LGA News

News from Anambra State Local Government Areas

ONITSHA SOUTH MAYOR MOURNS MURDERED ANAMBRA LAWMAKER

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

The Mayor of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Mr. Emeka Orji, has mourned late Hon. Justice Azuka, who represented Onitsha North 1, in the State House of Assembly.

Orji who expressed dismay over the barbaric murder by those suspects, described late Azuka as a man of the people who had contributed immensely on legislating people oriented laws at the state House of Assembly

Condoling the bereaved family, Orji prayed God to give his wife, children and the entire Azukas the heart with which to bear the irreparable loss.

” Late Azuka was a very good fellow, he was a nice man who always made his contributions during legislation in the hallowed House of Assembly and was admired by all sequel to his friendly nature.

“We will miss him but he left legacies of love, friendliness, democracy and philanthropy and with these his memory will always be fresh in our minds.

“I pray God to grant him eternal rest and give the young widow, and family the fortitude to bear the loss which is too painful to bear but death as an inevitable end, will come when it will come,” the Mayor affirmed.

“I also want to use this opportunity to thank and appreciate Governor Charles Soludo once again for the establishment of the security outfit, Agunechemba for curbing crimes and criminality in the state, especially in his efforts to arrest the murderers of the innocent lawmaker,” he further stated.

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

ANAMBRA WEST COMMUNITIES PRAISE GOVERNOR SOLUDO FOR UKWU-UBILI-AKPAKA ACCESS ROAD PROJECT, PRAY FOR ITS SPEEDY COMPLETION

By Felix Igboanugo :

Ezi- Anam Community in Anambra West LGA has commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for creating an access road to the community through Ukwu-Ubili riverside- Akpaka Nsugbe near Onitsha.

The commendation was when the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Tony Collins Nwabunwanne who was on inspection tour of road projects at Nzam and Onono axis, in Anambra West LGA visited the project.

The President-General of Umuikwu Anam, Mr. Lawrence Udekwe, stressed the importance of the road to residents of the community. “The road extension to Ukwu-Ubili is a great step forward for our people. We are grateful to Governor Soludo for bringing this long-awaited development closer to completion.

“However, we urge him to see it through so that Ezi Anam communities can finally have an alternative access route instead of passing only through Otuocha. ” he added.

Mr. Udekwe further said that completing the road would not only improve economic activities, but also complement smooth transportation, and movement of both people and goods, particularly for farmers who often struggle to move their produce to larger markets.

He appealed to the governor to ensure completion of the project to provide an alternative route, rather than relying solely on the Umueze Anam-Otuocha.

Responding, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Tony Collins Nwabunwanne, reassured the community that their concerns had been noted. He reiterated Governor Soludo’s commitment to rural development and infrastructural expansion, assuring them that government is working strategically to improve road connectivity across Anambra West.

Also speaking, Anambra West, Mayor, Mr. Fidelis Nnazor asserted that arrangements are in top gear for Pontoon services within the local government.

The tour also had in attendance the Deputy Mayor Mrs. Nkiru Ndive among others.

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

ONITSHA SOUTH MAYOR VOWS TO ARREST CHILDREN WHO HAWK DURING SCHOOL HOURS

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

The Onitsha South Local Government Mayor, Chief Emeka Orji, has vowed to arrest the children residence in Fegge, their parents/guardians who hawk on the streets and markets during school hours.

The Mayor made the vow through the Onitsha South LG Supervisory Councillor on Education, Hon.Echezona Dunu, after sounding note of warning to all the schools and churches within the area, notifying the general public and Onitsha South residence in particular that no child is permitted or allowed to be hawking on the street/market within Onitsha South during school hours.

“Anyone found will be arrested immediately and the parents/guardians will equally be arrested. The Solution led government has established free education for both Primary and Secondary School level, hence all children should go back to school,” he posited.

Hon. Dunu in his words said that he is on a duty, going around the street of the area both in the markets, picking all these hawkers, sending them back to school, register those that are not yet registered, noting that the Mayor has promised to provide school bags and uniforms which most of them complained about.

According to him, We started on Feb 1 and I advised parents and guardians to make use of the opportunity by allowing their children /wards to go back to school as the state government wants every child to go to school.

“Most of these children are talented, most of them are potential lawyers, Doctors, Engineers, allow them so that they can make something out of their lives.

