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Author: Okechukwu Onwuka

EXCITEMENT AS OKPOKO GENERAL HOSPITAL BEGINS OPERATIONS AFTER MINISTER’S INAUGURATION

By Chris Chikelue & Nnabuife Azuka :

The Okpoko General Hospital in Ogbaru Local Government Area, Anambra State, has been inaugurated, marking a major milestone in Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s transformation agenda.

Once a neglected dump site, the area has been revitalized into a modern healthcare facility with additional amenities, including a relaxation center, portable water supply, and enhanced security.

The Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate, officially commissioned the hospital alongside Governor Soludo, Deputy Governor Dr. Onyeka Ibezim, Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, and other dignitaries from various ministries and agencies.

The facility, fondly called the “Solution General Hospital, Okpoko,” is the first-ever general hospital in the area. It houses various medical departments, including dental, pediatric, maternity, and general wards.

Commending Governor Soludo’s leadership, Prof. Pate said, “The transformation here is remarkable. What was once a dumpsite is now a world-class medical facility. This is a testament to the governor’s commitment to improving healthcare in Anambra.”

Governor Soludo, visibly pleased, highlighted other ongoing projects in Okpoko:

“We are here on a working visit to commission completed projects, including a 15-kilometer road network, street lighting, and a water scheme. Our vision is to ensure Okpoko rises again. We are also reviving the primary school system, ensuring that our children have a bright future.”

State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, underscored the hospital’s impact, stating, “We have handled over 102,643 patients and performed 344 caesarean sections. The governor is committed to reducing mortality rates in the state.”

With its official opening, the Okpoko General Hospital is set to enhance healthcare delivery and improve the quality of life for residents of the area.

INYOM OBA CONGRATULATES IGWE ENGR. A. C. EMELOBE ON HIS EMERGENCE AS EZEOKPOKO II OF OBA

By Uzo Ugwunze  :

The Oba Patriotic Union (OPU) Women’s Wing (Inyom Oba) wish to congratulate the Igwe -Elect and EzeOkpoko II of Oba community, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Augustine Chinedu Emelobe for his emergence as the Traditional Ruler of Oba town in the just concluded Igweship Selection/Election process on March 15, 2025 which held at Merchants of Light School Oba, Idemili South LGA, Anambra State.

I, Adaife Ngozi Onwuka, the Community Women Leader on behalf of Inyom Oba wishes you a successful and  peaceful reign as we are quite sure that God has already prepared you to take up the responsibilities and challenges that await you in this exalted throne. The entire Oba women assure Your Majesty of our full support as you embark on this new journey of taking Oba Ebo iteghete to greater heights in restoring the glory Oba once enjoyed as a family.

“It is not a coincidence that it was in the same month of March that the Great EzeOkpoko 1 of Oba was selected/elected in 1977 whose reign lasted up to 40 years. Our prayers is that your reign shall last long and be fruitful.

“Since the day it was announced that a search for a new king has begun, Inyom Oba did not relent in prayers asking God to give Oba community a new king without bloodshed, a person who has the fear of God, a leader not a ruler or tyrant and it has pleased God to answer our prayers by giving us a befitting king. 

“Igwe A. C Emelobe, EzeOkpoko II of Oba, we are not in doubt of your capacity, knowing your personality, Integrity and pedigree.

“Inyom Oba look forward to working with you and promise to provide the best possible support as you embark on the herculean task of unifying Oba people and deploying strategies to rid our town of criminals who have dented the image of our dear town Oba ubulu EzeOkpoko among the committee of towns.

“We wish you God’s wisdom, strength, direction, guidance, long life and good health to deliver on your mandate to our people.”

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

BOREHOLE DRILLERS ASSOCIATION PARTNERS WITH ASUWAHC TO ENHANCE WATER RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT IN ANAMBRA

By Chikaodili Obinwa  :

The Borehole Drillers Association of Nigeria (BODAN) and its Anambra State chapter have expressed their commitment to partnering with the Anambra State Urban Water Asset Holdings Corporation (ASUWAHC) to improve water resource management and borehole drilling standards in the state.

This was made known during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the ASUWAHC Conference Hall in Awka, attended by representatives from both the national and state arms of the association, alongside ASUWAHC officials.

In his opening remarks, ASUWAHC Managing Director, Hon. Ikeobi Ejiofor, said that the meeting was convened in response to a letter from BODAN, which he deemed crucial for advancing water supply management in Anambra. 

He reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring proper water resource regulation and recalled past incidents where borehole drillers faced harassment from revenue authorities, urging the association to provide documentation proving its authenticity to facilitate a productive partnership.

