that the State Commissioner for Women…
Anambra State Government under Governor Chukwuma Soludo has successfully conducted 138 town union elections in the past year and ten months it has been in office. The State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs, Hon Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne disclosed this on Tuesday, during the presentation of Certificates of Recognition to newly elected Presidents-General of 34 communities in the state. The recognition followed the successful conduct of their PGs’ elections between 26th December 2023 and 7th January 2024, which were duly monitored by the Ministry. Speaking during the certificate presentation event which took place at SSG Hall, government house Awka,…
Operators of commercial motorcycles popularly known as Keke Napep in Awka, Anambra State Capital, are calling on the State Government to fish out members of the Special Anti-Touting Squad, SASA, who attacked operators in Awka in December last year and ensure they foot the bills of brutalized keke drivers. TNC correspondent ran into one of the operators, who was recently discharged from the hospital, who revealed that although he is ready to start work again, he cannot because he owes the state revenue for the period he was hospitalized. According to the Keke operator, he spent close to seventy thousand…
Anambra State Commissioner of Police CP Aderemi Adeoye has urged tricycle drivers in the state to partner with the Police to fight crimes and criminalities. Adeoye made the statement when hosting members of the Anambra State Keke Drivers Forum in Awka, the state capital. According to CP Adeoye, the police cannot be everywhere but tricycle drivers are everywhere. He urged the Keke drivers to volunteer information to the police when they witness anyone. The Commissioner said the police want to work with the Keke drivers as an important segment of society who move around the state daily. He also assured…
The All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA has told the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to work towards improving the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), as a way of upscaling from its performance during the 2023 General Elections. The National Chairman of the party, Barr Sly Ezeokenwa made the call during the INEC verification visit to the APGA National Secretariat in Abuja. He lauded INEC for its exemplary conduct during the 2023 General Election and applauded the commission for its diligent discharge of duties, as well as its amicable rapport with the party. According to Ezeokenwa, despite the justified agitation of…
One Ms. Tanya Okpala, a US-based tennis champion, who was found wandering the streets of the Awka, Anambra State capital has been rescued by the State Government. For the past four months, Ms. Okpala, a half-caste has been living with dangerous drug gangs in the Mgbakwu community, a neighboring community, who did not recognize her. It was not until a good samaritan, who recognized the former table tennis, and published a video of her at the popular Abakaliki street, at night, with injury, that the state government intervened. In the said video, Ms Okpala looked distressed and unstable, prompting the quick…
