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Tag: Anambra State

  • APC aspirant plots fall of APGA in Anambra

    APC aspirant plots fall of APGA in Anambra

    All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant in the upcoming Anambra governorship election, Mr Paul Chukwuma, has urged his campaign council to work towards claiming the state from All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

    Chukwuma made the call on Wednesday in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area of the state during a meeting with his primary election campaign council.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the Anambra  governorship election for November 8. It is one of the off-cycle polls in the nation’s election calendar.

    The council comprises youth coalition and women groups in his country home.

    “I thank all of you for how far you have come. However, there is still more to be done ahead to enable us dislodge the current government of the APGA in Anambra state.

    “We have to remain focused on the goal which is to rescue Anambra state from the leadership of Chukwuma Soludo as governor to enable our people reap full dividends of democracy,” he said.

    According to him, the team has to be at its best in the coming days, weeks and months to enable it achieve the task.

    Responding, Mr Ifeanyi Ibezi, Director-General of the council assured Chukwuma that the campaign would take a new leap from January.

    Ibezi, who expressed confidence in the journey, thanked the aspirant for his purposeful leadership and also thanked council members for their commitment.

    Chukwuma is the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of Benue State University, Makurdi, as well as the President of the Nigeria-Burundi Business Council.

  • Gunmen kill Catholic priest in Anambra

    Gunmen kill Catholic priest in Anambra

    The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi has announced the gruesome m$rder of Reverend Father Tobias Chukwujekwu Okonkwo by unknown assailants.

    According to a statement released by Rev. Fr. Raphael Ezeogu, Chancellor of the Nnewi Diocese, Rev Fr Raphael Ezeonu, the deceased who is also a pharmacist was shot dead in Ihiala on Boxing Day, December 26 between 7 pm and 8 pm along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway.

    The statement described the incident as a devastating loss but expressed faith in divine consolation.
    At the time of his death, he was serving as the Manager of the Schools of Nursing, Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Ihiala.

    The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi called on the faithful to offer prayers and Holy Masses for the eternal rest of Fr. Tobias and to console his bereaved family. The Diocese said funeral arrangements of Fr Okonkwo will be announced in due course.

    The killing of the clergyman came barely two weeks after the abduction of a 75-year-old retired Anglican Archbishop, Most Reverend Godwin Okpala and their whereabouts have remained unknown.

  • Police recover vehicle belonging to kidnapped Anambra lawmaker

    Police recover vehicle belonging to kidnapped Anambra lawmaker

    The Police Command in Anambra says it has recovered the vehicle belonging to the kidnapped lawmaker, representing Onitsha North Constituency 1 in the House of Assembly, Mr Justice Azuka.

    The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the recovery in a statement issued in Onitsha and made available to newsmen on Thursday.

    Ikenga stated that the recovery of the vehicle followed an ongoing intensive operation by the command’s operatives attached to the Inland Town Division, Onitsha.

    He said that the lawmaker was kidnapped by gunmen at about 9:20 pm on December 24, on his way home on Ugwunabampa Road, Onitsha. He explained that a rescue team sighted the vehicle abandoned on Upper Iweka Road.

    He added that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Nnaghe Itam, had charged the rescue team to intensify efforts for the possible rescue of the lawmaker and arrest of the kidnappers.

  • Kidnap suspect disguising as IPOB arrested in Anambra

    Kidnap suspect disguising as IPOB arrested in Anambra

    The Police Command in Anambra has apprehended a suspect, Chukwuma Obi who disguises as a member of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to issue kidnapping threat to unsuspecting residents.

    SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Awka.

    “The suspect is accused of demanding for N1.2 million through threats of abduction.

    “The victim reported receiving a menacing message from an individual claiming to be a member of the proscribed IPOB, threatening abduction unless the demanded ransom was paid into a specified account.

    “During the arrest of the suspect the sum of N1.2 million was recovered,” he said.

    Ikenga said that Obi, a 32-year-old male, hails from Umuagu Village, Igboukwu, Aguata Local Government Area of the state.

    According to him, operatives of the Anambra police command arrested the suspect in connection with an alleged case of attempted kidnapping and extortion.

    The arrest was made on December 24, 2024, by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Squad, Enugu-Ukwu.

    He explained that during interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime and is currently assisting the police in identifying and apprehending fleeing members of the gang.

    He quoted the Commissioner of Police (CP), Nnaghe Itam, as saying that the command was committed to pursuing all cases to a conclusive end to ensure that suspects were apprehended and justice served.

    Itam emphasized that such efforts were vital in preventing further criminal activities and ensuring the safety and security of residents.

    The PPRO urged the public to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through its emergency lines.