Speaking on behalf of BODAN, National Chairman, Mr. Solomon Edet emphasized that the association operates under a dual legal framework: a national body registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and a state chapter registered with the Ministry of Women Affairs. He noted that BODAN was officially inaugurated in Anambra in 2015 at an event attended by the Secretary to the State Government.

Edet highlighted the association’s role in capacity building, including training borehole drillers at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) on technical drilling procedures. Additionally, BODAN has collaborated with the state Ministry of Water Resources on initiatives such as the World Water Day Campaign, which was launched in 2016 in partnership with the former First Lady of Anambra State, who served as the WASH Ambassador for the South-East.

“As part of our efforts to support the government in strengthening the water sector, we have submitted a bill to the Anambra State House of Assembly and maintained a register of licensed borehole drillers in the state,” Edet said.

He also stressed the importance of adhering to the Standard Code of Practice for Borehole Drillers, a national guideline that ensures compliance with safety and environmental standards. These include conducting physical surveys before drilling, maintaining a safe distance from septic tanks and dumpsites, and testing water quality before consumption.

The Vice President of BODAN’s South-East region, His Royal Highness Dr. Uche Alugwo, the Igwe Ezeoha of Enugu State, noted that he has supervised the association’s activities for over a decade, ensuring professionalism and adherence to regulatory standards.

The Coordinator and Chairman of the Borehole Drillers Association of Anambra State (BDAS), Mr. Patrick Effiom, said that BDAS was registered with the CAC in 2009 to address challenges in borehole drilling, adding that BDAS, in alignment with the Anambra State Water Law 2015, aims to support government regulations through the development of a NIN-verified digital database and management system for borehole drillers.

The Financial Secretary of BDAS, Mr. Collins Ekweali  underscored the association’s role in mediating disputes between clients and non-member drillers in the state. He further said that BDAS obtained a court order from the Anambra State High Court to strengthen its legal standing and operational authority.

“In addition, we introduced the Bona Half Hour program on ABS Radio, which ran for three months, educating borehole drillers on best practices such as conducting physical surveys and adhering to ethical standards,”  Ekweali added.

The meeting concluded with official submission of key regulatory documents including by-laws, court orders, licensing records, and borehole history format to ASUWAHC Managing Director, paving the way for a structured partnership between both organizations.

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

DR. OBIGWE CELEBRATES SOLUDO’S ACHIEVEMENTS IN 3 YEARS.. INVITES THE GOVERNOR TO KENNETH DIKE’S MILLENNIUM DANCE COMPETITION

By Michael Ezenwata :

As the light of the nation, Anambra State has continued to enjoy eulogies from well meaning Nigerians on the socio-economic status of the state under the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

Teachers in the state have never had it so good as the governor’s education friendliness is visible in his free education policy, recruitment of teachers in both the primary and post primary schools, designation of 21 schools in the state as smart schools among others.

In Culture and Entertainment, Governor Soludo has scored a first   as the upcoming Funcity  project,among others will provide leisure and entertainment for the state residents.

In a press statement in Awka on the governor’s 3 years in office,the Principal, Kenneth Dike Memorial Secondary School Awka,Dr.Uju Obigwe  passed a vote of confidence on the governor for his breath taking advances in all sectors of the state economy particularly in the education sector.

Dr.Obigwe used the forum to speak on the imperatives of culture in promoting the cultural heritage of a people. According to the academic, Kenneth Dike Secondary School Awka wants to show case the Igbo culture through the dancing  competition.

To this end, the college has invited  Governor Soludo as a special guest  of honour to grace the occasion being organized by it and scheduled to hold this week Friday the 21st day of March, 2025

Other well meaning citizens of the state such as the state Commissioner for Education Prof.Ngozi Chuma- Udeh , the state Chairman of PPSSC, Prof  Nkechi Ikediugwu,among other stakeholders in the education industry are also expected to grace the event.

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

PG SOLICITS COLLABORATION TO DISTANCING CRIMINALS

By David Okpala/Stella Okpala :

The President General (PG), Akpo Development Association(ADA), Nze Henry C. Dim has called on spiritists, marine spirit attendants/traditional healers to work with government as she flushes out criminal minded elements off our midst.

He said this while presenting profiling forms to them for filling, in accordance to government directives, at Agbelu Village Hall, Akpo, Aguata LGA, on March, 17.

The PG said, “The forms before me are 50 in numbers. They were given to me by the Anambra State Government to distribute to you who practice traditional healings, consult spirits and give attention to marine spirits.

