Author: Okechukwu Onwuka

ANAMBRA MONARCH CELEBRATES MAIDEN NEW YAM FESTIVAL 30 YEARS AFTER DEMISE OF PREDECESSOR

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

Nkwelle Ezunaka Community, Oyi Local Government Area witnessed jubilation galore last weekend at the palace of their new traditional ruler, Igwe Obiora Anachuna, as he marked his maiden new yam festival about three decades after the demise of his predecessor, Igwe (Dr), Ralph Nwakoby.

The monarch expressed satisfaction as he performed the maiden new yam festival in Nkwelle-Ezunaka, saying, “I am overwhelmed with joy to see people from all walks of life gathered here to witness this historic event.”

He urged his subjects to unite and work towards the progress of Nkwelle-Ezunaka, emphasizing, “Let us put aside our differences and move our community forward.”

The monarch also paid a glowing tribute to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, commending his rapid infrastructural development and peace restoration efforts in the state.

He noted that Governor Soludo is a working Governor, and prayed that one day he will remember them and fix their roads, which are in dire need of attention.

Addressing those still harboring grudges over his election as the new monarch, he reassured, “We don’t hold grudges; it’s natural to have differences, but Nkwelle people are peaceful and loving. We love ourselves and will continue to live in harmony.”

Expressing satisfaction shortly after being conferred as the ‘Onowu,’ of the community by the monarch, the President General, Chief Willie Okafor, thanked God that the election of the monarch happened while he is the PG, lamenting that the community has been denied a lot because of lack of a monarch.

“I can’t ask for more from God for being number two citizen of Nkwelle-Ezunaka. I thank God for me to be the vessel used to give Nkwelle-Ezunaka a king after about three decades of not having a monarch.I am overwhelmed, I am grateful to God. Nkwelle-Ezunaka will ever be grateful to God for this.

“I will ask those who are still feeling grudges that it is time to unite, If you look at Igwe you know that God has just given us a gentle man as a king, a young man, I will ask everyone to come together, let us move our community forward,” he pleaded.

On the issue of presentation of certificate to the monarch he said, “We know that soonest the governor will issue the certificate to him and then we do our maiden Ofala festival, this is just new yam and the crowd was much, let alone when we celebrate Ofala festival,” he stated.

Contributing, an in-law and indigene of Obosi community, Idemili North Local Government Area, Chief Omezie Chukwurah, whose wife, Mrs. Chinelo Lynda Chukwurah, was conferred with the Chieftaincy title of ‘Ocheze Oshia,’ by the monarch, he stated that the Igwe was a man of the people.

“My wife is one of those three women that were conferred today with traditional titles by the monarch and I love my wife because they gave her to me, that’s why I’m progressing.”

On the efforts to ensure Governor Soludo presents certificate of recognition to the monarch he assured that, “I will meet the governor for issuance of certificate to Igwe Nkwelle, he knows me too well and knows that I am APGA staunch member.”

Earlier, the community treasurer , Chief Gibson Udeagwu, who was honoured as “Okaka Nkwelle,” stated that, ” We have been conferred with Chieftaincy titles so that we would work with him, (monarch ), I am happy about the Igwe because Nkwelle community suffered for 30 years on the issue of Igwe after the demise of our last Igwe, Dr Ralph Nwakoby.

” Since then, Nkwelle has been having problem, the youths behave badly. This first new yam celebration with our Igwe is a great one, it is we, the Ogbuefi Nkwelle that were managing the new yam festival.

“I plead with the opposition to join us, we will welcome them, the election of this monarch was free, fair and credible, Igwe won with 400+ votes, while the second position had 200+, the third 100+.

“I plead to government to help and build our roads, this building material road to Nkwo bank,( Oze –Nkwo bank road),if constructed will decongest all the hold ups at Awka Road and serve as a bye pass for those going to Awka, Anambra East, West, Ayamelum, and kogi State.

