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Tag: Anambra

  • DPR seals 4 filling stations in Anambra

    DPR seals 4 filling stations in Anambra

    The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), has sealed four filling stations in Anambra for suspected diversion and selling of petrol above N145 as approved by the Federal Government.

    Mr Callistus Obodoechina of the Retail Outlets and marketing Unit, DPR Enugu office, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Sunday.

    NAN reports that the affected stations are located in Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Awkuzu, and Nkpor.

    Obodoechina said three of the sealed filling stations refused to revert to the approved price when directed by the agency, while one was suspected to have diverted the product to another location.

    He said the field monitoring exercise was targeted at marketers, whose names were contained in the DPR manifest as having procured product.

    The DPR official regretted that in spite of the numerous warnings, enforcement and media campaigns against violating price and diversion of petroleum products, marketers were adamant to frustrate the system.

    Obodoechina said the DPR would continue its round the clock monitoring and enforcement to ensure that marketers played by the rules, while recalcitrant ones were disciplined.

    “DPR is not relenting on ensuring that normalcy is restored, we are monitoring price and we are monitoring supply.

    “We monitored sales where we forced them to sell at the government approved rate of N145, and three of them refused to revert, so we sealed them off.

    “One filling station was also sealed for suspected diversion, investigation would be conducted and if the operator is culpable, appropriate sanctions would be applied.

    “But more importantly, we would ensure that customers got products at the normal rate by making sure that a number of marketers sold the products at N145, the rule is that if a marketer cannot sell at the normal rate, he should better not buy,’’ he said.

    Meanwhile, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), said the action of the DPR though necessary, would not solve the problem of hike in the price of petrol.

    Chief Ikechukwu Nwankwo, the Chairman of IPMAN, Enugu Depot said there was the need to address the fundamental cause of the problem which was scarcity.

    Nwankwo warned his members not to engage in sharp practices, including hoarding of products, as anyone caught in the act would not be protected by the association.

    “There is scarcity of products, harassing marketers with the DPR cannot solve the problem, if there is product, all the NNPC mega filling stations and mini filling stations will have fuel and naturally the marketers will fall in line.

    “Our refineries should be made to work, if they are working optimally, we cannot be talking of importation and as far as we are relying on importation, we will continue to have this problem.

    “Whoever is diverting product is doing so at his own peril, it is between him and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR).

    “Any person that loads products should take it to the intended destinations, discharge it there and dispense it there,’’ he said. (NAN)

  • Anambra presents compendium

    Anambra presents compendium

    A new book, the Anambra State Compendium, a comprehensive and officially endorsed manual on everything Anambra, describes the state as, “a state with a rich culture, known for its great myths, giant strides and creative, hardworking and innovative people. Its history is as mythical as its great people, as there are diverse perspectives to the origin of the people.”

    This 800-page history photo book documents the rich history and colourful cultural heritage, religion and traditional institutions, its people, arts and lifestyle, and tells the story of Anambra the way no other book has attempted in the past. The beauty of the book is the depth of information, presented in a concise form, accompanied with different dimensions of beautiful photographic images that conjure life into the pages, taking the reader on a fun, but educative journey, across Anambra communities, in their glorious splendour.

    Divided into 12 sections which include “Our Enterprises”, that details the big businesses owned by Anambra people both in the state and outside, and celebrates “Our Beacon” and “Icons”, those personalities of Anambra origin, past and present, with outstanding achievements as pioneers or leaders in every field of endeavour, and has thus brought glory to Anambra and Nigeria in general. It also showcases the colourful festivals, masquerades and every details of every single community in the state, their food, uniqueness and traditional rulers.

    The compendium also records the iconic pioneer educational, religious and medical institutions in the state with vivid pictures that trigger memories of home and the nostalgic past, especially for those that passed through such institutions in their formative years as the famous Christ The King College (CKC) Onitsha. Those who have had a glimpse of the historic book already refer to it as “a true treasure” that every Anambra home, and institutions, both in the state or in the diaspora should have. Everything that should be known about Anambra is in this history photo book.

