A Gynaecologic Oncologist, Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, Nnewi Campus, Associate Professor Osita Umeononiru is elated over the advances recorded by the Anambra State Government towards addressing the insecurity challenges facing the state and tackling it from the root cause.
Prof. Umeononiru in a press statement in Awka while appraising Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s three years in office,welcomed with joy the censorship of native doctors in the state with a view towards addressing the complicity of some of them found to be aiding and abetting criminality.
Prof.Umeononiru who is also an Obstetrician raised some concerns over the non conventional security operatives that are part of the “Agunaechemba’ security team with a view towards ensuring that they are not abandoned after their operations, but to ensure their integration into the mainstream of the conventional security outfits to avoid being threats to the society.
The medical expert commended Governor Soludo for the attention given to all sectors of the economy and for his infrastructural drive which are eye marked.
He passed a vote of confidence on the governor’s eventful three years in office and concluded with a proclamation that if the security challenges are fully surmounted, Anambra State will be reckoned as the most enterprising state in Nigeria and beyond.
* Ezenwata is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
The Children of Prof Kate Omenugha, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam have celebrated her by donating various categories of academic endowment to the Alma maters where the Matriarch schooled while growing up.
The Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Youth Empowerment Program, Dr. Nelson Omenugha gifted scholarships to 60 Indigent pupils while the entire Ichie Obama Dynasty’ donated N1 million education endowment fund as prize for overall Best Students to Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe (NOCEN), and Maria Regina Model Comprehensive Secondary School (MRMCSS), Nnewi to mark her mum’s 60th birthday.
Dr Nelson Omenugha also built a Rendezvous center for St. Paul’s Catholic Church, in Nnobi. commemoration of the 60th birthday of his mother.
Speaking at St Paul’s Catholic Church Nnobi, Idemili South LGA, Anambra State during the blessing cum commissioning of the Parish Rendezvous by His Eminence, Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke, Dr Nelson Omenugha said that he and his siblings could not forget all the selfless sacrifices their mother made with the help of their father, Chief Dr. Michael Omenugha (Ichie Obama Nnobi) to give them the best education and raise them in the things of God which contributed to making them relevant in their generation.
“This parish rendezvous project that was finished in 50 days started when I was about churching my daughter Chihotaram. At my inquiry, Our Parish priest mentioned it as a need abandoned since 2022.
So, when my siblings were discussing what we can purchase to make our Mum, Mother General’s 60th birthday remarkable. I came up with this project and decided to fund it because of the impact it will have on the church as a place for strategic meetings, trainings and reception.
“With some financial assistance from Chief Cletus Ibeto who encouraged me by reiterating that it is Christians that will sponsor church projects not pagans, I was able to build this parish rendezvous. I will use this opportunity to call on young people to sponsor church projects because there are blessings in doing so.
“Also, knowing that my mum is an educator, I decided to pay for the uniforms and tuition fees of 60 Indigent pupils from Community Central School (St Mary’s Catholic) for 2025/2026 academic session. Moreso, I will continue the payment for any of these pupils who takes 1st position in class till that pupil graduates from primary 6.
“Our family, ‘Ichie Obama Dynasty’ decided to give endowment fund to my mum’s Alma maters – MRMCSS, Nnewi and NOCEN for the next five years which is renewable. #500,000 Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha Prize for overall Best Students of SSS2 to enable them purchase WAEC and JAMB forms. Another #500,000 Prof Kate Azuka Omenugha Prize for overall Best Students of English Language and English Literature Department, NOCEN, all in commemoration of our Mum’s 60th birthday which she marks on 30th January yearly,” he said.
The celebrant, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha who was emotional about the depth of love shown her by her children for deciding to immortalize her while she was still alive, prayed God to bless them, the COOU community and well wishes.
She attributed the secret of her life and career success to include love for the church, prayers to God and family unity, applauding her husband for being supportive throughout her quest for education and career.
In a vote of thanks, the Provost NOCEN, Dr. Justina Anyadiegwu on behalf of the recipients, commended Dr Nelson Omenugha and her siblings for the scholarships and the endowment fund, promising that the students will do their best not just to come out in flying colors but to be the best in their chosen career so as to give back to the society that helped them achieve their dreams.