Also on the issue of certificate, he pleaded to Governor Soludo to present certificate of recognition to the monarch lamenting that for about 30 years the community existed without a monarch, disclosing that both the monarch and his subjects are APGA faithful.

Wife of the treasurer, Mrs Amaka Udeagwu, stated that, “There is light now at Nkwelle, we are now in the modern days and I thank God for giving us life to witness this light in Nkwelle brought by the election of the monarch,” even as she prayed for health, progress, long life in Nkwelle.

She expressed satisfaction with the traditional title conferred on her husband, adding that the monarch has done well for finding him worthy to be so honoured as ‘Okaka Nkwelle-Ezunaka.”

Chief John Onwuanyi who was conferred with “Ogene” the first in Nkwelle, expressed joy, saying, “this is our first Igwe, we used to have warrant chiefs, this is the first contestant out of the four that contested for Igwe, I am the first that canvassed for him, telling our people what he can do, because he is American citizen.

“This is his first new yam festival, he selected two persons from each village and conferred with Chieftaincy titles, I know he will lead Nkwelle well and I pray God to give him wisdom to lead Nkwelle,” he prayed.

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

MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT EMBARKS ON REFORMATION AND REDIRECTION PROGRAM IN ANAMBRA’S 3 SENATORIAL ZONES

By Ifeoma Aniagbado :

Anambra State Ministry of Youth Development has embarked on the 2024 Youths Reformation and Redirection Programme across the three senatorial zones.

The program which is implemented to reach youths of different categories is aimed to equip them with necessary life skills, reorient their mindset and imbibe them with strong moral values towards positive lifestyle and to enroll the participants into the 1Youth 2Skills Solution Program.

It’s vision is also to address anti-social activities prevalent among young people and to re-integrate them gainfully and meaningfully into the society as change agents through value re-orientation, critical training processes, among others.

Declaring the workshop open in Onitsha North Council Headquarters, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Agha Mba said that the workshop is in line with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision to develop the potential of young people as dependable human capitals.

He said the theme of the programme which is “Moving From The Street To Self-Realization For Self-Actualization” will give participants the much needed direction to live better and more useful lives.

Mr. Agha Mba also recalled that Governor Soludo, upon assumption of office, made a firm promise not only to eradicate different forms of social vices including touting from the state, but to also institute meaningful programmes that will positively change the lives of youths that were engaged in anti-social activities, emphasizing that the governor has now fulfilled and surpassed his promises.

Mr. Agha Mba mentioned some of the youth enterprise development programmes that will help transform the lives of youths socially and economically to include 1 Youth, 2Skills Solution initiative through which 5000 youths have been trained and empowered and an estimated 8,620 others expected to benefit from the second batch of the initiative and through Solution Innovation District (SID) where over 22,000 have been trained with digital skills empowered in the Level-up Anambra and Code Anambra programmes.

Also speaking, the Transition Committee Chairman of Onitsha North Local Government Area, Mr. Anthony Nworah said that he is overwhelmed by Governor Soludo’s programmes for the youth and advised young people to cherish and utilize all available initiatives to better their lives.

The Commandant, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Anambra State Command, Mr. Daniel Onyishi who was represented by an Assistant Commandant in the agency, Mr. Christopher Adabor while delivering a paper on drug abuse,

advised young people to re-evaluate their cycle and try to maximise every meaningful opportunity at their disposal to better their life.

Another speaker at the event, Rev. Goodwill Mba who spoke on “Seven Keys to Greatness” noted that self discovery, diligence, keeping friends that are like-minded, being in good relationship with God, identifying mentors and roles models, determination to succeed and utilisation of positive opportunities are critical to realizing one’s dreams in life.

One of the participant, Messrs Shobayo Amadi thanked Governor Soludo for prioritising the welfare of youths and giving them opportunities to better themselves and promised that they will shun drug abuse and other social vices.

