News

ANAMBRA WOMEN TECH MAKERS ONITSHA CELEBRATES WOMEN’S ACHIEVEMENTS IN TECHNOLOGY

By Chikaodili Obinwa :

The Anambra State Government in conjunction with Women Tech Makers Onitsha has organized a programme aimed at celebrating the accomplishments of women in technology and advocating for increased female participation in the tech sector.

The event was sponsored by Google Developer Group at Nicholla Hotel and Suites, Onitsha.

The Women Techmakers Onitsha event served as a platform to celebrate women’s contributions to technology, foster collaboration, and inspire future generations of women to pursue careers in the tech industry.

Ms. Chinwe Okoli, the Special Adviser (SA) to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo on Innovation and Business Incubation, delivered the keynote address, focusing on the theme “Impact the Future.”

She emphasized that International Women’s Day is not merely a celebration of women who have already made significant strides in various sectors, especially in technology, but a call to action for women to actively shape the world.

Ms. Okoli spoke about the rapid advancement of technology and the disruptive force of AI, urging women to play a pivotal role in leveraging these innovations to create impactful solutions, stressing that technology is too crucial to be monopolized by one gender and highlighted the unique perspectives and contributions that women bring to the design and development of technologies.

She also highlighted the tech vision of Mr. Governor, Prof. Soludo, for Anambra State, emphasizing his commitment to digital empowerment and innovation.

She lauded the establishment of the Solution Innovation District (SID) in Awka as a significant step toward providing free tech training, equipping participants with globally relevant skills, and fostering economic opportunities for thousands of Ndi Anambra.

The SA commended the governor’s proactive approach to digital transformation, envisioning a digitally self-sufficient Anambra that is globally competitive.

In recognition of her efforts and contributions to women’s digital development in the state, she was awarded the Anambra State Tech Woman of the Year Award, a testament of all her amazing works and efforts to push the vision of Mr. Governor, in ensuring that Anambra State becomes the next Silicon Valley of the East.

Engr. Happiness Akabuike, the event’s host, reiterated the core mission of the Women Techmakers Onitsha event; recognizing women’s achievements in the tech industry and promoting greater female participation.

She emphasized the transformative power of technology in transcending geographical barriers through remote work.

Notable dignitaries present in the event includes Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Ify Obinabo, and Mrs. Chinwe Achugbu, Permanent Secretary of Anambra State.

*Chikaodili is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAMBRA GOVT HANDS OVER SITE FOR CONSTRUCTION OF ACCESS ROAD INTO AWKA WASTE DUMP SITE

By Sunday Okoli :

The Anambra State Government has handed over site for the construction of access road into the Awka Waste Dump Site.

Performing the handover ceremony at Agu Awka, Awka South LGA, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Ifeanyi Okoma said that Gov. Chukwuma Soludo has graciously awarded the contract for the construction of access road into the Awka dump site to IIC Construction Ltd with a completion period of five months.

The Commissioner who was represented by the Director of Highways Department Engr. Noel Okoye said that the handover event signified the commencement of construction works.

He charged the contractor to take full ownership of the project by ensuring that the works is done within the time frame and according to specifications.

Responding, the Director of IIC Construction Ltd, Engr. Chukwudi Chikeluba thanked the State Governor, Prof. Soludo for entrusting them with such huge responsibility, saying that the company would deliver as scheduled and according to specifications.

*Sunday is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

SOUL CITY ESTATE: ANAMBRA GOVERNMENT CALLS ON DIASPORA TO INVEST IN THE STATE

By Ifeyinwa Ogwo :

The Anambra State Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji has called on Anambra’s illustrious sons and daughters in The Diaspora to come home and invest, noting that the State is safe and has good road networks.

“Anambra State in the whole of Southeast is ranked the number one in the ease of doing business and our Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has built a lot of roads across the state which will expedite tourism in the state.”

The commissioner said this during the unveiling of the Soul City Obosi Project, at a business dinner held at the Hilton Leisure Hotel and Suites, Regina Ceali, Awka.

He noted that the design of the Soul City Obosi project is superb and in a good location at the base of the second Niger Bridge.

“Everything expected to be done for a safe investment by the public has been done and investors are safe to invest.”