“The Head Teachers should equally allow these children to enjoy the free education established by the state government by registering every child that comes to their school free of charge as it is free, we want every child to go back to school”.

On the Senior Secondary 3 students loitering on the streets, local government compound for their National Identity Number (NIN), he said that he always makes sure that students are registered first before others so that they can go back to their respective schools, since NIN is a must to be obtained before sitting for the West African Examination Council, WAEC.

He explained that his earlier inquiry to see if they can go to schools to register these students proved abortive because they complained of their inability to do that since it is a federal government initiative which would also warrant carrying their machines around.

He commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the Mayor for making education one of their priorities for the residence of the area and Ndi Anambra in general.

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

ONITSHA SOUTH MAYOR EMBARKS ON URBAN BEAUTIFICATIONS, CLEARS SAKAMORI

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

The Mayor of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Chief Emeka Orji has embarked on the beautification of the area, mounted a statue as symbol of Onitsha South Local Government, “A Man With Light” at Bridgehead Roundabout.

He said that the statue signifies the state as the light of the nation, and the light is going to shine in the area as God is light.

Chief Orji while speaking reiterated his resolve to facelift the area, stating that Governor Soludo agenda of regeneration and beautification of the state would be live in the area because Onitsha before now is one of the dirtiest place everybody can attest to but soonest, must change for good.

According to him” the lost glory of Onitsha must be brought back and we are on it though we have some challenges with the contractor that collects waste, that’s why there are some wastes around but we are trying our best to clear them within a short period.

“We have embarked on the clearing of the sakamori along Ochanja/Ziks Avenue, within a short period rainy season would start and I always make sure that the sakamori, drainages are cleared to have free flow and avoid flooded area.

The Supervisory Councillor on Environment, Mr.Chigozie Obinwune frowned at the incessant dropping of refuse by the residents of the area which he described as an eyesore, saying that Onitsha South must be clean which is the aim of the Mayor for clearing the sakamori.

“We would create awareness, make announcements to inform residents, we would also establish some taskforce to see for the arrest of the defaulters, who are either to go for community services or pay a fine.

“We are out for clean and healthy Onitsha South, we would not leave any stone unturned to make sure that sanity is restored in the area, enough is enough,” he warned.

The Vigilante Commander Onitsha South LG, Mr.Echezona Ezeonyejekwe who was at the site supervising the ongoing desilting, confirmed that the sakamori is already blocked but have been cleared by the caterpillar.

He admonished the residents of Onitsha South to ensure proper disposal of their waste in appropriate places, avoid dropping or emptying their waste in drainages/waterways or on the roads to avoid flood menace during the rainy season which is around the corner.

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

ONITSHA NORTH MAYOR EMPHASIZES UNITY AND LOVE ON VALENTINE’S DAY

By Claribel Udah, Chioma Nwankwo and Chika Obi :

The Mayor of Onitsha North LGA, Mr. Nweze Tony Nwora has sent a heartfelt message to the people of the community, emphasizing unity, love, and enhanced security for all residents to mark the Valentine’s day celebration.

Speaking to newsmen, the Mayor expressed his deep appreciation for the support and kindness extended by the people of Onitsha North. “Today, as we celebrate the spirit of love, I want to reaffirm my commitment to bringing peace, love, and unity to our land,” he stated.

The Mayor assured citizens that efforts to improve security are ongoing, ensuring that they can continue with their daily activities without fear.

Highlighting the true essence of Valentine’s Day, Mayor Nwora urged community members to unite in spreading love across the region. He reminded residents that love is not confined to personal relationships but extends to caring for one another, fostering an environment of respect and compassion. “Let love lead our actions and decisions as we work together to build a safer, stronger Onitsha,” he said.

The Mayor also emphasized that his administration will always safeguard Onitsha and its people, promising that enhanced security measures are in place to counter any threats to peace and stability.

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

ANAOCHA PRIMARY HEALTHCARE SERVICES ORGANIZE STAKEHOLDERS MEETING

By Chidimma Okoye/Ngozi Nnajiofor :

In preparation for the forth coming Second Round Immunization Catch Up Exercise, Anaocha LGA has organized a stake holders meeting to ensure the maximum cooperation of communities in the LGA and to achieve total success at the end of the exercise.

Speaking at the venue, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Anigbogu, Director, Primary Healthcare services Anaocha said that the round two immunization catch up exercise was aimed to cover up areas that were not covered during the previous exercise.

