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Tag: Anambra

  • A lift for the needy in Anambra

    A lift for the needy in Anambra

    Indigent members of Awada community, a suburb of Onitsha in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, were in frenzy as succour came for them.

    Food and other items bought by the officials of Daniel Bob Global Foundation (DBGF) for the widows, widowers and less privileged were distributed to them.

    Entire streets of the community were blocked, making it difficult for human and vehicular movement.

    The event took place on the premises of Sedes Sapientiae Nursery and Primary School.

    At about 12pm on that sunny day, many of the residents had already settled in the venue with beautiful dresses that could pass for Christmas attire.

    Students and pupils from various secondary and primary schools in the community were all in attendance, neatly dressed in their uniforms.

    The international foundation came with various food items which included but not limited to several bags of rice, over 50 cartons of noodles, educational materials, dozens of exercise books, sports wear, as well as monetary packages which they donated to the indigent citizens of the area.

    According to them, those provisions were part of the organisation’s activities executed with targets at giving lifeline to indigent people.

    The benefitting schools were: Divine Foundation, Blessed Kids, Glasul Divine, Sure Foundation, Bright Future, Mother Care Kiddies Academy, Favoured Children British Academy, and Sedes Sapientiae Nursery/Primary Schools among others.

    The founder of the foundation, Chief Daniel Orji, said the organisation was borne out of his burning desire to extend the milk of human kindness to the poor.

    He stressed that the passion to liberate and contribute maximally to the development of the society especially the people whose hope of a better living had been smashed by hardship was his signature aim.

    Orji said, “The essence of my visit to Awada today is to assist the less-privileged people, widows, widowers and all people that fall within that category who are going through very difficult situations.

    “We also made handsome donations to the school children in this environment; providing them with some educational materials and sports wears.

    “Daniel Bob Global Foundation was initiated by me because since my life, I like assisting people. It serves as a platform to get closer to the needy and provide them help. Our main objective is to bring hope to the hopeless and empower humanity in order to achieve their fullest potentials through skill acquisition and career development,” he said.

    Mr. God’s-time Robinson, a member of the board of trustees of the foundation, told The Nation that the group won’t relent in assisting the needy as it was the source of its joy.

    “The idea behind the establishment of this foundation is to give succour to the needy; to make those who are going through one difficulty or the other to understand that there will always be a way out of every situation.

    Little Miss Emmaculate Attah, who spoke on behalf of other pupils, commended the team for their kind gesture.

    She said the educational materials donated to them would go a long way in assisting their academic pursuits.

    However, the Manager of Sedes Sapientiae Nursery and Primary School, Awada, Rev. Fr. Vincent Ezenwaka, who spoke on behalf of the community, thanked the foundation for such a gesture.

  • Anambra 2017: Godfathers, aspirants plot new schemes

    Anambra 2017: Godfathers, aspirants plot new schemes

    Following Independent National Electoral Commission’s recent announcement that Anambra State’s governorship election will hold on November 18, 2017, aspirants and super-rich politicians in the state have resurrected their political machineries for the grand contest. Associate Editor, Sam Egburonu, in this report, uncovers the big aspirants, the current moves by billionaire godfathers and the new alignments in the state

    The governorship election in Anambra State is still eight months away but the Independent National Electoral Commission’s recent announcement of the November 19 date has further raised the state’s political tempo.

    Following the inability of INEC to conclude the National Assembly Elections in the state last year, the political atmosphere has remained very high since then.

    The atmosphere became more tense towards the end of last year when the state governor, Willie Obiano, first made public his interest to contest for re-election on the ticket of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

    Since then, the state has made headlines as his critics increased their condemnation of his actions and utterances.

    While the governor’s supporters and aides dismissed their critics as sponsored agents, assigned to belittle Obiano’s “good works” ahead the 2017 Governorship Election in the state, opposition political parties said the criticisms are testimonies of the government’s poor outing in his first tenure.

    His opponents alleged that he has not given good account of the period he has occupied the Awka Government House and so should not be re-elected.

    But the governor and his supporters vowed that the allegations were unfounded, saying he has delivered incredible dividends of democracy to Ndi Anambra and that on the strength of his performance, he should be given a second tenure. This has, in a way, set the tone for the expected political battle for Awka Government House in November.