He pledged government’s readiness to support investors to enjoy their investment in any part of the state, noting that Mr. Governor is on the right track and more things are coming.

The founder, Soul City Estate, Mr. Nnamdi Nwokoye said that the project is a dream come through which will make Anambra State great.

“Soul City, Smart City is a tourism area which will have a mini zoo, schools, hotels, hospitals, residential, amusement parks, others and will be second to none in Nigeria.

“Our investors from Europe and America will be here soon. Hon. Commissioner, I assure you that as this is starting in your time, it is going to be completed in your time too. We will continue to wish for your support for the project.”

He, then, thanked the Ministry of Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism for the support rendered to him in ensuring the project undergoes due process.

In a presentation on the benefits of Real Estate Investment, Dr. Tony Mbeke said that Real Estate is a life investment that does not depreciate with time and Soul City Estate is a real wonderland in a great location.

“Soul City is a place to invest your money for the organizers are reliable and the location where it is located is in a good site where everyone would want to be. Invest in land purchase because it is a seed you should sow today for your future and the unborn,” he said.

He warned the public to be mindful of where they invest their hard-earned money as regards the purchase of land.

One of the investors in Soul City Estate Obosi, Chief Arthur Nworah said that it is good to invest in Soul City.

A cultural Dance performance by the Anambra State Troupes and a Music presentation by an upcoming artist ‘Apete’ formed the high point of the event.

*Ifeyinwa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.

IDEMILI SOUTH CHAIRMAN DEBUNKS VIRAL NEWS ABOUT OBIAJA BRIDGE PROJECT NNOBI – IDEANI ROAD, SAYS CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS NOT SUBSTANDARD

By Uzo Ugwunze :

The Idemili South LGA,Chairman, Mrs. Amaka Obi has debunked a viral news/video awash the social media, claiming that the Anambra State Contractor handling the Obiaja Nnobi Bridge project along Nnobi – Ideani Road was using substandard materials.

Mrs Amaka who spoke during an on the spot check at the Nnobi Obiaja bridge project site condemned the activities of detractors who were bent on castigating the good works of Governor Chukwuma Soludo who has brought laudable solutions to the myriad of challenges facing every sector of the state just within two years in office.

According to Mrs Obi, the decision to come here again was followed by the news of a viral video in the social media talking about the use of substandard materials by the contractor handling the project and slow work pace but we have confirmed that the report is not true.

“What I met on ground and what I heard from the site supervisor are totally different from what is in the social media.

” Infact, I am proud to be part of the solution team. This is not just about party but governance, let us join hands and support Soludo because he is performing well.

“People should desist from tarnishing the image of the Soludo led administration in the name of opposition. Do not believe everything you see or hear on the social media they are all rumors and false. Many are spreading fake, false and unfounded news to gain cheap popularity.

“We know the difficulties usually encountered at this terrain especially during rainy season. Sometimes this spot was almost impassable and dangerous to motorists that is why Prof Soludo heard about our plight and came for rescue just as he had undertaking many other projects to alleviate sufferings of road users.

She maintained that the work is of good quality and standard and will last for years, adding that the project will benefit the upcoming generation on completion and also urged the contractor to ensure timely delivery.

Earlier, the site supervisor, Mr Davison Okoli, said that they were committed to the project and were making use of standard materials for the bridge construction, saying that the project will be completed in few weeks according to stipulated schedule.

Part of the LG Chairman’s inspection team include the members of Solution Women Movement(SWM) and Women Initiative for Greater Anambra (WIGA).

* Ugwunze is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

ACTDA DISLODGES ILLICIT DRUG HUB IN AWKA

By Ukpa Ewa :

The Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) enforcement team in collaboration with Anambra State Vigilante Group (AVG) has on April 4, took a decisive action to dislodge illegal occupants from an uncompleted building at Amawbia Express intended for use as a hotel due to concerns over threats and nuisances to the surrounding environment.

Prompted by a surge in drugs peddling and other illicit enterprises within the environment, officials of the two combined teams acted swiftly to dislodge approximately 300 individuals hailing from Kano, Taraba, Kogi, Adamawa and various other states, who had unlawfully occupied the structure.

Addressing Journalists in Amawbia, Anambra State, the Commander of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, Mr. Ugochukwu Nwimo, said that there are urgent need for intervention, citing rampant illegal enterprises and public nuisance perpetrated by the occupants.