Another participant, Messrs Ebuka Ite from Ogbaru LGA expressed profound gratitude to Mr. Governor for giving the youth of Anambra a well packaged program like 1 youth 2 Skills free of charge.

Present at the event were the Director, Ministry of Youth Development, Mrs. Chito Osili, Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Development, Mr Tony Omatah and the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Youth, Mr. Chibuzor Udeh.

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

UKE COMMUNITY CELEBRATES NEW YAM, SEEKS CONSTRUCTION OF IGWE ILEKA,EKE-UKE OKPOKOLO-VIP ROADS TO DECONGEST GRIDLOCK

By Uzo Ugwunze :

The Traditional Ruler of Uke, Igwe Charles Agbala and the President General, Uke Development Union(UDU), Chief Peter Onyejegbu have solicited for the Anambra State Government to construct two roads in their community, saying that it would decongest the gridlock experienced at some major roads around Idemili North Local Government Area.

The two major roads include: Igwe Ileka-Eke Uke-Ugwuagbugbana-Mpia Road Uke(5.75km) and Eke Uke-Okpokolo-VIP Umuoji Road with Spur to Appeal Uke (3km).

Speaking during the 2024 New Yam festival celebration at his palace, Igwe Charles Agbala who said that the two roads were vital to Uke community, its neighboring communities and residents of Anambra State stressed that it will not only serve as alternative routes to avoid gridlock but also help in solving the problem of insecurity sometimes encountered by motorists within that part of the state.

“These two roads which the PG, UDU is drawing the attention of the state government to consider constructing are very important because it links other towns around us. We are not the only community that ply those roads”.

“Igwe Ileka-Eke-Uke-Ugwuagbugbana links Uke ancient and popular market, Ogidi and Abatete communities. It will decongest roads which experience heavy traffic during rush hour. It can also help checkmate insecurity should an event of hoodlums blocking a particular road occur.

“The other road from Uke to Okpokolo-Vip links Umuoji, Ojoto communities towards Nkpor is also important. We are located at the heart of Idemili North which is densely populated and we deserve more allocation,’,” said the monarch.

According to the PG, Chief Peter Onyejegbu, sometimes motorists are stuck up to three hours at Eke-agu Abatete gridlock. If these roads are built by the state government: Mpia-Ugwuagbugbana- Eke Uke-Igwe Ileka Road, anyone from Awka going to Ekwulobia does not have any need to drive through Eke-agu Abatete. The person can take the route from Endwell Abatete, enter Uke and move on via this road to his destination. It is so important.

“There is another very important road from Eke Uke-Okpokolo-VIP Appeal to Muoghalu Road Umuoji. These are strategic roads that if government construct them for us, the governor has solved the problem of gridlock being experienced by motorists around the LGA and beyond,” Onyejegbu said.

The duo also thanked God for bumper harvest and for being alive to celebrate the 2024 New Yam festival, saying that it is a miracle from God for a planted yam seedling to decay and produce big tuber or tubers for mankind to eat.

They prayed God to ontinue blessing the artisans, businessmen, civil servants, farmers and Uke people from different walks of life especially those who are interested in the peace and development of Uke Community, urging them to think home while investing their resources and for everyone to embrace Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s own a garden and plant a tree campaign as a panacea to hunger.

Moreover, The Council Chairman, Mr Stanley Nkwoka who graced the occasion to celebrate with Igwe Uke said that he was delighted to eat the ceremonial new yam for the first time this year at Uke because Abatete community his hometown was celebrating new yam that same day.

” I wish Igwe Agbala long life to celebrate more New Yam Festivals. My leadership will bring good things in Idemili North. Let everyone learn to do the right thing, that is what brings development. Governor Soludo has brought solution, let us partner with him to benefit from that solution,” said Nkwoka.

Also, a US Navy Commander, High Chief Ifeanyi Okeke and Former INLGA Chairman, Mr ChuksBrown Igboanua said that the New Yam festival was a time all the titled men come home to felicitate with the Igwe and pay homage to the throne, adding that yam is a great crop that should not be eaten anyhow without celebrating it as the king of crops.