Highlights of the event included; the blessing cum commissioning of the parish rendezvous by Cardinal of the Catholic Church, His Eminence Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke, flanked by Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Bishop JonasBenson Okoye and many Priests including Press Secretary to the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, Rev Fr. George Adimike, Rendition of a special Poem written about Prof Kate Omenugha by students of MRMCSS Nnewi, cutting off birthday cake, presentation of Papacy gifts to the celebrant from the Vatican city.
Other Dignitaries present included; House of Assembly Member for Idemili South, Mr. Ebuka Igwe Ugosinachi (Esq), Youth Leader Umuru Nnobi, Emeka Ezeoduma Mmirioma, Youth Ernestly Seek Soludo (YESS) group, COOU management and principal officers, among others.
* Ugwunze is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
The Supervisory Councillor for Education and Social Development, Rt Hon Romanus Chinedu Eze, also known as YaGazie, visited Washington Memorial Grammar School Onitsha.
The visit, which commenced at 7am, was part of the administration of Mayor Tony Nwora’s initiative to promote excellence and discipline among students and teachers.
During his address at the school, Eze shared his message of “Rewarding Excellence,” encouraging all to understand that hard work yields rewards.
He emphasized that the well-known adage “the reward of teachers is in heaven” begins with tangible recognition here on earth. The official commended those who arrived early, highlighting the importance of punctuality as a cornerstone of academic success and personal development.
While urging the school community to maintain discipline, he also warned against the dangers of illicit drugs, smoking, and involvement in cultism, pointing out that smoking poses severe health risks and that any engagement in cult activities is not only frowned upon by the state government but is also against the law in Anambra State. His remarks served as a stern reminder of the personal and societal consequences of such actions.
Reflecting on his own journey, Eze stressed the transformative power of education, noting that his achievements in government and his previous roles, including as an elected Councillor and Speaker of the Onitsha North Legislative Assembly, were made possible through a solid educational foundation.
His personal story underscored the potential for every student to excel and reach positions of influence if they take their studies seriously.
The Supervisory Councillor also took the opportunity to praise Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his progressive policies, particularly the free education initiative that benefits all government-run primary and secondary schools across the state. The policy, which has seen the employment of over 8,000 teachers, is part of a broader effort to boost the quality of education in the region.
In recognition of their commitment, several teachers and students were presented with awards. Among the honored teachers were Nwebube Chinwe, Ifenu Maureen, and Ogbalu Uju, while students are Ali Samuel, Chukwuemelie Okwuonu, and Irene Eze also received tokens of appreciation for their punctuality and dedication.
Eze assured the school community that he would continue his visits to motivate and encourage them toward achieving greater heights.
He acknowledged the significant efforts of the school principal, expressing his hope for her continued success and advancement. This event not only celebrates the achievements of early arrival but also reinforces the administration’s commitment to building a disciplined, thriving educational environment in Onitsha North under Mayor Nwora’s leadership.
*The officers are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
In consistent with its quest in leveraging technology to enhance its operations and improve customer experience, the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) has introduced a self-service application known as “EEDC BOT”
The application, which is currently targeted at prepaid customers streamlines access to essential functions while providing instant support through the social media platforms, such as Facebook and WhatsApp, thereby revolutionising the way customers interact with the company.
This was made known in a release by the Head, Corporate Communication, EEDC, Mr Emeka Eze
According to him, “EEDC BOT” will significantly speed up responses to common requests and queries by customers through two primary channels (Facebook and WhatsApp).
“To further ensure a good customer experience, a dedicated Facebook page has been created for this purpose and customers can now interact with EEDC through this platform.
“In addition, a dedicated phone number has been provided for WhatsApp, enabling customers to access EEDC via this messaging platform.
“Prepaid customers are encouraged to take advantage of the self-service to resolve issues relating to their prepaid accounts by saving the WhatsApp number (08150826233) as “EEDC BOT” on their phone and send “Hi” or “100” to activate the menu and select a request as applicable. They can equally visit EEDC official Facebook page to access this Application. Login access is not required for this purpose.”
He further said, “Upon initiating a chat, customers will receive interactive codes, and they can select as it applies to their specific needs. Some of the available services offered by “EEDC BOT” include: Chat with a Customer Service Agent, Request for Token, Meter Application Request, KCT Generation, Last Token Retrieval, Arrears Balance Inquiry, New Service Request, Transaction History, and many more.
“By utilizing this Self-Service, EEDC aims at offering a more efficient and user-friendly approach to customer service by efficiently managing its customers, reducing waiting time, and promptly resolving issues.
