LGA News

News from Anambra State Local Government Areas

ANAMBRA STATE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE VISITS ORUMBA SOUTH

By Akaogu Chioma and Anaebo Vincent :

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam paid a visit to Orumba South Local Government council, Umunze as part of his familiarization tour in the state. He thanked the chairman for his efforts and advised that collective efforts is needed from vigilante groups, traditional rulers and communities to solve insecurity issue.

He further explained his visit as a significant step towards strengthening the relationship between the police and communities in Orumba South to create a more secured environment.

During the visit, the Executive Chairman of Orumba South, Mr. Shedrack Azubuike regretted that insecurity, kidnapping and robbery is in high rate because of Orumba South shares boundaries with other states and therefore urged the commissioner to come to his aid.

The member representing Orumba South in Anambra State House of Assemble, Mr. Emma Nwafor expressed gratitude for the visit, assuring him that his efforts towards solving insecurity problem in the state will never be in vain and he urged everybody to partner with police.

* Akaogu and Anaebo are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

ONITSHA SOUTH STOPS CHURCH FROM TURNING GOVT PROPERTY INTO MONEY SPINNING VENTURE

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

The Mayor of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Anambra State, Hon. Emeka Orji has stopped further use of government field, Archdeacon Nweje Memorial School field, by the church for money spinning venture, warning that he will not keep his hands akimbo and watch state government property being encroached upon by the church.

Sounding the note of warning when he embarked on an oversight of government property within his domain, he accused the church of using the field to collect N200 from each car that parks in the field without the money realized being remitted to state government.

He also frowned at the alleged claim of the health centre therein as private property by the church also, Orji vowed to take over the health centre which is government property.

“I am restoring the health centre and advise Lord bishop, that the LG has restored the facilities to her original status as Healthcare centre for the optimal usage, and no vehicle should be packed here any longer, for the pupils to have enough space for playing which is the purpose and for the patients to as well have easy access to the health centre,” Orji warned.

The chairman after assessing the premises, found out that the pupils are still using pit toilet and pledged to build a modern one and to resuscitate the borehole which was damaged as a result of those cars parked there.

According to imppeccable inside sources, the borehole which was constructed by the government was functional, but was damaged by one of the people that parked his vehicle there, when the man hit the borehole with his vehicle booth and thereby damaged the sumor which resulted in the present problem.

The sources noted that when the former Council Chairman, Hon. Emeka Asoanya was there, he was at loggerhead with the church and the church pledged to resuscitate it but never did and Asoanya left.

In a swift reaction when contacted, the resident priest told the chairman, “I am under authority of the church, the bishop should be contacted because there was an agreement between the church and Hon.Stella Oduah, she built the diagnosis centre here and has promised to equip it.

“She had through the agents that built this, told us that after building, she would hand it over to our health institutions, the bishop and Stella Oduah are still discussing on the issue,” he said.

The priest also denied that the borehole was completed, saying that it was not completed by the former TC Chairman, even as all equipment put in place yet the tap is not running.

The Secretary to the Local Government, Paul Onuachalla Esq frowned at the attitude of the priest saying , “This health centre if functional going by the way the state government is working round the clock to activate all the primary health centres in the state, this priest will one day go there for his treatment or his family.

“This is for public use not the chairman’s, I don’t see why this total aggression, it is totally out of order.”

In her words, Mrs Anokwute Celine, Officer in charge (OIC) of Nweje Primary Health Centre complained that they do have challenges on these cars being parked here as there is no space for the pupils to play and urged the council boss to come to their rescue.

“This place is very spacious but has turned to car park, the very small remaining space cannot accommodate the pupils while playing, even those that parked cars here use our side as urinating spot, we always chase them away, even the children also defecate here, it is a very big challenge to us health wise.

“I’m pleading to the government to relocate this healthcare centre to that acclaimed diagnosis centre, you know that the community is the bedrock, they would benefit if we relocate,” she said.