Dignitaries and illustrious sons and daughters of Uke Community which Included ; Igwe Emeka Onuoha of Oraukwu Ancient kingdom, Igwe Emeka Iluno of Ifitedunu, Igwe Joel Egwuonwu of Umuawulu, Igwe Oranu Chris Chidume of Omor, Chief Emeka Enendu ,Vice President, Bright Ambassadors Club, Sir Adam Fidelis.

They all prayed that God would bless the monarch with long life, prosperity, wisdom, wishing that during his reign Uke people and community will continue to enjoy peace, unity and development.

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

CHILD BEGGING: ANAMBRA MINISTRY OF WOMEN AFFAIRS , ACTDA RAID AROMA UNDER BRIDGE, VOW TO PROSECUTE BEGGING SYNDICATES

By Ukpa Ewa :

The Anambra State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, in collaboration with the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), has conducted a raid today at Aroma under bridge in a bid to eradicate the persistent issue of child begging in the area.

Addressing journalists after the operation, the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, expressed deep concern that school-age children are being denied their right to education and exploited as beggars and petty thieves by unscrupulous individuals despite Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s provision of free basic education in the state.

Mrs. Obinabo stressed that the state government will not tolerate such activities anywhere within Anambra, and is committed to tracking down those responsible for sending these children to beg, noting that similar raids will be carried out across the state.

On his part, the Managing Director of ACTDA, Mr. Ossy Onuko, explained that these beggars and other miscreants have repeatedly been warned, both through conventional and social media channels to vacate the city, but they failed to comply.

Mr. Onuko emphasized that the authorities are determined to identify and prosecute the parents, guardians, and syndicates behind the exploitation of these children.

He reiterated that the raid is part of an ongoing effort to rid the area, which is a key governmental zone, as well as other parts of the Awka Capital Territory, of beggars and other miscreants.

*Ukpa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAKU COMMUNITY HANDS OVER HEALTH FACILITY TO ASPHCDA

By Nnedinma Okeke :

As a testament to collective efforts and commitment to improving healthcare in its community and Anambra State at large, the Anaku Working Council in Ayamelum Local Government Area has handed over its community built healthcare centre to the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA).

The Executive Secretary, ASPHCDA, Pharm Chisom Uchem during the handover ceremony, thanked the Anaku Community for their “Aku-Luo Uno” project and community participation in ensuring the good health and well-being of its people.

The President General, Anaku Community, Mr Friday Paul Nwuba in his remarks thanked the State Government for providing the community a Doctor and Midwife to serve their health centre and ensure health condition of its citizens were optimized.

He noted that the state government’s support has been invaluable and reaffirmed the Anaku Community’s commitment to supporting vital projects that benefits its community.

The event had in attendance: the PHC Director, Ayamelum LGHA Mrs Adaeze Alokwu, Doctors, Nurses, Midwives and other staff of the Ayamelum Local Government Health Authority as well as members of the Anaku Community.

Nnedinma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

GOV. SOLUDO’S LAUNCH OF FARM TO FEED CAMPAIGN

ANAMBRA GOVT COMMENCES ROAD REPAIRS ON ESTHER OBIAKOR AVENUE

By Ukpa Ewa :

The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has commenced thorough road maintenance on Esther Obiakor Avenue, Awka.

The Governor, through the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) has taken a proactive measure in ensuring that the much dilapidated Esther Obiakor Avenue in Awka wears a new look, befitting road network found within the state capital.

The move was motivated by the governor’s choice in making Awka one of the best state capitals within the country.

While overseeing the level of work ongoing, the Managing Director of ACTDA, Mr. Ossy Onuko, said that his presence was to ensure that the work met the required standards prescribed by Gov. Soludo.

Mr Onuko reiterated the efforts of Gov. Soludo in giving Anambra State the best quality of leadership it deserved in all facets of development across all sectors in the state.