“EEDC is excited to include “EEDC BOT” to some of the innovative solutions it has introduced in its operations to enhance service to its esteemed customers.
*Juliana is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
Anambra State Government has commenced the process of tracking the distribution and impact of oil palm, coconut, as well as economic tree seedlings provided between 2022 and 2024.
According to a statement issued by the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor, through the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Ifeyinwa Uzoka, the move aims to assess the survival and effectiveness of past distributions in preparation for the 2025 seedlings distribution.
“We hereby call on the Persons of Influence, The Mayors, Councillors, Council of Traditional Rulers, ASATU, Youth Leaders, MDAs, Government Officials and all stakeholders to quickly respond to this request using the already given template.
“To facilitate this, the ministry requests all MDAs and stakeholders to submit the status updates on the seedlings they have received so far from 2022-2024”
It added that stakeholders should coordinate the data collection process for their organisations in order to ensure accurate and verifiable beneficiaries lists documentation for subsequent planning and distribution.
The statement reads, “the submission deadline is Wednesday, 12th February, 2025 before close of work, as timely feedback will greatly support the prompt planning and execution of the 2025 seedlings distribution.
“Completed reports should be submitted via email to oriecasmir@gmail.com and adokweekene@gmail.com, while hard copies should be sent to the office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture.
“A template has been attached to the mails earlier dispatched to the concerned parties for uniform reporting. Additionally, communities that are yet to express their interest, should promptly do so in writing.”
*Chukwuka is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
By Nnedinma Okeke/ Chukwudi Nwauba /Azuka Nnabuife :
In a bid to ensure effective Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) utilisation and adequate immunisation coverage across Anambra, the State Health team has paid an advocacy visit to Idemili North Local Government Area (LGA).
The State Health team led by the Commissioner, State Ministry of Health (SMOH), Dr Afam Obidike, urged that work plan of activities be developed to enable the key Stakeholders and LGA health team to monitor activities of their PHCs closely.
This, he said would ensure for better PHC service delivery at the grassroots.
Dr Obidike thanked the LGA Mayor, Hon Stanley Nkwoka for his assured support toward ensuring data improvement in the PHC utilisation and immunisation coverage of the LGA.
He also advocated for montly report documentation and presentation from the LGA Health team to Mayor on the finding in PHCs during their montly visitations inorder for all to be kept abreast on happenings in PHCs across all wards of the LGA.
The Executive Secretary, Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), Pharm Chisom Uchem explained that supportive supervision by key Stakeholders in the LGA would enable the health workers to sit-up on their jobs.
“This would ensure that there is no room for lackadaisical attitudes by healthcare providers,” she emphasized.
The WHO Anambra State Coordinator, Dr Bonos Mohammed, urged for PHC supportive supervision by the Mayor, his Council Members and key Stakeholders in the LGA as it would aid strengthen and monitor activities in PHCs.
He also urged for the strengthening of Ward Development Committees (WDCs) which were in every PHC as they would aid to ensure that funds put in PHCs were properly utilised. “This would all be achieved through oversight functions,” he said.
The Mayor, Hon. Nkwoka assured of his commitment toward better PHC utilisation and immunisation coverage in the LGA.
He noted that together with Presidents General (PGs), Counsellors, Traditional Rulers, Security personnel and other key Stakeholders in the LGA, they would work in ensuring that there is improvement in the immunisation status of the LGA.
Also present at the advocacy visit, was the Commissioner, State Ministry of Information, Dr Law Mefor, WHO Public Health Officer, Mrs Uju Ojiagu, PHC Director, Idemili North LGA, Mrs Chinwe Okeke and Supervisor for Health, Idemili North LGA, Dr Hillary Nkem Okeke.
*The officers are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
The Umuigbo United Assembly (UUA) Worldwide hosted a landmark Summit at its National Headquarters in Enugu, focusing on youth empowerment through entrepreneurship and skills development.
Evang Dr. Raphael C D Nwadavid, Founder/President General of Umuigbo United Assembly (UUA) Worldwide, emphasized the organization’s commitment to serving the Igbo community. As a non-governmental organization (NGO), UUA is open to all groups and communities in Igboland, with the caveat that members must prioritize the interests of Ndigbo over personal gain.
The organization is organizing its inaugural Summit on Security, Peace, Unity, and Development, focusing on Umuigbo and Nigeria as a whole. This event aims to leverage the rich history of Ndigbo to promote peace, orderliness, and progress in the Southeast region.