    Anambra State is predominantly a Christian state chiefly populated by the faithful of both Catholic and Anglican churches. This factor essentially plays a significant role in major social and political decisions in the state. Every Anambra indigene knows this, likewise political office seekers at different levels in the state.

    What many people in Anambra and environs do not know and probably take for granted is the true account of the origin of Christianity in the state. Just as many don’t also know the history, sights, colours and the intriguing tales – some very mythical – of Anambra communities, nestled both in the serene hinterlands, or the bustling metropolis. This enlightening and highly educative information is offered in this compendium, complete with enchanting photos and insightful prose.

    On the advent of Christianity in the state, the book authoritatively states that, “John Christopher, an Igbo son was instrumental to the introduction of Christianity in Anambra State and the Igbo land.” Born in Sierra Leone in 1815 to a father that hails from Isuama and mother from Arochukwu, the compendium discloses that Christopher was a contemporary of the renowned pioneer missionary, Samuel Ajayi Crowder.

    Ironically too, the book observes that in spite of the predominance of Christianity in Anambra State, the practice of traditional religious belief still exists in the state, remarkably among a minority population. It buttresses this assertion with amazing images.

    Some of the traditional shrines and deities, where such  worship takes place in the  state, according to the book’s account include, Habaa, the famous female deity, near Agulu Lake,  Ududonka, Agwuve Trinity tree, in Aguleri, Okija shrine, Ayaya shrine in Nando and the Okpo tree in Nteje, which is believed to have mystical powers. In fact, it was reported that several cameras and other electronic devices were mysteriously damaged as the compilers of this historic book attempted to capture the image of the iconic tree. It was not until certain rituals were performed by the custodians of the ancestral tree that photos were successfully taken.

    The book also recorded many similar mysteries hidden at several other Anambra communities. One of such is the amazing Omambala and Ezu rivers which meet at a confluence known as Agbonabo, where both rivers inexplicably ‘refused’ to mix. And this strangeness is highlighted by the obvious differences in colour of the waters of the respective rivers. These and many more unique tourism potentials in the state are detailed in this compendium.

    Obviously highly impressed by the quality of research and the resultant informative content of the book, former President Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, who wrote the foreword of the book, expressed his delight thus: “I took a look at the draft of this compendium. It is a very rich book and from it I have learnt a lot about the state and its people. The chapters on the communities, tourism and lifestyle and enterprises are particularly enthralling.” He said he would recommend it to all. IBB’s government created Anambra State on June 26, 1991, hence his decision to make a contribution to the book.

    Giving insight into the painstaking efforts it took to produce a reference book such as this, the Editor-in-Chief,  Emeka Okonkwo,  wrote on the preface,  “It took different teams and crew of investigative journalists and photographers more than a year to cover every nook and cranny of Anambra state, including all important historical, archeological, industrial, commercial and tourist sites and locations. There were many interviews and photo sessions. Professionals were deployed for frequent cross-checking of information to clear doubts and avoid factual errors.”

    Governor Of the state, Chief Willie Obiano, who will be presenting this book in the coming days as part of his  second term Inauguration, stated in the introduction of the book, which he wrote: “The Compendium is a detailed pictorial-based reference manual on the history, people and government of Anambra state, 25 five years  after its creation. We have tried to x-ray in pictures and prose the beautiful story of Anambra people

    “We sincerely hope that the information contained in the impressive compendium on Anambra state will help ginger future generations of citizens of the State to surpass the toils and great accomplishments of the outstanding beacons and icons of the state as well as its past and present leaders.”

     

  • Anambra partners association to enhance reading culture

    Anambra State is partnering Readers Association of Nigeria (RAN), a literacy enhancement project, to improve reading culture, Education Commissioner Prof. Kate Omenugha has said.

    She told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka that the partnership had led to a workshop to enhance educational development and boost reading culture.

    Omenugha said the workshop would help teachers to assess their pupils.

    She said with Anambra being a pacesetter in education, pupils should be able to read and do a self-assessment for improved performance.

    The commissioner said Governor Willie Obiano’s efforts in the sector had positioned the state on the path of academic excellence.