Mr Onuko, however, warned that the state government through his agency will not tolerate any activities targeted at destroying the quality road maintenance in place.

Also speaking to newsmen during the exercise, the Transition Committee Chairman of Awka South Local Government Area, Prince Chinedu Okafor, explained that the ongoing road maintenance was part of Gov. Soludo’s proactive efforts in preventing further dilapidation.

Prince Okafor who praised the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Soludo for his higher quality of infrastructural development across the state, thanked the Managing Director of ACTDA, Mr. Onuko, for his proactive approach, which has significantly contributed to the successes recorded in the state capital.

Okafor while commending ACTDA for its efforts to address the portholes and upgrade the road to ensuring a smoother drive for the road users within Awka metropolis, called on Ndí Anambra to support Gov. Soludo’s administration beyond 2025.

Also speaking, the Deputy Commander of ACTDA Rapid Response, Mr. Henry Uchechukwu Nebolisa, emphasized the need of making the road motorable for the surrounding community.

He noted that good roads network among other infrastructural development gives facelift to state capital, acknowledging the residents’ pleas for road repairs and emphasized government’s intervention through ACTDA.

Mr Nebolisa urged residents to avoid activities that could damage the road, such as spilling engine oil, insists that government property is everybody’s business and should be taken as such.

*Ukpa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

SOLUDO COMMISSIONS ROAD,WATER BOREHOLES, INSPECT HOSPITAL SECURITY HOUSE BUILT BY EZEONU AT NNOBI

By Uzo Ugwunze :

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has commissioned several projects built by a United States based Anambra Philanthropist, High Chief Hamilton Ezeonu who came back to invest on infrastructural and human capital development in his community, Nnobi, Idemili South LGA.

Commissioning the projects, Governor Soludo after thanking High Chief Hamilton Ezeonu, called on other illustrious sons and daughters of Anambra to embrace the Public Private Community Partnership (PPCP) to support what government is doing to make the state a healthy, liveable and prosperous place.

“I have come to Nnobi and I feel like lying down here. This is the kind of event I love attending daily. Nnobi is a great community with great people. I usually tell people if you claim you are a big man, I will ask the person how many kilometers of road have you completely constructed.

” Government IGR cannot do much that is why we decided on PPCP to support government. 12 years ago I adopted a public primary school. I did the perimeter fence, provided 40 computer sets for the computer lab, provided school uniforms, bags, books and pencils, augmented the incentives for teachers as my contribution to what the previous administration in government was doing in Anambra.

” Maya Angelou told Oprah Winfrey that her legacy was not the record of being the richest black woman but the school she built in South Africa which will eventually produce the future leaders in their community.

” People like late Tonimas who did 18 km roads at Neni will always be remembered, Chinechendo of Adazi have done 14km and targets 30km to break Tonimas record,Ndi Anambra should emulate them and partner with government in developing their communities.

“I remember that it was during the commissioning of the renovated Nnobi General Hospital by the same Ikemba that I declared free antenatal and delivery including those who delivered through CS and we have almost zero mortality for Ndi Anambra.

“So, I thank Ikemba and his wife the Rock and next year June I will be here to help him convince people like SEAMAN and others to take up projects in this great Nnobi community,”said Soludo.

The ISLGA Chairman, Mrs Amaka Obi in her address said that as an ardent believer in the Solution Governor’s think home philosophy, she has been persuading many illustrious sons and daughters of Idemili South to partner with government in developing their immediate community and the LGA.

“When I came into office, I declared that anybody who builds and tars any road or street, that street or road shall be named after the person irrespective of the name it was bearing previously.

“Ikemba Nnobi is not the richest but I pleaded with him and his wife to come home and help me bring development closer to the people.