    Elder Udodirim Chukwubuikem, a grassroots political leader in Awka, told The Nation in a telephone interview that this year’s battle will be anchored not only on the argument over performance of Obiano’s government. “Although performance matters greatly, what may serve as the primary determinant in the coming governorship election in this state is the strength of the contesting political parties. We all know that Anambra, which started out as a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) state, has for long remained the seat of APGA but the question that needs to be resolved is whether APGA of today is still as strong and as united as it was before when it won elections in the state. With the death of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu and the exit of former Governor Peter Obi, added to Obi’s current membership of (PDP), have certainly removed so much steam from the party in the state.

    “Also, the emergence of All Progressive Congress (APC) as the ruling political party at the centre and the mass defection of Anambra top politicians and money bags to the party, confirm that APGA has more formidable opposition than it has ever had in the state. If you take all these into consideration, you will agree with me that Anambra State politics has changed tremendously. Today, almost all the political godfathers and moneybags, except Obi and a few others, are now in APC. This, to me, makes it difficult to say the ruling party, APGA, will easily win the governorship election. I think APC and PDP are really strong contenders.”

    Zoning factor

    Even before INEC’s announcement, zoning had emerged a major issue in the debate over the next occupant of Awka Government House.

    Unlike in many states where zoning has been widely accepted since 1999, Anambra State, according to insiders, had continuously pushed it to the background, a development that has allegedly made Anambra North unable to produce an elected governor since 1999. But our investigation shows that some powerful stakeholders are today agitating for its full implementation in the forthcoming elections.

    It would be recalled that in 2013, former Governor Peter Obi first made the move to give the North a chance when he tried to convince the leadership of his party then (APGA) to zone the governorship ticket to the North. He argued that it would be unfair for his successor to come either from his Anambra Central Senatorial Zone or Anambra South after he had governed for eight years, more so when two former governors before him, Chuwuemeka Ezeife and Chinwoke Mbadinuju, were from Anambra South.

    Insiders said that was how Willie Obiano emerged APGA candidate and Anambra State governor. Perhaps in line with that zoning formula, PDP had also given its ticket to Tony Nwoye from the North. But the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) had fielded Senator Chris Ngige from Anambra Central.

    As APC and PDP perfect their strategies to contest this November governorship election, we gathered that zoning will play a significant role in determining the party’s candidates. Already, Governor Obiano’s campaign managers are harping on the need to re-elect him so that his zone will complete its two-term tenure, a condition they described as equity and fair play.

    Aspirants file out:

    Considering the number and calibre of aspirants that have so far indicated interest in the governorship election, observers agree that it will be another Battle of the Titans. Perhaps because the incumbent governor, Willie Obiano, is poised to fly the ticket of his party, APGA, and because APC has emerged a very strong party even in the state, most of the major aspirants have chosen APC as their platform. By last month, over 15 aspirants have been confirmed as making concrete moves to contest for APC governorship ticket this year. The state party chairman, Mr. Emeka Ibe, told reporters that much. He mentioned political heavyweights like Senator Andy Uba, from Anambra South; the 2014 governorship candidate of the PDP, Dr. Tony Nwoye also from Anambra North; the 2010 PDP governorship candidate, Prof. Charles Soludo; former Senator Uche Ekwunife who served in the Senate on the ticket of the PDP and former PDP governorship aspirant, Dr. Obinna Uzor, as some of the aspirants that have shown interest to contest for the party’s ticket.

    Other important aspirants he confirmed their interests in his party include APC National Auditor,  Chief George Moghalu, Chief Ifeanyi Ubah, Chief Chike Obidigbo; Barth Nwibe; Engr. Obinna Onunkwo; Chief Ralph Okeke; Paul Chukwuma; Ifeanyi Ubah, and Prince Donatus Okonkwo.

    All Progressives Grand Alliance

    Governor Willie Obiano the National Leader of APGA has made it clear he is interested in contesting for re-election on the platform of the party. So, it would be safe to conclude that he would not have an opponent as the party’s primary is likely to be a concluded arrangement.

    Although his critics said he has not justified the trust implicit in his mandate, Obiano’s supporters said he has performed creditably well and is likely to be re-elected on that ground. Aside performance, the governor, who is from Anambra North, is favoured by the current debate for zoning.