She tasked stakeholders to intensify their campaign so that the LGA will not lag behind in the exercise.

Mrs. Anigbogu enjoined stakeholders to also educate the people on the likelihood of the occurrence of Adverse Event Following Immunization (AEFI), after vaccination like slight fever, vaccination site turning reddish, baby crying uncontrollably and how they will handle the minor situation.

In line with the zero tolerance for Polio Melitis in Nigeria, She called on all to be on the look for cases of children with fever, leg pain before or after injection as that may be a sign of Polio so that their faces sample will be taken free of charge for tests and possible diagnosis to save other children as against the lay man’s belief of every fever being caused by Malaria and Typhoid.

“After all these, we believe that our people will start consenting fully to immunization.

“We took immunization as kids and did not die, we grew up as adults, got married and had kids naturally, why then should we deny our children immunization” Mrs. Anigbogu said.

Mrs. Jane Okpala, Anaocha LGA Health Social Mobilization Officer, urged stakeholders to always endeavor to show accuracy and honesty in their ward reports to make the work less stressful, saying that Agulu 3 did a great job with their last report ensuring the the pictures tallied with their write up.

“If your ward venue is not conducive for people to attend meetings, change it to your town hall and bring in necessary stakeholders to help achieve set goals as community partnership is essential,” she said.

The Anaocha Ward Development Committee Chairman Mr. Emeka Aneto, appealed to stakeholders to carry the seriousness of the forth coming immunization catch up down to their ward health centers, making sure that people are well sensitized and immunization well at the end of the day.

He also urged that they do proper documentation to achieve accurate interpretation, saying that the second round catch up immunization exercise is only for LGA who did not cover up areas well in the previous exercise.

*Chidimma and Ngozi are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State*

ONITSHA SOUTH MAYOR MEETS WITH FEGGE COMMUNITY TO BRAINSTORM ON WAY FORWARD

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

The Onitsha South Local Government Mayor, Hon.Chief Emeka Orji meets with the community leaders of Fegge, Odoakpu, Housing Estate and Woliwo to brainstorm on the development and welfare of Fegge Community.

The inaugural and historical meeting, which took place at Moore House, Modebe Avenue, Onitsha was aimed at advancing the course of unity of purpose in the communal affairs, fostering security consciousness in our immediate environment, sustaining a cleaner and healthier environment, among other issues.

There was discussions bothering on environmental sanitation, Security, infrastructure and welfare of the community.

The Community leaders thanked Mr Chairman and noted that this was the first time the communities have come together to discuss her affairs under the watch of Council chairman.

In an interview with a Journalist after the event, the newly appointed Secretary General, Barr.Noel Udeoji said that their expectations are to partner with the government in its developmental initiatives, including a secured, clean, green and healthy community, and to serve as the liaison between government and various communities.

“To form alliance in reintroducing and promoting our cultural heritage and diversities as well as resolving common societal issues as one entity and not as four different bodies, thereby strengthening each of the whole in the process.

“Entrenching workable uniformity in the community leadership approach and inter-communal affairs, targeting improved service delivery to the residents across board with exception of none.

“To foster healthy competition among the constituent parts of the entire communities making up the LG, thereby enthroning excellence and positive mindset in her different leadership affairs.

“To serve as the highest decision making body on community matters within Onitsha South LG, subject however to the overall supervision, but importantly the approval of the Mayor of Onitsha South first had, sought and obtained.

“And such other positive initiatives aimed at strengthening the communal bond with a vision to placing the community among the best across the state through active collaborations.

“To sustain the initiative, it was unanimously agreed that the sitting of the Assembly shall be rotational, with Fegge, Woliwo and Housing Estate taking in turns in that order.

The Deputy Mayor, Hon Onyebuchi Obi and other Council officials were also in attendance, Patrick Machie was appointed as the Administrative Secretary by the Mayor and other key appointments were also made.

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

FORMER ANAMBRA POLICE COMMISSIONER URGES TRADERS TO SHUN GREED, REDISCOVER IGBO VALUES

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

The immediate past Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, visited the Onitsha Main Market Police Station and traders on February 8th. During his visit, he advised the traders to prioritize love, unity, and selflessness, warning against the destructive nature of hatred, greed, and the lust for power.