Nwimo, who said that there was prior warnings and 14 days eviction notice to the illegal occupants of the structure, they persisted in their nefarious activities, hence, a comprehensive response from authorities.

Speaking on the need to maintain law and order in the capital city, Mr Nwimo said that contact with the owner of the building showed his lack of knowledge regarding the unauthorized tenants, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

In his words, “Efforts are underway to ensure the safety and well-being of children and women found in the premises. while measures are being taken to prevent similar situations in the future” he said.

When inquired by the newsmen on the arrangement of the occupants of the uncompleted building, a private security man from Adamawa State, Muhammed Garba who oversees the premises, clarified that the owner of the building had no knowledge of the illegal occupants.

Garba, who said that he accommodated them based on brotherhood and tribal affection, acknowledged that there was nefarious activities ongoing within and around the area, but insisted he has never been part of such act, nor has any arrangement whatsoever in constituting public nuisance.

Residents who spoke to newsmen on condition of anonymity, expressed gratitude for ACTDA’s intervention, applauding the restoration of order and the eradication of the criminal hub.

They unanimously acknowledged the persistent security and social challenges posed by the presence of those occupants and welcomed the decisive action taken by authorities to restore sanity to the state.

*Ukpa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

HOUSE OF REPS MEMBER COMMISSIONS CONSTITUENCY OFFICE, HOLDS TOWN HALL MEETING IN OJOTO

By Uzo Ugwunze :

A member of the House of Representatives representing Idemili North and South Federal Constituency, Mr Uchenna Harris Okonkwo has commissioned Idemili South constituency office and also held a town hall meeting at Ndiabor Union Civic Centre, Ojoto, Idemili South LGA, Anambra State.

Commissioning the centre which is a liaison office for the constituents in the LGA, the lawmaker said that it will fasten aid to the constituents who needed help of any kind or complaints.

“It is also a place for easy contact on any issue from the constituents and by tomorrow, we shall have a town hall meeting at Paradise regained hotel, Ogidi,”for Idemili North constituents.

During the town hall meeting, the lawmaker said it would be a yearly gathering especially on Easter period to enable the people have physical interaction with their representative.

“We will also be having our regular periodic physical meetings and zoom meetings as means of contact and interaction. The town hall meeting is an opportunity to express feelings,” Okonkwo said.

He expressed satisfaction with the turn up of the constituents, adding that his interest is to better their w

elfare even as he has started solar light installation to some markets and hopes to install it in all markets.

In a vote of thanks, the President General of Nnokwa community, Chief Joe Anyika commended the lawmaker for having the interest of the people at heart and urged him not to relent.

Earlier, the traditional ruler of Ojoto,

Igwe Gerald Mbamalu described the town hall meeting as a necessity for questions and interactions with the representative especially on funds for projects which according to him money was allocated for such projects.

Highlight of the occasion was presentation of award to the lawmaker by the Association of Music and Film Producers and Marketers of Nigeria, (AMUFPMAN,) led by Evangelist Markinson Justice Nwasike, National chairman, flanked by secretary, Comrade Otimkpu Paul .

Presenting the award, the chairman, Board of Trustees, Chief Cosmas Ubaoha, who was also flanked by a chieftain of the association, comrade Damian Ogudike, expressed satisfaction with the achievements of the lawmaker few months in office.

* Ugwunze is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

Anambra State Government Health Workers Recruitment – Successful Candidates

The Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ASPHCDA), Awka, is delighted to announce the successful candidates selected for employment into the Anambra State Public Service. This official communication aims to notify the candidates of their selection and provide comprehensive details regarding the upcoming documentation process.

Candidates are advised to verify their names through the following accessible platforms:

ASPHCDA Notice Board
ASPHCDA Facebook page
Anambra State Ministry of Health Notice Board
Online: Anambra State Government official website. Click on this link: Shortlisted Candidates Link

The dates for documentation are as follows:

S/N
1	Nurses (Nurses, Midwives, and Registered Nurses) & Pharmacists	Wednesday, April 3 – Friday, April 5, 2024	10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
2	SCHEW and JCHEW	Monday, April 8, 2024	10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
3	Community Health Officers	Tuesday, April 9, 2024	10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
4	Senior Medical Officers	Wednesday, April 10, 2024	10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The Venue for the exercise is Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency, behind NNPC Mega Station/FRSC, Enugu-Onitsha Express Way, Awka.
Successful candidates should come along with the following:
i. All their Original Credentials
ii. Valid Practicing license
iii. Two Passport-sized photographs
iv. Original Birth Certificate and
v. A white file jacket with photocopies of all the requested documents enclosed.