    His major challenges however include his fallout with his political godfather, former Governor Peter Obi, who he allegedly pushed out of APGA and who is now the PDP kingpin in the state and the formidable squad now in APC, including money bags like Andy Uba, Ifeanyi Ubah and Charles Soludo.

    Observers said incumbency factor notwithstanding, Obiano will need to be very innovative to defeat such opposition.

    All Progressive Congress

    Although over 20 members that have indicated interest to contest for the ticket of APC, either formally or informally, our investigation shows that only about 10 of such aspirants linked with such aspiration have visible structures and supporters. They include Senator Andy Uba, Dr. Tony Nwoye, Prof. Charles Soludo; former Senator Uche Ekwunife, George Moghalu, Chief Ifeanyi Ubah, Barth Nwibe and the current Minister of Labour, Senator Chris Ngige, who has not openly indicated any interest but is believed by his ardent supporters to be a strong force if he chooses to contest.

    Ngige:

    Although Ngige’s tenure as Governor of Anambra State on the platform of PDP was cut short midway because of the controversies over his relationship with some powerful political godfathers who allegedly rigged the election to install him as governor, the Minister of Labour has remained very influential even though all his efforts since then to return as the executive governor of the state have failed to yield positive result.

    Sources close to him said Ngige wants to return to the Government House in Awka, except he is assured of retaining his present position at the federal cabinet.

    If he seeks APC ticket, one of the factors that may not favour his is the zoning factor.

    Ekwunife:

    This highly influential politician is believed to be interested in the governorship ticket of APC in Anambra State. A former Senator on the ticket of PDP, Uche Ekwunife is one of the most dogged female politicians in the country today. A former banker, insiders said her well-coordinated grassroots political machinery is set to commence campaigns soon.

    Ifeanyi Ubah:

    Ifeanyi Ubah is one of the most intriguing young politicians in the state. An oil merchant, when he first joined politics and showed interest to govern Anambra State on the ticket of relatively unpopular Labour Party in Anambra in 2013, not many took him seriously. But he made so much impact that he is now counted as a political lord in the state.

    Observers said if Ubah made impact in 2013 on the platform of LP, when he was a mere novice in the political theatre, he is likely to do better today if he succeeds to get APC ticket, given that APC has become even more popular and acceptable in the state.

    Another thing that may go for Ubah is his success story in the field of sports, especially the growing popularity of his FC Ifeanyi Ubah, among youths and football fans. It is believed this will help his campaign.

    George Moghalu:

    APC’s National Auditor, Chief George Moghalu, is another influential hopeful for the party’s governorship ticket. Like the others, he is also not a push over in the quest for the party’s governorship ticket in Anambra. Known to be very popular and influential in APC at the centre, Moghalu is also an experienced politician.

    Observers said it remains significant that he chose the first day of this election year to formally declare his interest to join the race.

    Nwibe

    Another serious aspirant for APC ticket is Bart Nwibe the pioneer Group Managing Director of Segofs Energy Group. Before Segofs, he was the lead Principal Directional Drilling Consultant to SPDC for Segofs Ltd.

    Described by his admirers as a rural developer, Nwibe is said to enjoy mass grassroots support.

    Uba and Nwoye

    Other powerful APC contenders include Tony Nwoye, who flew PDP flag in the last governorship election and Andy Uba, who has allegedly held the political scene of the state, especially that of his former party, the PDP, in his palms before his sudden defection to APC.

    These two aspirants have intimidating structure and support across the state.

    PDP

    Although PDP has lost many of its frontline governorship aspirants, who defected to APC, we gathered that part of the re-organisation of the party in the state is aimed at ensuring that quality aspirants are allowed to contest for the party’s ticket in a free primary. A source said former Governor Peter Obi is at the centre of fresh moves to reposition the party in the state with the view of presenting a widely accepted candidate in the November election.

    One of the top politicians, said to nurse the ambition of flying the party’s flag is the former Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka. It would be recalled that last month, when the defection bug hit the state chapter of PDP, the former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) had come hard on his former party men. He described the top politicians leaving the PDP “as saboteurs and political jobbers,’ adding that their departure will provide the true members of the PDP “the opportunity to restore the moral compass of the party and return it to the glorious vision of its founding fathers.”