CP Itam who noted that the desire for control and wealth has led to violence and bloodshed in the state, particularly in the context of market associations and unions, emphasized the importance of rediscovering the Igbo values of community help, family values, and mutual care, which have been eroded over the past 25 years due to an excessive focus on wealth.

He encouraged the traders and residents to reclaim their state and values, stressing that this is the only way to overcome the current challenges facing Anambra State and the Southeast. The CP recalled the incident of the killing of the House Member, Hon Justice Azuka, arresting and parading of the kidnappers and the attempted kidnap of the Mayor of Onitsha North, Hon.Nweze Tony Nworah.

According to him, “Onitsha Main Market traders play a vital role in supporting billions of people, serving countries like Equatorial Guinea, Congo, and Cameroon. In 2023, I worked in Banky, the last border town before Chad, and witnessed how all the lorries came from Onitsha to supply the East Central African markets. Despite Boko Haram’s presence, an average of 500 trucks leave Onitsha every night.”

Regarding the police station’s location, he noted that every environment requires specialized policing, prioritizing fire safety and preventing deaths due to the market’s unique layout.

He stressed the need to build modern markets with hospitals attached with a standard fire station, saying that it would boost businesses and encourage more people. He frowned at the negligence of the market hall and challenged all the zonal heads, executives to look out for a way to free the building to look like an administrative building, noting that it is not befitting of the largest market in the West Africa, warning that it’s negligence causes fire.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Main Market Police Station, SP Joy Ikpeama complained that she assumed office as the DPO of the station without an office due to the fire incident that occured on 21st March, 2023 at Onitsha North Local Government building where Main Market Division was located, stating that their belongings including case files, exhibits, uniforms/police accoutrements were lost in the incident.

She requested additional personnel, particularly rank and file members and a typist, to enhance policing effectiveness in her area of responsibility. Additionally, she urged the Commissioner of Police to advise the state government to release the remaining parts of the first floor of the burnt Onitsha North Local Government building, allowing for more offices and improved policing efficiency.

Chief Innocent Ezeoha, the market chairman, revealed that the police station is the primary hub for handling cases in the area, aside from the State CID. He praised the DPO, saying, “the DPO always surprises us, and we count on her.” He expressed his hope for the station’s upgrade.

Regarding the market hall’s neglect, Chief Ezeoha reaffirmed his commitment to renovating the hall and making the market a model for excellence. However, he expressed frustration with his executives, who insist on sharing funds among themselves before approving renovation expenses.

Other notable speakers at the event included; Chief Kennedy Tasie, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Main Market Vigilante; Chief Chinenye Ihenko, 2nd in command and representative of the Commander AVG; and Emeka Okoli, Secretary of the market. Dignitaries in attendance included Chief Nsude Philip, former market treasurer; Chief Sunday Arum Nwobodo, Chairman of the United Butchers Association; Chief Igwebuike Okafor, a market stakeholder; and various market officers and line chairmen.

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

COMMUNITY LEADER LAUDS IDEMILI NORTH MAYOR, ENDORSE SOLUDO FOR SECOND TENURE

By Uzo Ugwunze :

A Community leader, Chairman, Amafor Nkpor-Agu, Mr. Emmanuel Idemili has eulogized the Executive Chairman of Idemili North Local Government Area, (INLGA), Mr. Stanley Nkwoka for his exceptional leadership qualities and achievements, saying that he has made remarkable impacts on the lives of residents of the LGA.

Idemili, an engineer said that Nkwoka who recently marked his 100 days in office after being elected as the executive chairman is known for his humility, enforcement of environment sanitation, security networks, healthcare interventions, youth empowerment cum human capital development and is also known for being an adherent of the Soludo’s Solution vision towards making Anambra State a prosperous homeland.

“Chief Stanley Nkwoka is God-sent to Idemili North. Any directive that proceeds from the desk of Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, he is always the first person to implement it.

“Nkwoka made sure that many youths enrolled and benefited from the 1 Youth 2 Skills. In road rehabilitation, he personally supervised to ensure that all the roads in Idemili North LGA had zero pot holes.

“Ochendo Idemili ensured road decongestion by prevailing on residents to remove illegal structures through out the major roads junctions and markets and by engaging services of traffic warders to allow free flow of traffic. Unlike before he assumed office even as TC Chairman, no motorist can say that he or she experienced traffic jam throughout the yuletide or nowadays”.