Your cooperation in presenting the necessary documents is highly valued, ensuring a streamlined process.

Thank you.

FOUNDER, QUEEN-TOVAH CARES FOUNDATION INT’L RECIEVES PROFESSORSHIP AWARD, INSTALLED PATRONESS OF CROWN PRINCESS COLLEGE OF BISHOPS

By Regina Igwebuike :

The Founder and CEO Queen-Tovah Cares Foundation International, Princess Dr. Jessie Ifeoma Udoka-Menuba, nee Oliobi has received a Professorship Award from Crown Prince Ministerial College of Bishops Inc. Nigeria having satisfactorily completed the approval course of studies in Mission Development.

The Princess is married to Rtd Air commodore Ify Udoka Menuba from Oguluwa kindred, Adabebe village, Amawbia, and is the only sister of HRM, Igwe Maximus Ikechukwu Oliobi, Owelle of Nimo (Ezeoranyelu I).

She was also installed as the Crown Matron of the great College in recognition of her selfless and humanitarian services in her ministerial call/service on earth, having distinguished herself in the service to the nation and mankind.

The event, which took place during the Conference at the Divine Salvation Solution Ministry, Amawbia near Kabe junction on March 30, was well attended by friends and lovers of the Princess including the Nze na Ozo title holders, Eziokwubundu Women group, Oguluwa kindred Adabebe, Precious Widows Association Anambra (PWAA) and her sisters from Nimo (Umuada Nimo) married into Amawbia.

Speaking on the theme of the conference “Behold The Lord Comes”, the Founder, Crown Prince College of Bishops/Apostles, Archbishop Moses Chinedum Ezeh (JPH), said that the open statement stands tall over demonic vices against humanities.

He urged the present generation to return to their Master and Creator of all the living, saying that the choice is in their hands to choose whom to worship, knowing that the end is at hand.

Archbishop Ezeh, while advocating the Lord’s immenient returns to this earth with our true rewards, enjoined all to celebrate the Lord Almighty whose power/wisdom is in total control of our existence through Jesus Christ, Master of human salvation.

According to him, the Church’s Motto: Jesus Christ is our Savior, has the mission to rise to correct, direct, supervise and to empower the churches along with our sacrifices at large.

“The church whose aim is to save the lost soul in this end time is non-denominational and inter denominational and as such, needs men who are saints to the very calling of God to enable the very Gospel to be preached without fear in this generation.

As the son of the soil, he admonished Ndi Amawbia and christians at large to settle matters amicably through the elders than dragging their own to court.

Celebrating Princess Udoka-Menuba, the Archbishop described her as a hardworking and great woman with a difference, whom they love so dearly with passion and everything.

Commending her good works, he said that she merited the awards. She is helpful, caring, being there for men, women, children, youth, communities, cities and countries.

“I lack adjective to qualify her, no one can disqualify her not even the power of lucifer because her good generous works are not ordinary and I pray God to give her long healthy life to reap the rewards for her labour.

“With our hearts full of gratitude for all the gestures and good works, the College of Bishops are offering her two Awards: Mother of our great College and Professorship Award for her good works to continue, to motivate her to continue doing good so that others will learn to be good.

“She is not the only one, but very outstanding.”

Receiving the Awards on behalf of the Princess, Mrs Uju Izuakor, Founder and President, Precious Widows Association Anambra, thanked the College and all present for the honour, noting that the honours are well deserved.

She described the Princess as a woman filled with human kindness, an action, visionary woman cum Evangelist, touching humanity with her Foundation – Queen-Tovah Cares International.

Mrs Izuakor prayed that God will use the potentials deposited in the Princess to carry the College along, noting that God raised the Princess to help humanity especially the less privileged, downtrodden, widows/widowers, indigents and the homeless.