    She said a resource person, Prof. Rob Tierney, from the University of Sydney, Australia, was invited to speak to teachers on the need to embrace portfolio assessment.

    Omenugha said it would help teachers to assess pupils, who will assess themselves for enhanced development.

    She said teachers should play a vital role in making reading interesting to children, adding that this will enable them develop interest in academic activities.

    The commissioner urged teachers not to be harsh on pupils when they make mistakes, but correct them with love.

    She hailed the National President of RAN, Mrs. Irene Mbanefo, and her team for their good work to revive reading culture.

    Omenugha said the workshop would inculcate reading skills in teachers.

  • NAPTIP arrests 11 suspected child traffickers, recovers children

    NAPTIP arrests 11 suspected child traffickers, recovers children

    The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons ( NAPTIP ) on Wednesday said it arrested 11 persons over suspected child trafficking, abduction and sale of children in Anambra.

    Mr Josiah Emerole, the NAPTIP Head of Press and Public Relations, said this in a statement in Abuja.

    Emerole stated that the suspects were nabbed in different parts of Anambra in a combined operation carried out with the support of operatives of Directorate of the State Services (DSS).

    He noted that the suspects, comprising eight women and three men, were said to belong to a criminal syndicate which specialised in kidnapping and sale of babies across the country, notably the States of the South-East, Lagos and Abuja.

    The spokesperson disclosed that three children whose ages range from eight months to four years were recovered during the operation, while scores of other children believed to be trafficked by the gang were yet to be found.

    According to him, among the children is a two-year-old girl reportedly stolen from Lagos sometime ago and another four-year-old boy allegedly stolen from his parents in Gudaba in FCT.

    He added that the boy’s parents were yet to be traced to collect the child.

    “The parents of the eight months old child are yet to be traced, while the two years old child whose four year old brother is yet to be recovered has been identified by her parents.

    “The baby was stolen from Okpoko in Anambra and recovered in Lagos.”

    He said one of the arrested suspects, Rosemary Okafor (30 years old) allegedly sold one of her four children, a newborn baby, to one woman simply identified as Madam Pink at the cost of N350,000.

    Emerole noted that the suspect confessed to have sold the baby to be able to train the other three in school.

    He stated that the suspects were in custody of the Enugu Zonal Command of NAPTIP, while the rescued children and the remaining three children of Rosemary Okafor’s victims were presently receiving required services at the agency’s shelter.

    He, however, added that investigation was ongoing and the culprits would
    be prosecuted accordingly after investigation.

    NAN

  • Man kills children, self in Anambra

    A 47-year-old man,   Edwin Ojinnaka Nnodiogo, last saturday in Awada layout, Obosi, Idemili North Local Government of Anambra State killed his four children, sister and committed suicide.

    The incident occurred about 8:50pm.

    The Nation learnt that Edwin was from Isu Njaba in Imo State.

    His 32-year-wife, who is  in police protection, was not around when the incident happened.

    The victims are Ogechi Ukonu, 16; Mmesoma Nnodiogo, 10; Chimaobi Nnodiogo, 8; Chima Nnodiogo, 4 and Chidiogo Nnodiogo, 2.

    It was gathered that Edwin just returned from overseas.

    An eyewitness said Edwin, who had been manifesting signs of mental instability, allegedly stabbed his four children to death while the wife was not at home.

    “He was on top of the maid, who was screaming, and this drew the wife’s and neighbour’s attention,” he said.

    It was learnt that Edwin sent one of their maids to get drugs and water for him.

    Policemen have been deployed in the area.

    Spokesperson Nkeiruka Nwode, who confirmed the incident, described it as “calamitous.”

    She said the incident happened on the 4th floor of the five-storey building, adding that the place had been shut.

    The knife Edwin used on the victims and drugs were recovered.

    Nwode said the bodies had been taken to a morgue, adding that the command was awaiting autopsy.

    She said investigation was  on.

  • Zakat foundation reaches out in Anambra

    Zakat foundation reaches out in Anambra

    Jhaiz Zakat and Waqf Trust Fund (JZWTF), a Muslim foundation devoted to helping the needy, has provided job tools for 100 persons in Anambra State.