The Councillor representing Odoakpu ward 5, Hon Chidimma Uwakwe stated, “The building was done by Hon.Stella Oduah for primary health centre but the Reverend here was claiming it, he initially refused that a solar system would be installed here but after he made some calls in our presence to his colleagues, they came with policemen, after talking with him, he now allowed us to install the solar system and still insisted that it was built and given to the church by Hon.Stella Oduah but it is government property.

“We would recall that the Deputy Chairman, Hon Onyebuchi Obi has earlier informed the priest about the issue but was fruitless.”

Those present included, Special Adviser to the Chairman on Political Matters, Council Legal Adviser, Stanley Okafor Esq, Onitsha South Supervisor for Health, Mrs Ebele Udodeme, and ward 5 members.

*Juliana is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

CUSTOMERS OF LIQUIDATED OBOSI MFB TO SMILE AT CHRISTMAS AS ADIKE MFB ACQUIRES BANK— UPGRADES TO DIGITAL BANKING, MORE CREDIT/LOAN FACILITIES

By Uzo Ugwunze :

Depositors and customers of former Obosi Microfinance Bank(OMFB) which was wrongfully liquidated in May 2023 have been assured that they were free to come next week and withdraw a part or the whole of their money from Adike Microfinance Bank(AMFB) which acquired the assets and liabilities of OMFB.

Speaking to newsmen at Ugamuma village Obosi Community, Idemili North LGA during the 2024 Iwaji/New Yam festival of Akamposi Obosi, the Board Chairman of Credit Committee AMFB, Chief Hyman Udemba assured the mammoth crowd who came to felicitate with him at his hometown that the Bank will be open for customers on December 10, 2024 to access their funds so that they would not be stranded if they needed money for shopping cum preparations for the Christmas yuletide.

“OMFB was liquidated because the authorities misjudged and rated us based on a high capital base rating but when they discovered the mistake, they asked us to start afresh and supported us to change our name. Today, we have Adike MFB starting afresh with digital banking technology,” said Udemba.

According to the MD/CEO Adike Microfinance Bank(AMFB), Mr. Emeka Anujeonye, ” AMFB is a new bank that took over the the assets and liabilities of former OMFB which was mistakenly liquidated by NDIC. We are strong, reliable and we are coming with new products as we officially commence full banking operations and activities Jan 2, 2025.

“Our new products include electronic banking: ATM, SMS/USSD, Mobile banking, P.O.S, E. Statement, among others.”

Moreover, Chief Linus Mgbakaogu called on both indigenes and non indigenes of Obosi community to come out in support of the Adike MFB. “Obosi people should feel free to bank with AMFB. If you need loan and apply the bank will assist you”.

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

ANAMBRA EAST LGA CHAIRMAN CHINWEZE RESOLVES AGULERI, UMUERI LAND DISPUTE

By Nwegbo Ifeanyi/Kelechi Achukwu-Jide/Ogochukwu Mokwugwo :

The Chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area, Sir Ifeanyi Chinweze has called on the people of Anambra East to avoid communal clashes of any kind between communities in the area. He made the call during a visit to communities in the area.

Sir Chinweze noted that peace and reconciliation was achieved through the help of peace committees who also has identified and delineated respective village boundaries. He called on Mgboko and Umudiana to embrace peace and understanding which brings sacrifice of peace from both villages.

The President General of Aguleri community Assembly, Mr.Rolex Ilokasia (Esq) commended the mayor for his commitment towards making the historic boundary demarcation a reality.

The Chairman of Mgboko and Umudiana peace committee, HRH Igwe George Ekwealor, the traditional ruler of Umuoba Anam, and other traditional rulers from Mkpunando and Enugu Out Aguleri commended the resilience of the chairman, Sir Ifeanyi Chinweze.

* Nwegbo, Achukwu-Jide and Mokwugwo are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

GROUP COMMENDS SOLUDO FOR APPOINTING EMEAKAI TO TRACK CRIMINALS

By Juliana Nwachukwu/Nkiru Anakor/Ngozi Okoli :

The Anambra Security Network (ASN) has lauded Gov. Chukwuma Soludo for appointing Chief Kenneth Emeakai as Senior Special Adviser on Security for the communities in the State.