    Speaking at his country home in Obosi, at a meeting of Obosi Ward Executives and selected stakeholders of PDP in Idemili North Local Government in Anambra State, he dismissed APGA as a franchise of his party, the PDP, adding that the PDP is set to take over from APGA.

    “It is the PDP that has been making it possible for APGA to win gubernatorial elections in Anambra State over the years, and now the franchise arrangement has been terminated because the former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, who is the franchisee, has returned to the PDP. The franchise arrangement is canceled and we are taking back our state,” he boasted.

    The scene is set and as the titans prepare for the real battle, observers are eager to see if any of the opponents will dethrone Obiano come November 18.

  • Anambra bubbles for South East Cricket tourney

    Anambra bubbles for South East Cricket tourney

     

     

     

     

     

     

    In continuation of efforts to popularize cricket in the South East zone of the country, the annual South East Cricket Championships batted off Tuesday at the St Paul’s University Cricket Oval, Awka as five states slug it out for honours at the five-day competition.

    According to the chairman, Anambra State Cricket Association, Chuma Anosike, the tournament is in its seventh edition as some players have come through the championship to represent the country at international tournaments.

    “One of the objectives of the championship is to churn out players for the country and also to increase the popularity of the sport in the region.

    Being the seventh edition, we have been able to ignite the interest of the participating states in the competition. Also we decided to rotate the hosting of the championship among the five states in the region.

    For this year, Anambra is hosting and being the host, we have given them two teams slot to make the teams six in number.

    We are happy that some players have played in the championship and they are now part of the national team.

    I could remember that one of them played in the second edition of the championship. This for us is one of our aims and we hope that more players will come through this competition so that more players can find their way into the national teams,” the Ex-international said.

    The six teams have been drawn into two groups with the two top teams progressing into the semifinal stage while the final holds on Sunday March 12. The participating states are host – Anambra, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi and Enugu.

  • Structures on reclaimed erosion sites will be demolished — Obiano

    Structures on reclaimed erosion sites will be demolished — Obiano

    Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra has warned that structures and any other developmental projects constructed on erosion sites being reclaimed would be demolished.

    Obiano gave the warning while addressing community leaders in Enugu-Ukwu, Njikoka Local Government during the presentation of cheques to erosion affected persons by the Nigerian Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) in the state.

    He was represented by Mr. Ifeanyi Ejikeme, the state Commissioner for Environment, Beautification and Ecology.

    He said that the directive for people to stay off recovered areas was to enable the sites heal completely to forestall a recurrence.

    The Commissioner, who is also the steering Committee Chairman of NEWMAP in Anambra, said that previous owners could no longer lay claim to such lands as it was now under the care of the state, Federal Government and World Bank for beautification purposes.

    He explained that the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) programme was designed to assist those who would lose their farmlands and economic trees in the course of civil works at the four new sites recently approved by the bank in the state.

    “The state government has fully paid the 2017 counterpart fund for the project as Anambra is the first to do so this year.

    “We have come to compensate those who will be affected when the civil works begin at the erosion site here in Enugu-Ukwu.

    “After the compensation, we do not expect anybody to go back to the reclaimed and bio-remediated sites.

    “It will now be under the care of sponsors of NEWMAP who could use such places for recreational or beautification purposes to enable the areas to heal.

    “We shall pull down structures in such place; we have a case in hand at Awka where we intervened but somebody has already built a structure there; we are still consulting and most likely such structure will be demolished.

    “Aside this compensation, we also have plans to train and issue grant to these people, so that they can get back to their normal lives,” he said.

    In her remark, Mrs. Ruth-Peter Mshelia from the Social and Livelihood Department of NEWMAP, Abuja, urged the people to change their attitude to the environment, noting that erosion was largely man-made.

    Mshelia called on the people of Enugu-Ukwu to take ownership of the project and ensure that it progressed seamlessly.

    Responding, the Deputy Prime Minister of Enugu-Ukwu, Chief Clem Nwafor said they were happy with the intervention, adding that the people had lived with the erosion menace for a long time.

    Nwafor thanked the World Bank and Anambra Government for considering the plight of the persons affected and paying them compensation to cushion their losses.