    The beneficiaries cut across the world’s two dominant religions, Christianity and Islam.

    The group’s Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Adamu Babangida Ibrahim said  JZWTF was established to alleviate the sufferings of the people.

    Among the beneficiaries were 87 persons for empowerment, 10 for support in educational needs and three for medical support.

    Some of the items given to the beneficiaries included, sewing machines, industrial machines, generating sets, deep freezers, plasma televisions among other things.

    Ibrahim further said JAIZ Bank which had been in existence in the northern part of the country would soon berth in Anambra State and Southeast.

    He said majority of the business men in the country who patronise the bank were from the south east region including clergymen from different denominations,  adding that it was not meant for only Muslims.

    The Executive Secretary and CEO of JAIZ ZAKAT,  Imam Abdullahi Shuaib, told reporters yesterday that the problem today in Nigeria was allowing discrimination to eat deep in the system.

    This according to him, had aided politicians in the land to be killing one another, adding that Christians and Muslims should love themselves as enshrined in the Holy Bible and Holy Koran

    Also, about three million naira was given to other persons as part of the poverty alleviation program of the foundation.

    Some of the beneficiaries could not hold back their emotions as they cried openly when their names were reeled out.

    The beneficiaries were from Nnewi, Onitsha, Awka, Ekwulobia, Okija among other communities in the state.

    Some of them like Raji Mariam, Hajia Milbert Okenwa, Mariam Yusuf, Ukamaka Agbataekwe, Victoria Okoye, commended the organizers for finding them worthy to benefit.

    They said they were not aware of being in the list of beneficiaries, adding that names were submitted by the Imams from different locations to the organisers.

     

  • ‘Anambra records 37 fire incidents in two months’

    ‘Anambra records 37 fire incidents in two months’

    Anambra Fire Service recorded no fewer than 37 fire incidents between Jan. and Feb. 20, according to its Acting Director, Mr. Martin Agbili.

    Agbili made this known on Tuesday in Onitsha that the fire incidents were mostly caused by bush burning , a development he said extended to nearby buildings.

    “In January alone, we recorded 22 and so far, we have recorded 15 this February.

    “The agency is doing its best to improve services, in spite of some daunting challenges facing the organisation, which the state government has promised to tackle,” he said.

    Agbili said the record also include the recent fire incident that occurred on Feb. 18 at the Old Motor part, Nkpor which ravaged many trucks and vehicle parts, parked at the garage.

    “Twenty five vehicles were burnt as against 40 reported earlier in the media. Mostly affected were fibre parts of trucks parked at the garage of the market.”

    He also disclosed that the organisation had commenced sensitisation in churches, schools and market places on adoption of best fire safety measures to reduce fire incidents in the state.

    “We are also planning a synergy with the state Material Testing Laboratory, Fiscal Planning Board and the Awka Capital Development Authority, to involve the state fire service before buildings are finally approved.

    “Most of the buildings in the state and even in the country lack fire safety designs.

    ‘’We hope to synergise with these government institutions to ensure proper safety measures before buildings are approved.”

    Meanwhile, the Chairman, Old Motors Spare Parts Dealers Association, Nkpor, Mr Victor Elobi, has appealed to the state government to assist the victims  of fire incidents financially and provide the market with fire-fighting equipment.

    “We appeal to the state government,last year, to assist the market with fire trucks since most of what we deal on are coated with fuel and diesel,’’ Elobi said.

    He, however, said that the association was waiting for the granting of its request.

    One of the victims, Mr. Christian Onu, who said he lost 14 fibre truck containers to the inferno also appealed to the state government and well-meaning individuals to assist him and others to recover from the loss.

    NAN

  • ‘Why Anambra hasn’t reconstituted customary courts’

    The Anambra State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has not reconstituted the Customary Courts due to non-passage of amendments to the Customary Courts Law by the House of Assembly.

    The amendments provide for the appointment of qualified lawyers as President and members of the Customary Courts.