  • Stampede: Soludo seeks structured, safer approach to sharing palliatives

    Stampede: Soludo seeks structured, safer approach to sharing palliatives

    Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra has called for more structured and safer approach to distributing relief materials or palliatives to prevent stampedes and loss of lives.

    Soludo, in a statement on Sunday by his Press Secretary, Mr Christian Aburime, made the call while reacting to the stampede that occurred during a rice-sharing event for the less privileged.

    Recall that the stampede which  claimed 22 lives and left many others injured, occured at Okija in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra on Saturday.

    The governor expressed deep grief on the tragic loss of lives and sympathised with families of those who lost their loved ones.

    “I extend my deepest condolences to  families of the deceased, especially the women, the elderly, pregnant, nursing mothers and children who lost their lives in the unfortunate incident.

    “According to available information, the state government acknowledges that the Obi Jackson Foundation, led by Chief Ernest Obiejesi, organised the event.

    “And the event was with the noble intention of sharing relief materials to the  less privileged during this festive season.

    “However, the resulting tragedy underscores the urgent need for a more structured and safer approach to distributing such assistance to prevent stampede and loss of lives,” he said.

    The governor said a prompt and thorough investigation had been initiated to determine the root causes of the unfortunate event.

    Soludo said the government would work closely with relevant agencies to ensure that any negligence or lapses in safety protocols were duly addressed.

    He urged well-meaning individuals and organisations engaged in charitable activities to prioritise the safety and well-being of beneficiaries.

    “It is strongly advised that future distributions of relief materials be conducted in a more organised and decentralised manner, with adequate crowd control measures in place.

    “This may include establishing multiple distribution points within the community to reduce overcrowding at a single location.

    “Implement a system to prioritise vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, children and people with disabilities; as well as employing trained personnel to manage crowds.

    “Ensure orderly queues, provide assistance to those in need; and conduct public awareness to educate the public on safety protocols during such events,” he said.

  • 22 died in Anambra stampede – Police

    22 died in Anambra stampede – Police

    The Police Command in Anambra has confirmed 22 deaths in Saturday’s stampede at the scene of palliatives distribution in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area. The palliative distribution was organised by a philanthropist in the area.

    The police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who gave an update on the development in a statement on Sunday in Onitsha, said that the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Itam, visited the hospital where the victims of the tragic stampede are receiving treatment.

    He said that Itam sympathised with the families and friends of the deceased, while wishing those injured quick recovery.

    He said that investigation into the unfortunate incident was ongoing, adding that the command remains dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of the people during and after the festive  period.

  • Again, scores feared dead, others injured in Anambra stampede

    Again, scores feared dead, others injured in Anambra stampede

    Several women have lost their lives, and several others sustained injuries in a stampede that occurred at a rice distribution event in Okija, Anambra State on Saturday morning.

    In the videos that surfaced on social media, captured several lifeless bodies lying on the ground at the scene of the tragic incident.

    According to reports, victims who sustained severe injuries were rushed to nearby hospitals for medical attention, though the exact number of casualties remained unconfirmed.

    Confirming the unfortunate incident, the Chief Press Secretary to the Anambra State Governor, Charles Aburime assured the public that the state government was on top of the situation and would release an official statement soon.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that the Anambra stampede comes, hours after the stampede in Abuja,  and days after a funfair in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, turned deadly, with 35 people, mostly children killed in the incident.

  • Anambra Assembly passes 2025 budget for assent

    Anambra Assembly passes 2025 budget for assent

    The Anambra State House of Assembly on Thursday passed the 2025 budget of N607 billion presented to it by  Gov. Chukwuma Soludo on November 19, into law.

    The budget was passed following a motion by Mr Ikenna Ofodeme, the Majority Leader of the House representing Ekwusigo State Constituency.

    Dr Somto Udeze the Speaker of Anambra House of Assembly said the passage of the budget was not just a milestone but a demonstration of the synergy between the legislative and executive arms of government.

    Udeze said they were impressed that the outgoing budget had been implemented to the tune of 80 percent while expressing hope that it will be sustained in the 2025 edition.

    He urged citizens of the state to continue to support the Gov. Chukwuma Soludo administration and appealed to them to pay their taxes.

    In a post budget passing media briefing, Mr Ejike Okechukwu, Chairman House Committee on Information said the budget was passed as presented by the governor.

    However, Okechukwu said that though the overall budget size was not altered, there were realignment between and across Ministries, Department and Agencies within the envelope.

    He said that the budget projected and estimated recurrent N139.5 billion representing 23 percent while N407,5 billion representing 77 percent would be for capital expenditure.

    “The budget size did not have any change from what the governor presented but there were Internal changes, some codes were changed to enable government access funds lying there to meet urgent needs.

    “Some institutions like Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University and Nwafor Orizu College of Education had more funds allocated to their recurrent expenditures and subvention to enable run them more effectively,” he said.