“It aims at registering you  and giving you opportunity to identify with government. It has nothing to do with witch hunting, back biting or undermining anybody’s belief or faith.

“It seeks to identify those who are genuinely practicing and distinguish them from criminals who hide under traditional healing practice to unleash mayhem on citizens and terrorize government.”

The PG pleaded with them to synergize with government as they bring information about those within them without genuine intentions.

“You will agree with me that your practice does not suggest that people can make money without working for it.

“So, those preparing charms for criminals, introduce young people to get rich quick syndrome (Ego mbute), are not helping matters. Some even go as far as shedding innocent blood in the name of money rituals and other ear storming vices.

“We need to collaborate with government to identifying these persons, with the aim of flushing them out for an Anambra State we can all be proud of.

*David and Stella are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State*

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY: ANAMBRA NAWOJ SET TO HONOUR NONYE SOLUDO, ILONZO, AKUNYILI, OTHERS 

By Chizoba Njaka  :

All roads lead to Professor Dora Akunyil Women Development Center, Awka, Wednesday, March 19th, 2025 as Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Anambra State Council is set to confer achievement awards on several distinguished individuals in recognition of their outstanding contributions and achievements in their respective fields. The esteemed awardees include the wife of the state governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, Chief Mrs. Flora Ilonzo, and the late Professor Dora Akunyili, who will be honored posthumously for her remarkable contributions.

The event as part of the International Women’s Day celebration aims to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women who have made significant contributions to their fields, inspiring young women to strive for excellence.

According to the State Chairperson of NAWOJ, Comrade Tochukwu Ifejika, the late Professor Dora Akunyili, renowned Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), will be posthumously honoured with a prestigious Legend Award while others are; Honorable Ada Adogu, the first female minister from Anambra State in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dame Dr. Virgy Etiaba, the first female governor in Nigeria as well as Professor Chinyere Stella Okunna, the first female Professor of Mass Communication in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Comrade Ifejika, also announced additional recipients of the Anambra Female Achiever Award to include: Senator Margrey Chuba-Okadigbo,  Former Senator of Anambra North, Professor Oby Lilian Orogbu,  Representing Awka North and Awka South Federal Constituency, Chief Dr. Flora Ilonzo, the first female artist in old Eastern Nigeria, Dr. Kanayo Chukwurah, Dr. Justina Anyadiegwu as well as Dr. Rita Njideka Chikezie.

She also exposed that, the initiative is part of the NAWOJ activities to commemorate the International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration, which was observed globally by the United Nations on March 8. According to her, this year’s celebration themed “Accelerate Action on Gender Equality” with a sub-theme specifically designed by NAWOJ: “Projecting Anambra Female Achievers (Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow).

“As part of this year’s celebration NAWOJ will honour and recognize the achievements of outstanding Anambra women who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields, defying traditional gender norms and achieving excellence in male-dominated spheres. This initiative aims to inspire and motivate young Anambra women who aspire to make their mark in similar fields”, she added.

The NAWOJ Chairperson used the opportunity to call on the people of Anambra to attend the ceremony honouring the achievements of remarkable women from the state as the event aims to promote gender equality and recognize the accomplishments of women who have excelled in various fields.

She added that the ceremony will also showcase the contributions of Anambra women who have made significant strides in their respective careers, inspiring young women to pursue their goals and strive for excellence. “By acknowledging these achievements, NAWOJ seeks to accelerate action towards achieving gender equality, providing equal opportunities for all, and eliminating gender biases, barriers, and stereotypes.”

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

AT LAST OBA PEOPLE ELECTS EMELOBE AS IGWE EZEOKPOKO II …AS NEW MONARCH ORDERS CRIMINALS TO LEAVE OBA COMMUNITY IN 48 HOURS 

By Uzo Ugwunze :

After seven years of countless petitions, counter petitions, litigations and feuding among brothers, inlaws, friends and well wishers, the Eagle or in this scenario Okpoko has finally landed as the people of Oba community, Idemili South LGA in Anambra State came out en masse to vote for Mr. Augustine Chinedu Emelobe as their traditional ruler and EzeOkpoko II.

March 15, 2025 has gone into the anals of history as a day when Oba people came together as brothers to dwell and speak in unity. What the devil intended to cost human life eventually ended amicable with almost every adult in town from all the kindreds that make up the Nine(9) villages eventually coming out to give their mandate to an Okuzu Oba born Mr A. C. Emelobe.