A key theme of the conference is reviving the lost glory of youth enterprise, which will be explored through discussions on education and skills acquisition. By bringing together like-minded individuals, UUA hopes to inspire a new era of progress and development in the region.
Barr. Livinus Obasi Onu, National Youth Leader of Umuigbo United Assembly Worldwide, emphasized the organization’s mission to unite the Igbo nation globally, promoting peace, love, and brotherly love.
He highlighted three key objectives of the group to include instilling in younger generations the culture of unity, progress, and oneness that defined Igbo land in the past; to create awareness about the existence and goals of Umuigbo United Assembly Worldwide, focusing on peace, love, unity, and development; and to establish a foundation for a state-of-the-art development project, aimed at supporting Igbo people worldwide, with a focus on security advocacy.
The national youth leader emphasized the importance of a thorough process in building a strong and lasting foundation for the organization’s endeavors.
Princess Nne Nana Onwodi, National Women Leader of Umuigbo United Assembly (UUA), emphasized the importance of shifting from consumption to production, encouraging the Igbo people to return to farming and embrace their rich cultural heritage. She highlighted the value of local foods like bitter kola, uda, utazi, and bitter leaf, which have natural antibiotic properties that helped the Igbo people survive the COVID-19 pandemic.
Onwodi also stressed the need for the Igbo people to be proud of their language and culture, and to leverage modern technology to drive business entrepreneurship. She noted that 70% of Nigeria’s economy is informal, emphasizing the importance of entrepreneurship in driving growth and development.
Other speakers at the event echoed Onwodi’s sentiments, including Evang. Mabel Obeleagu, who highlighted the importance of traditional medicine and local foods in promoting health and wellbeing.
Nze Emma Nwokoye, Ezeudo emphasized the need for youth development and entrepreneurship, noting that unemployment can lead to insecurity, while Chief Mrs Gladys Edi urged parents to teach their children how to cook local foods and engage in handiwork to promote self-sufficiency.
*Regina is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
The Nigerian Senate today confirmed Hon. Mark Okoye and Dr Emeka Nworgu as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, Board of Directors respectively of the South East Development Commission.
Also confirmed are other nominees of the 18-member governing board of the SEDC which includes Barr. Ugochukwu H. Agballah , Hon. Okey Ezenwa , Chief Hyacinth Ikpor , Chidi Echeazu, Barr. Ifeanyi Agwu Ph.D , Nasiru Usman, Hamma Adama Ali Kumo Edward David Onoja , Orure Kufre Inima , Daniel Akwari, Chief (Mrs) Joke Adebayo-Chukwuma, Rt. Hon. Stanley Ohajuruka (E.D. Finance), Chief Sylvester Okonkwo ( E.D. Corporate Services , Hon. Toby Okechukwu ( E.D. Projects ), Sen, Anthony Agbo ( E.D. Commercial and Industrial Development ) and Dr. Clifford Ogbede (E.D. Natural Resources, Agriculture and Rural Development).
The nominees were confirmed following the submission of the report of the screening exercise conducted by the Adhoc Committee on Regional Development Commissions led by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, the APC Senator representing Abia North Constituency in the National Assembly.
According to Kalu’s report the nominees had during the screening proved their capacities to man the affairs of the respective Development Commission.
Also confirmed are the nominees for the North West Development Commission (NWDC) led by Alhaji Lawal Samai’la Abdullahi as Chairman of the commission and Professor Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.
Other confirmed board members of the NWDC include Dr. Yahaya Umar Namahe, Hon. Aminu Suleiman, Ja’afar Abubakar Sadeeq, Yahaya Aminu Abdullahi, Hon. Engr Muhammad Ali Wudil, Shamsu Sule, Nasidi Ali, Chukwu Chijtoke, Ahmed Mohammed, Engr. Ahmed Rufai Timasantyu, Macdonalds Michael Uyi And Hon. Babatunde Dada.
It would be recalled that four weeks ago, President Bola Tinubu submitted a revised list of nominees for the Governing Boards of the Regional Development Commissions to the Senate for confirmation.
Consequently, Senate President Godswill Akpabio who presided over the plenary referred the nominees to undergo grilling by an Ad-Hoc Committee it created chaired by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu APC, Abia-North.