    Also speaking, Mr Nonso Igwe representing Ogbaru I State Constituency said the executive demonstrated a high level of prudence in managing public funds in the outgoing year.

    Igwe, who is the Chairman of Committee on Finance and Appropriation said a remarkable change in the budget was the increase of outlay for the Ministry of Industry from N10 million to about N547 million to support the industrialisation agenda of the government.

  • How I rescued war-torn Anambra when I became Gov – Soludo

    How I rescued war-torn Anambra when I became Gov – Soludo

    Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra says he met almost a war situation at the inception of his administration, with eight Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state under control of suspected criminals.

    Soludo made the disclosure at a news conference on Tuesday in Awka, to mark his 33rd month in office and his efforts to address insecurity in the state.

    He assured residents that in spite the “unique challenges of lucrative criminalities adorned with deceptive ideology and propaganda”, his administration was determined to make Anambra the safest state in the country.

    “At the inception of our administration we met almost a war situation with eight LGAs literally under total control of criminals.

    “We responded massively when we came in, and among other things set up a vigilance strike force that worked with federal security agencies to root out criminals from our forest.

    “Within 12 months, we were able to recover those eight LGAs under siege. However, we noted that with time, all the criminal elements have returned to some of these locations.

    “And there have been troubling reports of kidnapping for ransom with instances where lives were lost,” he said.

    Soludo identified kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, drug epidemic and touting as the major security challenges ravaging in the state.

    According to him, another concern is the resurgence of criminals idolatry which offered the criminals a sense of invisibility.

    He said the government had started tripling its efforts and would launch a comprehensive security ecosystem tagged – ‘Operation Udo Ga Achi’, by the end of January 2025.

    “We will be donating 163 vehicles to security agencies to ensure active patrol of the nooks and crannies of Anambra, and install surveillance cameras to cover all major cities and forests used by criminals.

    “We will have 20 vigilante personnel and forest guards in each community and work on changing the ideology where people see security agents as the enemy and the criminals as liberators.

    “Government alone cannot do it, therefore, I call on our traditional rulers, religious leaders, town union leaders and civil society organisations to join the government to fight insecurity.

    “Security is our collective responsibility. If you see something, say something by reporting crimes and criminals via the 5111 toll free line.

    “We are also making sure we have a secured Christmas celebration,” he said.

    The governor appreciated the Federal Government and service commanders for their efforts in securing residents in the state.

  • Soludo to build olympic size stadium in Anambra

    Soludo to build olympic size stadium in Anambra

    Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has promised to build an Olympic size Stadium in the state, to improve sports facilities and promote grassroots sports development.

    Soludo, who was represented by Dr Law Mefor, Commissioner for Information, made the disclosure at the 2024 Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Week in Awka on Friday.

    The SWAN week had the theme –  “Sports Development in Anambra: The Infrastructure Question”.

    The governor noted that his administration recognised the importance of  infrastructure in sports development.

    “The state government is investing hugely in sports infrastructure because we recognise the benefits of sports and contributions of Anambra indigenes in sports.

    “Sports is not only about football, there are about 19 sporting activities and Anambra has a comparative advantage in about 10 sports.

    “This is because a typical Anambra man or woman is physically fit and strong to get involved in sports and should be positioned to participate in state, regional and national sports activities.

    “The state government will construct an olympic size stadium in Anambra soon because sports is not just for fun, it is a serious economic activity that have made many athletes millionaires,” he said.

    Soludo urged SWAN to support the state government in developing sports in the state and evoke the interest of youths in sports activities, toward tackling youth restiveness and other vices.

    In his lecture, Prof. Chris Abakare of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University and a guest lecturer, decried the dilapidated and inadequate sports facilities in the state.

    Abakare described the situation as a serious concern that needs to be addressed by the state government.

    He described sports as a unifying factor and also an effective stimulus for economic development in the country and across the globe.

    “I say this because of the good role sports play in the lives of our people and also globally.

    The guest lecturer appealed to the three tiers of government to collaborate with the private sector to improve sports facilities in the state and the country.

    He said that the measure would enable government to discover more good athletes for the state and the nation.

    Tony Nezianya, Public Relations Officer (PRO), Nigeria Olympic Committee, urged the state government to  construction standard stadium in each of the three Senatorial districts to drive sports development in the state.

    Also, Godwin Aghaulor, the Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) of Police, in charge of Zone 13, Ukpo, Anambra State, urged youths to get involved in sports to eliminate idleness and crime in the state.

    Earlier, Chimezie Anaso, Chairman, SWAN, Anambra chapter, said the yearly event was to take stock of sporting activities in the state, chart the way forward and recognise stakeholders who have contributed positively in the sector.

    The event featured awards to recognise individuals and groups who have been contributing to the development of sports in the state.