The group, in a statement after their quarterly meeting in Awka, the State capital, where they assessed the security situation in the State, said the coming of Emeakai into the security architecture of Anambra State would positively change the situation.

In the statement signed by its Chairman, Chief Ikemba Anunihu, the group said, “Emekayi as a specialist in community security has the will to fight crime with all vigour until the criminals are routed out wherever they are in the State.

“He hates injustice and oppression, which are what these criminals are foisting on the people of this State. But with Emeakai, a specialist in checkmating crime in communities, especially in his Okija community and Ihiala Local Government Area where his success is very glaring, insecurity will be tackled.

“That is what attracted him to Governor Soludo,” said ASN, describing Emeakai as a humane person who listens to his commanders.

They expressed confidence that he would do well in the job by employing men who would be committed to the job.

The group said that part of the thing that would bring Emeakai’s success would be to establish different AVG camps in strategic places that include, Umunze, Aguata, Nnewi, Achalla in Awka North council area, Ogwu-Aniocha and Ossomala, Ogbaru Local Government Area, Ihiala Central sector, Nibo Awka sector, among others.

The ASN also commended Gov. Soludo for planning to provide over 200 vehicles to security outfits in Anambra State, saying that the gesture would no doubt improve the morale of security personnel and the quality of security in the State.

They, however, appealed to the Governor to set up a Committee to take care of members of Anambra Vigilant Group (AVG) and other security operatives who sustained injuries during operations and challenges they might experience in the course of their responsibilities and review their statutory monthly salary from N100.000 to N250.000 because of dangerous risk associated with their jobs.

The group thanked the Commissioner for Homeland Affairs, Chief Chikaodi Anarah and the Director of Operations of AVG, Chief Chinenye Ihenko, and the Director of Anti-Kidnapping, Monday Onwe,, especially for his gallantry and commitment to the job of securing the State and vow that the upcoming Christmas festivity will be celebrated joyously.

*The officers are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

COUNCIL MAYOR, ASMATA PG COMMISERATE FORMER NCP GUBER CANDIDATE OVER MOTHER’S DEATH

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

Hon. Kenneth Akwuobi,(a.k.a.Okwuluora), Acting Mayor, Ogbaru Local Government Area, Anambra State, and Hon Humphrey Anuna, President General (PG), Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders’ Association, ASMATA, have commiserated with the former gubernatorial candidate of National Conscience Party (NCP), in the state comrade Peter Okala, over the demise of his mother, late Mrs Blessing Okala, aged 91.

Others who commiserated with Okala were, Mr. Cyprian Achike Umeh, member of Onitsha Bridge Head Market, comrade Idowu Enebeli, 2nd Vice President Anambra North Youths, Odekpe, and Umejichi Onyejianya.

Speaking, the council chairman urged him not to be deterred by the death of his mother stating that the deceased lived a fulfilled life having stayed up to 91 years but rather to continue in his humanitarian services.

“Peter Okala is a jolly good fellow in terms of community development and he should consolidate on the good work that he has been doing since his mother lived up to a ripe age that is called ‘glory’, he stated.

In his own speech, Humphrey Anuna, President General, ASMATA said that Okala was lucky for his mother to have enjoyed little of his wealth before she died, noting that some did not even know their mothers let alone benefiting from them.

He admitted that it is painful losing a loved one, let alone being the mother and sympathized with him, saying that she lived more than the age written in the Bible.

Mr Cyprian Achike Umeh, member Bridgehead market Onitsha, described Okala as a good friend for years who has been a man of peace, advising him not to be deterred by his mother’s demise.

“We are sad that your mother died but I advise that you see it that death is a necessary end that will come when it will come. God is the giver of life and since it pleases Him to take your mother, He would also console and protect you and your family,” he prayed

Also Comrade Idowu Enebeli, Odekpe 2nd Vice President, Anambra North Youth, described Peter Okala as a good friend, saying that the mother lived a fulfilled life, and prayed that God would protect the family as they have buied their mother.