Moreover, the election process was hitch free because the only co contestant of the revered EzeOkpoko stool, Chief Vincent Ananti withdrew from the race few days to the election and came in person at the election venue, Merchants of Light School, Oba to declared that he was no longer contesting, urging everyone present to vote for Chief  A. C. Emelobe.

According to Ananti, Enough is Enough, I have been in the Igweship contest since 2021 and I am happy for what is happening today because my own people, my zone resolved to present one person being Chief A. C. Emelobe and I stood by the decision of my zone for peace, progress, development and unity of Oba.We are all brothers. Let everyone vote for Mr Augustine. C. Emelobe.I congratulate him and we shall support him to move Oba forward.

However, the Returning Officer/Electoral Committee Chairman, Pastor Onochie Emekaekwue announced that Chief Augustine Chinedu Emelobe won the Igweship selection/election having polled 1,481 votes.

“Votes from the Nine villages included:: Urueze 48, Umuogali 344, Abime 21, Okuzu 395, Isu 203, Aboji 326, Ogboenwe 21, Ogwugwu 50, Ezele 73,” he stated.

In his acceptance speech, Igwe Elect and EzeOkpoko II, Chief Augustine Chinedu Emelobe thanked everyone that contributed or participated in the Igweship selection/election process that saw his emergence as the Traditional Ruler of Oba begining from his immediate family, Oba people, Mayor of Idemili South, Hon Amaka Obi, The Perm Sec, Anambra State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Nwabufor Nwankwo, and His Excellency, Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

The Igwe elect who warned criminals and hoodlums engaged in illegal business to vacate Oba community within 48 hours, pledged to abide by the constitution of Oba, promising to foster peace, attract meaningful development to Oba community and create employment cum business opportunities for Oba youths and residents.

“Freedom has come to Oba! Today, you have chosen me yet again to be your Igwe and EzeOkpoko II. I am grateful to  Almighty God. I appreciate everyone. I will protect and preserve the culture and traditions of our people. I will neither extort homage, demand tribute from any citizen of Oba nor use my position as Igwe to oppress, dispossess any Oba citizen of his property. 

“Every criminal in Oba should vacate. Every trouble maker should vacate. If you are doing legitimate business we welcome you to Oba, if you are not doing legitimate business leave, prepare to pack out,” said the monarch.

Earlier, the President General Oba Patriotic Union (OPU), Chief Anthony Uzo Ejiofor thanked Oba people for deciding to forget their grievances and personal interests and to allow peace to reign as Oba people made their choice without fear or favor.

Also, OPU 2nd Vice President, Mr. Ogonna Ndozie said that the emergence of Chief AC Emelobe as the Igwe EzeOkpoko II was an answer to seven years prayers from God. “It is well with Oba people. Igwe Emelobe is the choice of the people. He is a first class Igwe and has the capacity. Every evil person must start packing to leave Oba community tonight.

A major Oba stakeholder and leader of thought, Elder Onyema Ugwunze stated:  Glory be to God, Today everybody is a winner and victorious. Both of the qualified candidates are my brothers.  It could have been a different story if not that one of them, Mr. Vincent Ananti said that Enough is Enough and came personally to declare his withdrawal from the contest.

“With Chief A. C. Emelobe as Igwe EzeOkpoko II, a new Oba has come. Igwe Emelobe assisted by some good and beautiful minds we have both at home and in diaspora excelling in different fields of endeavors who are willing to show case Oba in the right perspective, Oba community is going to be a model that would beat our neighbors, Nnewi, Ichi,  Ojoto. We are going to bring home what we have to develop and make Oba community a destination where people will come and emulate good things,” said Elder Ugwunze.

Contributing, Chief Felix Uzor said: “Oba is so blessed with so many qualified persons but it is only one of them is to be chosen for the position of the town’s new traditional ruler – Igwe and Ezeokpoko II. And that is what God today made possible and most successful. We did it most exemplary because we strictly followed the town’s constitution as amended by the recent High Court consent Judgement. Emelobe is qualified all round and most importantly God fearing. He will carry all along for the overall interest and faster development of Oba”.

The Mayor, Idemili South Local Government Area, Hon.  Amaka Obi, Hon Ikenna Iyiegbu, Permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Nwabufor Nwankwo, Former Speaker Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Emeka Anyaenetu, Former Member Anambra State House of Assembly, Chuba Oranusi, Obosi Oba Chief Boniface Onyeka Okom II and Ichies and Chiefs, Oba stakeholders both at home and in diaspora, the Police, DSS, Army, Operation Udo Ga-Achi, Vigilante were all present to observe and ensure that Oba community got it right this time since the election that held on 21st December 2024 was faulted by state actors.