In an interview shortly after the Service, Barr. Mike Okoye, member Board of Trustees and the Southeast Coordinator said,”Actually, the event shows the connection between giving and spirituality because you can actually have but you cannot give.

“We’ve seen people like that but the Princess is someone who gives from the heart. When you check her qualifications and accolades, you find out that she is equally an Evangelist, showing that her purpose is driven with spirituality.

“So, this College of Bishops, having accorded her with these recognitions, is in line with what she has been doing and we actually thank the church, the body of Christ for according her that recognitions, praying that she continues to do more”.

Also in an interview, Nze Emeka Onuorah extolled the Princess for her magnanimity which won her many awards and recognitions.

He said that the Princess is a great woman achiever, an icon and epitome of excellence. Her philanthropy and legacies resonate across the globe, infact, she deserved more feathers and accolades.

Others expressed joy and wished the Princess long healthy life, more grace and wisdom to continue doing good.

*Regina is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ALLEGATIONS OF FLOOD DAMAGE TO ROAD PROJECT IN ONITSHA FALSE – RESIDENTS, OTHERS

By Juliana Nwachukwu/Ogochukwu Mokwugwo/Onyinye Okechukwu :

The residents of Onitsha, Anambra State, have dismissed as false and unfounded, the allegation making the round in some quarters and social media that the second rain has washed off the Menax/Upper Iweka road Project.

It was alleged that the project being constructed by Prof Chukwuma Soludo’s administration is sub-standard and as such that the governor has failed in his pledge to provide quality roads to the masses.

Denying the allegation, the residents and the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Ifeanyi Okeoma contended that the video allegation was an affront to throw spanners into the good works of the state government, adding that nothing of the sort ever happened.

“Everyone of us is here on this road and you can see that nothing happened at all. We actually saw the video last night and first thing this morning, we came here to find out that nothing like that happened as you can see for yourself.

“The contractor worked on Sunday and closed for the day and he stopped at a small portion that is about one foot and there was a heavy down pour and the base was blocked and that point is about one foot that got washed off.

“As you can see that we are all standing on the stone base material that was primed so we are shocked at that mischievous video sponsored by the opposition to throw spanners into the good works of the state government and as you can see work is in progress,” he said.

The Manager of Zodic Construction Company, Mr Mark Chu contended, “We only have about one foot left of the entire Moore- Upper Iweka Road Project Ochanja and we are still working and we have continued from where we stopped.

“We want to reiterate that our company is providing Anambra State good quality and durable road infrastructure and we cannot be distracted by mischief makers and the public should disregard those false stories”.

The Caretaker Committee Chairman, Fegge Landlords Association, Mr Okwudili Obinwanne described the viral video as capital lie, adding that they are residents of the area and witnessed the heavy down pour yesterday insisting that nothing happened.

“We find it difficult to believe that someone in his right frame of mind would go to the extent of blackmailing the governor with such falsehood.

“You the Journalists are here to see for yourself and make on the spot investigation into what happened and from what you have seen so far you can attest that this is the handwork of mischief makers and we the residents of this area wish to warn that we will not tolerate such misinformation of the general public by renegades,” he said.

The Moore – Upper Iweka Road Project is 2.3 km and so far according to the contractor, up to 1. 7 km of the project has been done.

Mr. Chu further noted that the Ochanja road project is currently having a water fountain at the roundabout which used to be a mountain of refuse dump in the past before contract was awarded to them .

“The project apart from the water fountain would also have street lights with wide water drainage system which empties at a larger canal in order to protect the road and the market from flooding and protecting the goods being owned by traders.

He urged the traders and residents in the area not to block the drains with waste, adding that provisions are being made for the dumping of waste which would be cleared as quickly as possible.

*Juliana, Ogochukwu and Onyinye are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

2024: AMAWBIA COMMUNITY CELEBRATES EZIOKPALIGWE FESTIVAL, PRAYS FOR BOUNTIFUL HARVEST

By Regina Igwebuike :

The Amawbia Community in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State, has celebrated its annual Eziokpaligwe Festival and prayed for bountiful harvest this farming season.

The three days event, which kick-started on March 21 and climaxed on March 23 was well attended by indigenes, friends and well-wishers from all walks of life, within the country and in The Diaspora.