“As a youth leader, our job is to look after the community based youth, to sensitize them on the dos and don’ts of youths for the progress of the community. There are lots of skill acquisitions on ground which are being generated on their annual programme in all the communities in Ogbaru area with our role model,” he explained.

Sir Okala, who is the Secretary of ASMATA Conflict Resolution Committee, in his response thanked all for coming to mourn with him despite their tight schedules and prayed God to lead them safely back to their destinations.

He paid glowing tribute to Acting council chairman and ASMATA PG for being friends in need, adding that their presence has curtailed his grief over the loss of a mother too lovely to be lost.

“My mother, Madam Blessing Chinenyenwa Emenike Okala was a freedom fighter, mother to the motherless, strength of the weak, and encouragement to the oppressed, everything to peace, conflict resolution expert, voice of the voiceless and I gained a lot by associating with my mother.

“Among the 10 of my siblings, I am the only one my mother delivered in our family house, no contraction, no pain of pregnancy till I was delivered. It is worthy of emulation, coincidentally today is Eke day my mother gave birth to me, I am the seventh one and the fifth son.

“I am the true representative of my mother, what I stand for is what she stood for, I stand for justice, equity, fairness, and Peace. I also go to war to fight for peace, I am well equipped both physically and spiritually, I want to keep this legacy and hand it over to generation to come, if you want to achieve peace, it must be achieved conventionally and unconventionally.

“My mother was born in Emenike family in Umuoru Uga and married to Okala’s family in Umuoru Uga, Aguata Local government Area, Anambra State.”

To his siblings he said that he would bring peace in the family, “I know how to achieve it and I am going to protect my family in every single way”.

Others that sympathized with him were Deputy Kabiesi of Yoruba, Anambra State, Comrade Fredrick Muogozie, chairman Odorubber Community Social Interest and his Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Okoro.

Also included were Nze Ikechukwu Okpara, Onyejionyeojihaaya, Chairman Onitsha Industrial Union Bridgehead market Onitsha, Hon.Kingsley Anyiam Ohaeresaba, Chief Basil Umenwanne, one of the Representatives of Okala’s Kindred, Umudim, Ehihido Umuoru Village Uga.

*Juliana is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAMBRA WEST LGA MOVES TO REVITALIZE EDUCATION SECTOR, HOLDS STRATEGIC MEETING WITH DEPARTMENTAL HEADS

By Felix Igboanugo :

In a significant move aimed at revitalizing the education sector within the local government area, in conformity with Governor Chukuwma Soludo smart schools agenda, the Executive Chairman, Anambra West LGA, Mr. Fidelis Nnazor has held an interactive section with departmental heads of primary schools in the locality. The section held at the LGA’s headquarters, Nzam, focused on addressing the challenges facing education in the local council and formulating actionable plans to enhance the quality of learning for students.

Speaking during the section, Mr. Nnazor emphasized the importance of education in the development of the society, noting that education and security remain top priority of his administration.

Represented by his Deputy, Mrs. Edith Ndive, he revealed that the reason for the section was to get first hand information from departmental heads of primary schools, various needs and challenges, so as to know where government can assist.

He further disclosed that education remains the key to unlocking the full potential of young people and for building a better future, assuring the council’s readiness to provide necessary resources and support to address the identified challenges and improve the overall standard of education in Anambra West LGA inline with Governor Soludo’s smart school agenda. He called for a collaborative effort among all stakeholders to identify gaps in the current educational framework and to implement innovative solutions.

Earlier, Mr. John Akwanya who spoke on behalf other departmental heads enumerated some of the challenges to include lack of infrastructures, perennial flood, lack of indigenous teachers amongst others. He thanked the council chairman for the section and expressed their readiness to work with the council in achieving the goal of revitalizing the education sector in the local council in conformity with solution smart schools agenda.