During the screening members of the committee sternly warned the nominees for the Governing Boards not to fail Nigerians, adding that they would be closely monitored by the Senate which would not hesitate to expedite their sack if found wanting in unethical acts.
Speaking at the confirmation, Senator Kalu re-emphasised the importance of accountability and transparency in the governance of the development commissions.
The nominees were all confirmed by voice votes from the senators shortly after adopting the report of Kalu’s committee.
Estate developers under the auspices of Golden Land Estate Ventures Ltd has set out plans to provide opportunities that will enable about 1000 persons become Landlords in year 2025.
Speaking during their End of Year Business Summit at Shanahan Hall, Holy Trinity, Onitsha, a Director, Comrade Damian Ogudike said that Golden Land Estate Ventures Ltd engage in buying and selling of lands at an affordable rate with enticing policies that make their own business organization different from other organizations.
“We are land developers. We engage in buying lands from communities, and selling to people and we can also develop the land for them.
“Our unique selling proposition is second to none, you cannot get it anywhere. We have good policies that give people better opportunity. Just give us half of the money, then you spread the rest payment according to the number of installments you can deposit at your own convenience and capacity.
“The objective of our program today is to strategize with our realtors and investors on how to meet up with 2025 target which is to make up to 800 or 1000 people landlords.
“We also used this occasion to encourage, motivate and give out prizes/gift items to our marketers and realtors who met certain targets we set up within this year as ‘a Challenge’
Moreover, the Keynote Speaker during the Golden Land Estate Ventures Ltd End of Year Business Summit, Peace Ukamaka who spoke on the theme ‘Real Estate Investors and Role of Realtors in the 21st Century ‘ reiterated the importance of building confidence and learning new skills in Real Estate marketing.
“Text, picture, audio and video are the various forms of content that can be used to communicate a sales message. Of all these 4 forms of content, the one that converts the most is video. I know this even though I’m not a big fan of videos.Video marketing can help you showcase the property you want to sell, guarantee the believability of your offer and increase your credibility.
“With your video content, you can demonstrate where the house will be built, and the size of the house that can stand there, where cars will be parked and where the fence can start from. RYour prospects will begin to imagine what it feels like to own at least a plot in that estate. Every real estate purchase decision begins with a desire to own just a plot. Then they get sold and begin to see reasons why they should buy 5 and get one for free,” she said
Highlights of the event included benediction service from the guest minister, chapter chairman, Anambra State Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Moses Ezedebego, and the rewarding of hardworking and outstanding marketers and realtors with items like, Television, fans, bags of rice among other items.
* Ugwunze is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, has been awarded Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Educational Practitioners, United Kingdom (CIEPUK).
According to the Global President of CIEPUK, Dr Marcel Ezenwoye, the fellowship award was in recognition of his outstanding professional achievements and contributions to the fields of mass communication and entrepreneurial technology. It also reflected his distinguished career spanning over three decades, during which he successfully handled notable media and communication projects domestically and internationally.
“Also, your fellowship with other Nigerian institutions is a testament to your exceptional expertise and commitment to excellence,” Ezenwoye stated.
Speaking during the Investiture and Induction Awards Ceremony, held at Paul University, Awka, Anambra State, where he was appointed a visiting professor, Dr. Mefor appreciated the institutions, respectively, assuring them of his support and that of his friends.
He further reiterated Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s special interest in education, which the governor demonstrated by offering free education from primary to secondary school for not only the people of Anambra but all residents of the state regardless of their states of origin.
According to him: “Free education is a tool created to break generational poverty transfer. Some families are so poor that unless something is intentionally done, the poverty will continue from generation to generation. With free education, it becomes possible that such families where you have dynasties of poverty can now become havens of wealth because, with a secondary school education, any person can spring up from the family with a basic education.
“The free education offered by Governor Soludo is not just for Ndị Anambra. As long as you live in Anambra, you will enjoy free education. I am aware that some people living in neighbouring states are enrolling in Anambra schools because of free education. We are not sending them back because Anambra is a place for all,” Mefor said.
The Vice Chancellor of Paul University, who handed Dr Mefor the fellowship award, approved the request of the Information Commissioner to lecture in the university gratis in his spare time, assuring him of his appointment as associate professor or professor after peer review of his academic credentials.
The vice chancellor also announced a 50% rebate for school fees for certain categories of students and the university’s readiness to partner with the Soludo administration to advance education generally in the state.
Manage Consent
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