    The JSC’s Executive Secretary, Mr Christian Nnabuihe, said in a statement that the commission’s attention was drawn to reports in which the House of Assembly Committee on Judiciary and Justice chairman Chugbo Enwezor called for the immediate reconstitution of the customary courts.

    “The delay in reconstituting the customary courts was as a result of the unanimous decision of the commission since April 20, 2016, to amend the Customary Courts Law to enable only qualified legal practitioners to serve as presidents and members of customary courts, in line with modern trend in customary law practice all over the country.

    “The draft bill for the proposed amendment to the law has since been pending before the state House of Assembly, and is still waiting for the attention of the House Committee on Judiciary and Justice.

    “What is expected is for the House to pass the law; to move the customary courts forward in Anambra State”, he said.

    The commission said it would not be tidy to reconstitute the membership of the courts without amending the enabling law.

    “The Commission wants Hon. Enwezor as chairman of the committee to ensure the quick passage of the proposed amendment before the panels will be reconstituted, or allow the existing  non-lawyers panels to continue,” the statement said.

    The JSC bemoaned the inability of the House Committee to secure adequate budgetary allocation to the commission.

    This, it said, has forced it to borrow money for its activities, following the allocation of N2.2million to the commission in the 2017 fiscal year.

     

  • Stakeholders adopt formula for political offices  

    Leaders in Anambra East have adopted a sharing formula for political offices.

    They took the decision at a meeting at the palace of Igwe Kelly N. Nkeli (Okalakwu), the traditional ruler of Igbariam.

    The meeting was convened to entrench understanding in Anambra East.

    Nkeli said the stakeholders considered it necessary to adopt the formula so that the people would have a sense of belonging.

    He said the formula was accepted by political leaders in communities within the local government.

    The monarch listed the sharing thus-  House of Assembly (Igbariam community), Local Government Chairman (Nando community), Deputy Local Government Chairman (Nsugbe  community),  Local Government Secretary (Umueri community) and Leader of Local Government Legislative Council (Umuoba Anam community).

    Deputy Leader of Local Government Legislative Council and supervisory councillors for works, health and agriculture were zoned to the five communities in Aguleri.

    Nkeli said the leaders would ensure the implementation of the formula.

  • Allegation of evading EFCC mischievous, says Oduah

    Allegation of evading EFCC mischievous, says Oduah

    The Senator representing Anambra North, Senator. Stella Oduah, today described as mischievous, a publication that she was evading invitations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    In a statement issued in Abuja, Oduah said that the report was the handiwork of political detractors whose aim was to pitch the anti-graft agency against her.

    Reports in some national dailies and online media had indicated that the Chairman Senate Committee on Cooperation and Integration was evading invitations to the commission to defend a N9.4 billion contract awarded during her time as Aviation Minister.

    However the senator claimed that the story was mere fabrications which did not emanate from the EFCC.

    She said that she had been in constant correspondence with the commission.

    Oduah said that she is willing to defend her stewardship during her time as minister, adding that she followed due processes in all her dealings while in charge of the ministry.

    “The season of politics is here again and some people must play the politics of pull down syndrome, this is what perhaps informed the fabrications in the story.

    “How else do you explain that a serving senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a law abiding citizen, a chief executive officer of multinational companies, would be evasive to honour an invitation if not a mere mischief, that is informed by dirty politics.

    “Even the publication did not say that I stole any government money or awarded contracts to myself,” she said.

    The senator said that she had carved a niche for herself in the business world, within and outside the shores of Nigeria even before she ventured into the murky waters of Nigerian politics in 2010.

    Read Also: Oduah asks FG to tackle ‘modern slavery’

    According to her, she is a citizen of Nigeria, who has no other home but Nigeria and would not be distracted by activities of her detractors.

    She stated further that this would not be the first time her detractors would want to use the media to tarnish her hard earned image.

    Oduah stressed that the sinister purpose of the news story is to pitch her against the Commission and the general public.

    She therefore urged her detractors to leave her alone and learn to play the politics of hard facts and issues.

    She stated that contracts awarded under her watch as a minister were done in her official capacity and they went through due process.

    The senator added that in her time as minister, she transformed the aviation sector and followed all established processes and procedures.