    He, however, urged NEWMAP to engage competent contractors who have the capacity and expertise to execute the project.

    “We are calling on them to engage professional contractors who will do a good job and not political contractors, so that our people will be better,’’ he said.

    The compensation was under the RAP of NEWMAP, which is the lead intervention agency in the state, jointly funded by the state government and World Bank.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that cheques amounting to N10.4 million were issued to 76 households in the two erosion-ravaged communities of Urunebo and Enuoji in Enugu-Ukwu.

    This brings to a total of N37.1 million disbursed to 255 households under the RAP programme since March 6 in three towns of the state.

    Earlier, 64 households in Umuoji in Idemili South received compensation amounting to N10. 4 million while 85 households in Ogidi, Idemili North, got N9.23 million for damages to their farmlands and economic trees during construction work at the erosion sites.

    One of the beneficiaries of the RAP compensation programme, Mr. Moses Okonkwo, requested that youths in the communities should be involved in the execution of the projects.

     

  • Anambra: NDLEA arrested 273 suspects in 2016

    Anambra: NDLEA arrested 273 suspects in 2016

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Anambra said it arrested 273 drug suspects including 13 females in 2016.

    The figure was 16 lower than the 289 suspects arrested in 2015 in the state.

    The NDLEA Commander, Mr Sule Momodu, made the disclosure to newsmen in Awka on Wednesday.

    Momodu said that it secured 49 conviction during the year under review as against 30 people convicted in 2015.

    He said that 85 people were rehabilitated in 2016 as against 55 in 2015.

    The commander said that the agency made 1,126.33kg drug seizure in 2016.

    The drugs were Cannabis Sativa, 1,099.95kg; Cocaine, 338.5gm; Heroine, 310.9gm; and Methamphetamine, 25.73kg.

    According to him, arrest and prosecution by the agency has immensely contributed to the improved security in the state.

    Momodu stressed the importance of a modern rehabilitation centre in the state, while commending Gov. Willie Obiano for giving approval for a land for the construction which had yet to commence.

    “We need a rehabilitation centre to cut off the increase of the drug users. Without rehabilitation, other people can lure them to go back into the business.

    “But with a rehabilitation centre the governor would have gone the full circle on drug remand reduction,’’ he said.

    Momodu said that the governor had also made valuable contributions to the command in the fight against illicit drug.

    He said that the state government procured two vehicles last year and gave approval for five motorcycles for the command in 2017.

     

  • Anambra documents its history

    Determined to preserve its rich history for posterity, the Anambra State government will in the coming days present a comprehensive photo-history book of the state showcasing its glory, writes WALE AJETUNMOBI

    The book is entitled “Anambra Light of the Nation: A Compendium”. It was sanctioned by the Anambra State government as part of its 25th Anniversary, which was marked in the last quarter of last year. It is designed to celebrate the state’s rich history, cultural heritage, enterprising spirit and exploits of it’s people, arts and craft, food and lifestyle, as well as its iconic personalities, past and present leaders and traditional institutions.

    Deputy Governor Nkem Okeke, who chairs the anniversary committee, said: “Twenty five years in the life of a people or state is a remarkable milestone. As a people, Ndi Anambra have overtime, proven to be special breeds who have excelled in whatever field they find themselves.

    “We are particularly known to be industrious, resilient, creative, courageous and hardworking. All these are evident in the ingenuity of our people and the outstanding successes they have recorded both at home and in the diaspora.

    “So, we thought that documenting these great exploits of our people and Anambra’s history in a book form, would invoke a sense of pride in Ndi Anambra for generations to come, because a people without history will most likely face a blurry future.

    “So, as part of our 25 years anniversary , we thought it wise to take a bold step in recording these success stories of our state, as an entity , as well as the glorious impacts of our people in shaping the history and socio-political economy of Nigeria.

    “We also intend to use the Compendium to showcase our rich cultural heritage, God-given natural endowments and unique tourism potentials, as you know, tourism everywhere in the world is a big revenue earner, therefore, highlighting our numerous tourism potentials

    in this manner would help in drawing the attention  of the world, especially, potential investors to this sector in our state. In essence, the Anambra state compendium will tell you all you need to know about Anambra and Ndi Anambra.”