Declaring the event open, the Osojeze Amawbia, Ozo Arc. Nnaemeka Maduka said that the festival is traditional and symbolic, as farm inputs were blessed and shared to the six villages that make up of the community, explaining that without the ceremony, nobody would farm.

The Osojeze, represented by Ozo Felix Nzeamalu, while welcoming all to the great event, called on the gods of their land for bountiful harvest this year.

The President General (PG) of Amawbia Community, Engr. Godwin Aronu, said that Eziokpaligwe is the foremost festival of the community, the tradition of their forefathers which they inherited.

Engr. Aronu said that the significance of the celebration was to allow people to cultivate new crops for without it, nobody would get into the farmland.

The PG was optimistic that this year’s harvest will be bountiful and that by ‘Onwa Asato’, they will converge again to thank God for the bounty and bumper harvest.

The Anambra State Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji thanked Ndi Amawbia for organizing the festival which they were known for, noting that Mr Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo do not joke with Igbo culture and traditions.

He observed little children playing, explaining that the festival will not go extinct even as he acknowledged that the age grade system is very functional as they are well represented, urging the community to keep it up.

The commissioner was represented by Mrs Chioma Ifediora, Acting Director of the Ministry.

The Chairman of the occasion, Engr. Arinze Anyadiegwu, expressed happiness being called to chair the occasion, noting that when he was small, he used to attend the festival with his peers.

He thanked the community for holding forth with the tradition, praying that 2024 will bring progres in Amawbia, restore unity and love as the Ugbo-ogiliga of old when all drank from one pot with one cup.

The former Director of Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Ikem Odumodu, in an interview, said that he is a lover of tradition that is why he always wants to participate especially at the grassroots.

“As usual, I’m excited and I’m part of it. I have invested through my age grade, my village and central Amawbia level. One of the things I take away is the essence of the tradition and traditional institutions in promoting our own Culture because that is what makes us who we are as a people.

“So, I’m excited and expectant that we are going to get better and better in promoting our tradition. However, I also want to distinguish between tradition and paganism because some people take tradition as part of paganism, which I don’t promote.

“Even though our forefathers were traditionalists, worshipping several gods but Christianity has come and we are christians. So, we must focus on our own salvation in the long term and not practicing neo-paganism.”

On Okpaligwe stool, he said that it was a very contentious issue. Some people do not want Okpaligwe but they will fail. We are going to have him because he is the head of Amawbia.

“If we don’t have Okpaligwe this year, we shall have next year but one thing I know is that we shall have Okpaligwe that will rule over us like other kingdoms. We must promote our Culture and Okpaligwe must come.”

Nze Uche Okonkwo, one of the Okpaligwe contestants, also in an interview, said that Eziokpaligwe is a long time festival that usher in farming season, foster love, peace and unity as they gather together, noting that this year’s celebration was successful.

Speaking on Okpaligwe stool, he said that he is one of the contestants, noting that it is God who makes kings even as he is optimistic that he will be the next Okpaligwe Amawbia.

While praying for progres, unity, love and peace in Amawbia, Nze Okonkwo commended Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s giant stride across all sectors simultaneously under two years in office.

He noted that the roads flagged off in Amawbia were 70 per cent done, remaining 30 per cent which he believed will be completed and commissioned in the near future.

Also in an interview, Mr Nzube Menuba, Public Relation Officer (PRO), Amawbia Town Union, expressed joy at the success of the festival, noting that villages, age grades and friends came out en-masse for the ceremony not minding the economic situation in the country.

According to him, this shows that they understand the essence of the festival, urging them to keep the ball rolling.

The PRO while praying for journey mercies also prayed for a stable and better economy so that the community will continue to grow from strength to strength.

Earlier, Rev. Peter Nwabufo Okoro, from St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Amawbia, prayed over the seedlings comprising of yam, maize, pumpkin, okro, cassava stems, egusi and water melon that were shared to the six villages.

Rev. Okoro also prayed for good weather and rainfall to enable the crops to grow and yield abundantly.

Umueze village won the Ist position as the village that raised the highest amount of money while Adabebe village won the Ist position as the best dancer of the year.

Presentation of trophies to the two villages and masquerades added glamour to the event.

*Regina is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State