“He has done a lot in Nnobi community. Projects Ikemba sponsored include, Renovation of General Hospital Nnobi, Renovation of Doctors Quarter at General Hospital Nnobi, Building of modern Security Office at General Hospital Nnobi. Ikemba Nnobi built a Security Tower at Nnobi Police Station. Ikemba Nnobi has contributed so much in the security of lives and properties of his people the Ifite Ogbeadiji community Nnobi. He also provided over 500 Motorcycle Riders with safety helmet and Reflective jackets.

“The wife has empowered so many women, empowerment of widows and women with Fufu Processing Machine. Commercial Grinding Machine. Medical outreach, infact they have done me proud and are willing to do more,” said Mrs Obi.

Earlier in his speech, the benefactor, High Chief Ezeonu said that when Soludo was campaigning to become the Governor of Anambra State he said that he would turn the state into Dubai of Africa, saying that it was one of the things that motivated him to support the government by doing the little he can to make Ifite Ogbeagidi, Nnobi have a taste of what one can see in Dubai.

He explained that the last time he met the governor was during the burial of the late wife of Igwe Nick Obi of Nnobi and told him that he is going to come and commission three projects in Nnobi. “He said: make it happen I am always available.I thank you for what you are doing in Anambra and for Nnobi people and community.”

He thanked four key individuals who made the occasion possible: God, Governor Soludo, his wife, and the Transition Chairman of ISLGA, Mrs. Amaka Obi who constantly encouraged him to focus on projects.

“My wife, Thelma Ezeonu, has been the rock behind me, Ikemba Nnobi. Although we are not politicians, we will continue to support the government.

“Iyom Ife-Abata kept telling me ‘ Ikemba you can do it. I believe in you. So in 15 days this road was done with intensive construction work going on morning and night.

“I remember Governor Soludo said Dubai and I have been to Dubai and their roads have Street lights and flowers, so I put Street lights and flowers along the road.

“I also learnt that Governor Soludo likes water, I built water projects here too, so I have given the governor what what he wants.

“I learnt at US to follow government policies and to give your own support. Governor is not God, the little you can do please do it to support the government.

“I also observed that ‘Okada riders’ commercial cyclists were speeding on this road day and night, so I provided close to 500 motorcycle riders with safety helmets and reflective jackets.

“If my government is succeeding, I am also succeeding. This is just 5 percent of projects the Governor will commission here in Nnobi. By June next year I will ensure that all illustrious sons of Nnobi who seldom come home will be here to take up several projects”, said Ezeonu.

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

ANAMBRA GOVT RECEIVES RENOVATED FACILITIES FROM IG AGUOWU FOUNDATION UNDER PPCP SCHEME

By Obiageli Nwankwo :

In a significant development under the Public Private Community Partnership (PPCP) Scheme, the IG Aguowu Health and Academic Foundation has handed over a fully renovated Principal House and Corpers’ Lodge valued at N12 million to Anambra State Government.

The once dilapidated structures at Ezike High School, Nibo, have been refurbished with new roofing, tiles, toilet facilities, doors and windows to accommodate the Principal, Vice Principal, and Corps members.

At the commissioning ceremony, the Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, praised the PPCP model for its role in transforming educational facilities and commended High Chief Ignatius Onyeka Aguowu for his philanthropic efforts.

She highlighted the collaborative approach as a key element in the state’s development strategy.

Prof. Nkechi Ikedingwu, Chairman, Post Primary School Commission, assured that the Commission will deliver laboratory equipment to the school by state criteria.

High Chief Aguowu, the benefactor of the renovated building and Founder of IG Aguowu Health and Academic Foundation, emphasized his commitment to education and healthcare, noting that his foundation annually allocates N50 million for medical care and support for nearly 500 students through scholarships.

The President General, Nibo Town Union, Prof. Tony Nwokoye also acknowledged Mr Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo’s dedication to education and the ongoing efforts of the Union to enhance the school’s infrastructure.

The IG Aguowu Health and Academic Foundation would further its commitment with a scholarship award ceremony scheduled for August 30 at the International Conference Centre, Awka.

Present at the occasion include the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr Ifeoma Agbaizu.