    Speaking on the reasons behind the compendium, Chief Emeka Okonkwo, the Coordinator, Anambra@25, said: “Our dear state Anambra is the land of several firsts in different fields and its people have contributed in many ways in shaping the history of Nigeria, but one of the greatest problems we have is that the history of Anambra and the numerous great exploits of our people  are not well documented for people, especially the future generation, to appreciate.”

    Okonkwo stated, “Take for instance the great strides of pioneer transporters such as Ekenedilichukwu or the unequalled business acumen  of the late billionaire, Sir. Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu and several others whose lives were tales of integrity, hard work, enterprise  and unblemished characters that are worthy of emulation.”

    Throwing more light on the project, he  went further to state that the compendium would be  an “authentic referral material on Anambra that is devoid of partisan politics as it seeks to give a factual and accurate information of Anambra’s 179 communities, early civilisation, government structures, past and present leaders, traditional festivals and religions”. He added, saying, “the book would also highlight our beacons, who have placed Anambra on the global map as well as our icons that have made Anambra proud at the national stage.”

    A synopsis of a section of the book, ‘Our Enterprises’, made public by the publishers, read in part: “Anambra State is easily the state with the highest number of billionaires in Nigeria…this is not surprising considering the well-known commercial, industrial and enterprising nature of Ndi Anambra. And it is marketed by Great Source Investment, run by an indigene of Anambra state, who also played a key role in the anniversary events last year.

    “Right from the colonial era, Ndi Anambra have continued to excel in Industries, trade and commerce. The achievements and exploits of Ndi Anambra’s forebears such as Sir Louis Philip Odimegwu Ojukwu are legendary.”, the synopsis stated.  Profiles of notable industries and their promoters will form part of this business section, it also revealed.

    Dr. Njideka Duru, of the Centre For Preservation of Indigenous History, speaking  on why Anambra deserves a documented comprehensive history, stated: “among the Igbo there is a strong attachment to Anambra… In the build up to the Nigeria’s independence in 1960 for example, apart from a handful of individuals from other neighboring states, most of the personalities that called the shots from the eastern flank were from the present day Anambra. There were, for instance, the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dr. Akwaeke Nwafor Orizu, both at different times, President of the country and Senate President, respectively.

    “They also had younger contemporaries such as late M.C.K Ajuluchukwu, Mbazuilike Amaechi, Igwe Osita Agwuna and Dr.Okechukwu Ikejiani. These people at the time, helped to sustain the fire of Nigeria’s nationalism,” she noted.

    “Even after independence, when the ship of the Nigerian state left no room for the Igbo,” Dr. Duru, continued, “the task of charting the path for self-actualisation of the people through the instrumentality of the Peoples Republic of the Biafra, fell on General Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu, again from, Nnewi, Anambra state. Also at the height of the civil war, when the federal authorities were looking for an administrator for the East Central state, they settled for late Ukpabi Asika, from Onitsha, Anambra state, too.”

  • NGO fine-tunes anti-poverty plan in Anambra

    NGO fine-tunes anti-poverty plan in Anambra

    A non-governmental organisation (NGO) Network of Civil Societies Stakeholders for Development Programmes is concluding a strategy to tackle poverty in Anambra State communities.

    Already, the organisation has an arrangement with a skill centre at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) known as the Centre for Technical, Education Training and Research (CETVERTAR), led by Prof Emmanuel Osinem for training.

    The group, coordinated by former Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Anambra State, Dr. Chinwe Anowai, has marshaled out 17 sustainable growth programmes in the state.

    No fewer than 30 leaders of group gathered at Agu-Awka to brainstorm the way forward on the issue.

    Speaking with The Nation, Dr. Anowai, said the suffering and other challenges of the less-privileged and youths are becoming unbearable.

    She said they were taking the bull by the horn in order to alleviate such in communities in the state, adding that government will not do it alone.

    She said, “It behooves on us to take the lead in what we know how to do best, before inviting the government into it”

    “We have started discussing with CETVERTAR at Nsukka, led by Prof Emmanuel Osinem on how to teach the youth in many skills and the discussion has reached advanced stage,” Anowai said.