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

CHRISTMAS: ONITSHA PEOPLE’S CLUB INDUCTS 30 MEMBERS URGES SOLUDO TO BEEF UP SECURITY

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

Irked by the spate of insecurity in Anambra State, the National President, People’s Club of Nigeria, High Chief Joe Ilonzo, has urged Gov. Chukwuma Soludo to beef up security, especially at this festive period.

He made the urge during the induction of 30 new members into the Onitsha branch of People’s Club of Nigeria located at limca road, Odume layout Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area.

Frowning at the current insecurity situation in the state, High Chief Ilonzo, admitted that the governor is uplifting the face of the state infrastructurally but urged him to increase the security situation now that the people will come back for Christmas/New year celebration.

On the intra club crisis rocking the club, he said that it was all over, explaining that he is in control since after the court cleared the air on who is the authentic National President of the club.

Contributing, the legal Adviser to the club, Barr. Jideofor Okongwu, added that little problem sometimes experienced is that the opposition that was defeated in court will in the absence of the President, Ilonzo, storm the club and harass the staff.

“When they noticed that the President is around they run away. These people kicked out by court are still giving little problem in the absence of President Ilonzo,” he disclosed.

He commended Gov. Soludo for his infrastructural development of the state but pleaded with him to beef up security now that Christmas festivity is around the corner.

Contributing, the club branch Chairman, Chief Emmanuel Ezeh, expressed satisfaction with the induction of 30 new members, saying that the club has written its name in the sand of time.

“We have criteria for accepting people into the club. We screen and know if one is free from all manners of crime and must be one of sterling quality. It is not a place for irresponsible people but people with honour,” he stated.

He wished his members a Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year even as he called on Gov. Soludo to ensure the safety of lives and property this festive period.

Earlier, an executive member, Chief Ifeanyichukwu H. Onyemobi, reiterated that peace must reign in the club, saying that Ilonzo remained the National President of the club.

He expressed satisfaction that the club has been improving both in numerical strength and infrastructure and urged the members not to relent in their support for Ilonzo who he described as man of the people.

Two of the inducted members, Chief John Kennedy Uzuegbunam and Lady Iyom Ifeyinwa Okafor expressed their happiness for the long awaited induction which was successful.

They testified that the club is the best place to be, saying that they are transparent in all their dealings not a secret club as people thought.

*Juliana is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ASSOCIATION OF BLIND STUDENTS ANAMBRA STATE HOLDS 2024 GET-TOGETHER IN ONITSHA

Uche Azuka/Anthonia Amaechina :

It was a joyous day for the Anambra State Blind Students Association as they celebrated their 2024 get together tagged “Vision Beyond Sight”.

The celebration, which took place at Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha was aimed at encouraging the visually impaired to be strong, steadfast and make good use of their potentials.

Speaking during the event, the Patron of the Association, Chief Godwin Okeke, emphasized the need for all to support the blind, commending the efforts of both the past and present government of the state for their disability- friendly policies and programmes.

In their lectures, Prof. Chigozie Ifeadike, and Barr. Eloka Obi charged the visually impaired students to always have self confidence and be objective in their life.

In an interview, the co- ordinator of the National Association of the Nigerian students (NANS), South East, Comrade Charles Ijeomah, and the Anambra State Co- ordinator, Comrade Chibuzor Obierika, also charged the students to always believe in themselves and be the ones to navigate their destinies.

*Uche/Anthonia are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAOCHA MAYOR CONGRATULATES APGA NATIONAL CHAIRMAN EZEOKENWA ON SUPREME COURT VICTORY

By Chidimma Okoye :

The Mayor of Anaocha Local Government Area, Mr Rome Ibekwe has congratulated Mr. Sly Ezeokenwa (Esq), on the Supreme Court victory as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). He described his victory as a force that will rebuild the walls of APGA, bringing forth an indivisible family that will stand the test of time.

Ibekwe commended the leadership of APGA and Governor Soludo’s contributions which has yielded to the party’s growth and commitment in the state.

He urged the people of Anambra to always support APGA as it is the only indigenous political party of Ndigbo that has the sole interest of the people at heart. He eulogised the roles of the party stakeholders in moving the party forward.