“The Mayor and his amiable wife has brought down to the grassroots, the implementation of the ‘Own Your Garden/farm’ and weekly exercises initiative of the wife of Governor Soludo to eradicate hunger in the near future and for healthy living.

“In security, Chief Nkwoka has a good rapport with the traditional rulers and presidents general, vigilante services and police which has been helping him to ensure that crime and criminality is curbed to the barest minimum in Idemili North.

Moreover, Emmanuel Idemili who is also in charge of parks and markets in the LGA applauded Soludo for the rehabilitation of the Afor Nkpor to Eke-Nkpor road, saying that it was a big relief to the major traffic jam usually witnessed at Nkpor Junction or New Auto parts flyover because motorist can ply that route as a bypass, adding that hoodlums can not easily disturb road users because of easy movement unlike before when the road was in a deplorable condition.

“Soludo did not just patch the Afor Nkpor – Eke-Nkpor road, he removed all the bad potions of the road and re tarred it and Idemili North Mayor was constantly supervising the road project to ensure that it was finished in record time and with the approved specification.

“Any body from any political party preparing to contest the 2025 Anambra guber election with Prof. Chukwuma Soludo is wasting his resources. In fact if there is room for third tenure Soludo will not compete with anybody because he does the talk with the limited resources on ground. In healthcare delivery, massive road construction network,youth empowerment he is number 1. Do I talk of Okpoko/New heaven, Ochanja or at government house, governor’s lodge renovations, truly our tax is working for Anambra State and the people”, said Idemili.

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

NEWLY INAUGURATED AMAWBIA PG, NZE ODUMODU KICK-STARTS HIS ADMINISTRATION WITH THANKSGIVING SERVICE

By Regina Igwebuike :

The newly inaugurated Amawbia President General (PG), Nze Chukwukadibia Odumodu (Nze Akalanze), has begun his administration on a gracious note by organizing a thanksgiving service yesterday at St. Augustine’s Anglican Church, Amawbia. This heartfelt gesture sets a positive tone for his tenure, fostering a sense of community and appreciation.

Odumodu said, “A thanksgiving service is a meaningful way to express gratitude for the trust placed in me by the community. It’s an opportunity for me to acknowledge the support of my people, colleagues, and family, who have contributed to my success”.

He offered words of appreciation, reflecting on the journey that has brought him to this moment, outlined his vision and plans for the community, inspiring hope and optimism for the future.

Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Okoye, the Deputy Speaker of Anambra State, commended the newly appointed President General, Nze Odumodu, urging him to fulfill his campaign promises to the community.

Supporting the new leadership as son of the soil and showing his commitment to community development, Rt. Hon. Okoye made a cash donation, explaining that the funds are intended for office renovations and to facilitate the executive’s work, encouraging Odumodu to work with his team to make progress in the community, ensuring that his vision and beliefs become a reality.

Barr. Harry Udu, the former Anambra State Head of Service, expressed his support for the new President General and his executive, commending them for seeking God’s blessings and face as they begin their assignment, emphasizing the importance of divine guidance in their leadership.

Udu acknowledged the significance of having both old and new members, as well as stakeholders, come together in solidarity to support the new leadership, encouraging the new PG and his executive to prioritize progress in the community, ensuring that their vision and beliefs become a reality.

“By starting his administration with a thanksgiving service, Nze Akalanze demonstrates his commitment to serving the community with humility and gratitude.”

Earlier, Ven. Clement Mgbemena, Parish Priest of St. Augustine Anglican Church, Amawbia, delivered a sermon recognizing the newly appointed President General, Mr. Odumodu, and the new executive of Amawbia. His homily, “The Power in the Gospel of Christ,” was based on Romans 1:16-17.

Mgbemena emphasized the significance of the gospel, highlighting that it is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes, explaining that the four gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, provide a comprehensive understanding of the life of Jesus Christ.

The Parish Priest thanked God for the peaceful transition of leadership in Amawbia and urged the new executive to emulate the Jesus type of leadership, which is characterized by servant leadership. He defined leadership as inspiring people, emphasizing that leaders must be humble, courageous, inspirational, and mentors.

The cleric encouraged the new leadership to prioritize the well-being of the community, stressing that true leadership is about serving others, thanking God for the peace in Amawbia community and praying for the new executive to be guided by the principles of servant leadership.

*Regina is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State