    Anowai said the centre would present the resource persons, while the NGOs would nominate the participants during the training exercise.

    Rev. Dr. Sabastine Alumona, one of the participants, said it was a way of helping the society through the NGO, through this coalition.

    The goals have been shared to the participants and members on how to develop them and to check their commitments.

    Another member of the group, Egbuna Chuka, told The Nation that the idea of zero hunger is to end hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.

    Also, Nwafor Gloria, another member of the group, said the programme will equally draw them closer to the people in rural areas.

  • Robbers kill policeman in Anambra

    Robbers kill policeman in Anambra

    A policeman was killed on Tuesday when a nine-man gang operating on motorcycles attacked some policemen at Nkpor market under the fly-over on the Onitsha/Enugu Expressway, Idemili North Local Government of Anambra State.

    The robbers made away with the dead policeman’s rifle.

    It was gathered yesterday that the robbers, who came on three motorcycles, stormed the police sand bag team stationed in the area and opened fire at them about 8.30pm.

    A source said another policeman, who was shot in the leg, took cover inside the gutter.

    Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ogidi Hassan Musa confirmed the incident.

  • FRSC confirms three dead in Anambra auto crash

    The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Anambra Command, said three persons died on Monday night in an accident involving a commercial bus and a Hilux truck in Awgbu, Orumba Local Government Area.

    The FRSC Sector Commander in the state, Mr. Sunday Ajayi, told newsmen that the incident was caused by speeding and wrong overtaking.

    Ajayi said the number of accidents and deaths on the road since the beginning of the year was disturbing.

    According to him, it is an indication that the drivers are not cautious of the enormity of the responsibilities on them.

    He said the accidents would have been drastically reduced during the period if people had embraced the Speed Limiting Device which the Federal Government introduced through the FRSC, and was already being enforced.

    “The unfortunate accident at Awgbu occurred between 7.30 p.m. and 8 p.m. and from the information we gathered, it was caused by speeding and wrong overtaking.

    “By our account, it was a multiple fatal accident involving a Toyota Hiace and Hilux truck; three people died on the spot, and those injured have been taken to hospital for treatment,” the sector commander said.

  • Anambra hails FADAMA

    The Anambra State government has hailed the World Bank-assisted FADAMA project, saying it will lift agriculture to higher heights.

    The state FADAMA III coordinating office organised a workshop for media practitioners to sensitise them on the importance of informing the public about the advantages of the project.

    The Anambra State Commissioner of Agriculture, Mechanisation, Processing and Export, Afam Mbanefo explained that FADAMA III which is a World Bank, federal government programme runs in partnership with the state government.

    He said the programme has executed numerous projects including construction of feeder roads, irrigation, training and empowerment of farmers to adapt to mechanised agriculture.

    Mbanefo, was represented by a permanent secretary in the ministry, Lady Ngozi Onu, who lamented that these projects were often underreported, while appealing for media support to make them known.

    This, according to her, would help the rural dwellers to invest at home, thereby reducing rural to urban migration.

    On his part, the Anambra State Fadama III Additional Financing (AF) Project Coordinator, Egbue Chukwuka Patrick, while presenting the project overview, successes and challenges, revealed that their targets have been eight local government areas.

    These council areas as he mentioned are Anambra East and West, Ayamelum, Ogbaru, Ihiala, Orumba North and South, and Awka North.

    Egbue said the World Bank had sent them appreciation letters for fulfilling their projects.

    The partnership with state government he said, had blossomed on rice, cassava and tomatoes productions, improvement of farmers’ livelihood and incomes, provision of irrigation, training and empowerment of farmers on agronomical practices.

    He said that these FADAMA III focus had metamorphosed to improved food security, food sufficiency and exportation, which were in tandem to Governor Willie Obiano’s four pillars of economic development.

    “We have over 78 youths and numerous organizations registered. We have trained people on business plan, capacity building and technology transfer”

    “This brings out streamlined sales in food produce like Anambra rice. We are also constructing 13 feeder roads across 4 local government areas at cost of N351, 968, 329.80”

    “We are working on irrigation at the cost of N97, 553, 835.18. In the year that ended, we hired agricultural equipment at N10, 431, 950.00.  This year, the state government FADAMA III estimate is N56, 355, 296.00” he said.