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

ANAMBRA SPEAKER UDEZE APPLAUDS GOV SOLUDO FOR TRANSFORMING ANAMBRA IN THREE YEARS

By Chizoba Okeke  :

The Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze has described the performance of Governor Chukwuma Soludo as super excellent.

 Udeze while speaking in a press conference at the state legislative complex in Awka, stated that Governor Soludo’s first speech after he was sworn in as the governor, signified his readiness to work for Ndi Anambra.

While assessing Soludo’s performance, the speaker maintained that the tempo of the governor is still high, because he has been working day and night, trying to change the narratives.

” In the past 26 years that I got myself involved in Anambra politics and governance, what Governor Soludo is doing is quite enormous. He has chosen a part to deliver the heart desires of the citizens.

” For the first time, the tax is working for Ndi Anambra. Every action taken by the governor is geared towards touching the lives of the underprivileged’.

Speaking on the achievements of the governor, the speaker noted that Soludo’s administration came with agenda such as infrastructure, security and reforms in governance.

“I went round the state to inspect the projects, considering the fact that oversight is part of the functions of lawmakers, I decided not to get the reports from the committee but go and see things for myself in the three senatorial zones.

” The new government house and governor’s lodge are almost completed, and there are changes in the infrastructure of the house of assembly.

“By all ramifications, the path Governor Soludo is towing is encouraging and major stakeholders in the state are beginning to key into the partnership, ” he noted. 

Right Honourable Udeze revealed that the governor is a man of vision who has changed the mindset of members of the 8th Assembly by stating that Anambra is one agenda.

“Mr. Governor has done well and a lot of stakeholders believe he is doing the right thing and on November 8, 2025, Ndi Anambra will speak with one voice by voting Soludo for second term”

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

ONITSHA NORTH LG MAYOR CELEBRATES GOV. SOLUDO’S THREE YEARS IN OFFICE

By Chioma Nwankwo,  Claribel Udah and Chika Obi  :

The Mayor of Onitsha North Local Government Area, Hon. Nweze Tony Nwora, joined dignitaries, clergy, and residents of Anambra State in celebrating Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s third anniversary in office at a Thanksgiving Mass held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral Church, Awka.  

Speaking to journalists after the event, Mayor Nwora praised Governor Soludo’s administration, describing it as a transformative force for Ndi Anambra. He lauded the governor’s efforts in making Anambra a livable, clean, and prosperous homeland.  

He also offered prayers for divine guidance and protection for the governor while expressing his unwavering support for Soludo’s re-election, stating that it is “non-negotiable.”  

The thanksgiving mass was officiated by His Eminence, Cardinal Peter Okpalaeke, and attended by notable figures, including the National Chairman of APGA, Mr. Sly Ezeokenwa, and Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah.

 During the event, Bishop Kukah commended Governor Soludo’s achievements, emphasizing that they were accomplished without reliance on borrowed funds.  

The celebration highlighted the administration’s impact over the past three years, reinforcing Soludo’s commitment to the development of Anambra State.

* Nwankwo, Udah and  Obi  are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

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ASUBEB KICKS OFF 2025 ACADEMIC SESSION ON BASIC SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION ACTIVITIES FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS 

By Rita Okonkwo  :

Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) has flagged off Basic Science and Technology Education activities for the 2024/2025 academic session. 

The ceremony marks the beginning of 2025 activities of Basic Science and Technology Education in Anambra State Primary Schools, with a focus on promoting creativity, critical thinking and innovation among pupils.

Addressing the occasion in Awka, the Chairman of ASUBEB, Dr Vera Nkiru Nwadinobi disclosed that practical teaching methods are vital for effective learning, and emphasized the need for educators to adopt the style to enhance understanding and critical thinking in school children. 

She commended the state government led by Prof Charles Soludo for his commitment to making Anambra State a hub for technological innovation.

Resource persons, Mrs. Emelda Okonkwo and Mrs.Emegwa, presented papers on methods and advantages of teaching Basic Science and Technology in schools; while the Director of Academic Services, ASUBEB, and Desk Officer Basic Science and Technology, Mrs. Edith Ngozi Egbunike, emphasized the significance of the event and the need to adopt practical approaches in teaching science subjects.

The event featured a drama presentation staged to demonstrate the role of technology in modern society; as well as exhibitions where pupils showcased their innovative projects, including: borehole pipes and pumps; fans, airplanes, blenders, beaded necklaces and bags, ornamented blouses, and others.

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

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