The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Anambra

  • Youths acquire skills in Anambra

    Youths acquire skills in Anambra

    That will they do after graduation? One option is to look for work. Another is to create it.

    The youths chose the latter.

    How?

    While still at Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, they undertook to acquire skills so that upon graduation, they may not have to search for jobs in order to live.

    The student union government led by its president, Comrade Nwaka Ezinne took the decision and immediately began to implement it.

    The students came up with the idea of making soap, beads and tie and die, among other skills.

    The idea was mooted by the SUG, Director of Socials, Comrade Ebeonwu Henry, which according to him was part of his election campaign promises.

    Apart from the free skill acquisition, the body also bought two brand new buses for the institution’s management.

    Nwaka told The Nation that the gesture was to help the school management to ease transportation challenges facing the students.

    She said, “We are not satisfied with the issue of transportation of students from the main campus in Oko to Ufuma community campus and extension site.”

    Furthermore, she said it was to complement the efforts of the management in providing adequate transportation to students.

    On the skill acquisition centre, Nwaka said it was equally part of his administration’s efforts in keying into the entrepreneurial scheme of the polytechnic.

    This, according to her was aimed at making students independent and self-reliant, adding that the programme would enable the participants learn new things.

    For Ebeonwu, it was necessary that the students were taught to be self-reliant to ensure they survive the hard times..

    The programme was declared open by the Rector of the institution, Prof. Godwin Onu, referred to by the students and management as Digital Rector.

    Onu, however thanked and commended the students union government’s leadership for keying into entrepreneurial scheme, adding that such gesture was a true test of leadership.

    He said, “What we are doing here today which is what the polytechnic suppose to do is to acquire skills so that at the end of your studies, you will be employers of labour”.

    “We shall commission our skill acquisition centre soon for such training, we want to thank the SUG for this and for supporting the management in ensuring that students acquire skills”

    “We shall continue to support you and I want to appeal to all of you to remain calm and law abiding” the Rector said.

    He aslo congratulated them for buying the buses, adding that the students were able to do it because of the financial discipline inculcated in them by the school.

    Onu told The Nation that the school would procure more buses in addition to the two presented by the students to augment those already in use.

    The student’s gesture and their ingenuity did not end there. They equally procured three waste bins for the institution to complement the management’s efforts in maintaining a clean environment.

    Members of the school management were amazed by the hard working students of the institution.   The waste bins were bought by the federation of Ezeagu Student Union Association of the institution led by Andy Uchenna.

    Uchenna told The Nation that the association appreciated the efforts of the school management so far, in making the polytechnic one of the best in the country in terms of cleanliness and aesthetic atmosphere.

    The Rector said, “You have from out of the little you were given, carved out money to buy these waste bins; I want to thank you for this gesture. God will reward you and keep you safe”.

  • Skills for 500 youths in Anambra

    Skills for 500 youths in Anambra

    Everyone is expectant. No fewer than 500 Anambra State youths are being groomed to become entrepreneurs soon.

    The youths selected from the 21 local government areas of the state are being trained in skills at the Technology Incubation Centre, Nnewi under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology.

    They were sponsored by the Governor Willie Obiano administration.

    The programme tagged State Youth Skill Acquisition and Empowerment Scheme was inaugurated by Governor Obiano at the  Centre in Nnewi North Local Government Area.

    This first batch of the youths would be trained in ICT, soap making, spare-parts fabrication and production of car wash liquids and detergents, among others.

    At the end of the incubation period which ranges from three weeks to six months or more depending on the skill acquired or trade, the trainees would be given certificates of Technology Entrepreneurship bearing the insignia of the Technology Incubation Centre and the National Board for Technology Incubation.

    Governor Obiano said the programme was in line with his earlier promise to establish three vocational centres, one in each senatorial district.

    He further explained that the second batch of trainees would also be selected from all the local government areas until the other two vocational centres come on stream, adding that, at the end of their training, the youth would be provided with some money to establish small-scale businesses in order to become self-reliant.

    He recalled that another batch of 500 youths was being trained at Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company on automobile manufacturing.

    Governor Obiano, who used the opportunity to inaugurate a 300 KVA transformer, restated the efforts of his administration to boost power supply in the area to drive the ongoing industrial revolution, in addition to mass infrastructural development, including the shopping mall project in Nnewi.

    Highlight of the flag-off was the pronouncement of a scholarship award to Master Onyebuchi Osuma Emejulu from Onitsha North, from primary to university levels, for singing the Anambra Anthem off by heart. He assured that his administration would continue to encourage youths to achieve their goals.

    The Deputy Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Prince Chukwudi Orizu, thanked the governor for empowering the youth and providing them the opportunity to develop their skills to attain full potential in life.

    He assured that the people of the area would give the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) total support in the coming elections.

    On his part, the Anambra State Commissioner for Science and Technology and Mineral Resources, Chief Obi Nwankwo said the flag-off was for initial 500 youth’s skill acquisition programme which he said was the first technology-based youth empowerment scheme in the history of Anambra State.

    Nwankwo expressed gratitude to Governor Obiano for supporting the initiative of the training and fulfilling his promises to the incubation centre when he visited it in October last year.

    He recalled that Obiano promised to uplift the centre by building an auditorium, incubation complex, landscaping of the premises, installation of 300KVA transformer and training of 500 unemployed youths.

    Nwankwo said:  “We are happy His Excellency has made some approvals towards realising these promises.  We have the assurances of His Excellency that more approvals are on the way. The beneficiaries will receive training on various skills such as automobile machine parts fabrication, fisheries, beverages, soap and cosmetics manufacturing and ICT, and so on.

    “We consider these skills as the key enablers towards actualising the four pillars of the Willie Obiano administration namely, Agriculture, Oil and Gas, Industrialisation, Trade and Commerce.

    “Through this scheme, we are getting the people of Anambra ready, and equipping them with the right skills that will be needed as we embrace the opportunities already emerging in Anambra State through increased foreign investments.”

    Some of the trainees, including Udeaja Ugochukwu from Nnewi North, Onyeagolu Osita from Awka North and Ugboesotu Ifeoma from Nnewi South praised the Anambra State Government for being youths-friendly. They assured that they would be diligent and committed to be able to master the skills.

    Contributing, the Manager, Technology Incubation Centre, Pastor Uche P. Chukwu expressed her gratitude to the governor for the ongoing developmental projects in the centre, which include landscaping, the installed transformer, renovation of existing buildings and approval for the construction of auditorium and incubating block complex, among others.

    Mrs. Chukwu assured that they would work to achieve the vision and expectations of the state government, urging the youth to take full advantage of the opportunity.

    She commended Governor Obiano for donating the 300KVA transformer, adding that the event marks yet another remarkable and glorious milestone in the history of the centre and Anambra State.

    “Today, we are witnessing many developmental projects going on in the centre courtesy of His Excellency, Governor Willie Obiano; the entire premises is being landscaped, the transformer installed and ready for inauguration, the existing buildings renovated and approval of the construction of auditorium/incubating block complex, and others. We remain grateful to Your Excellency.

    “Today will also be remarkable in the lives of 500 youths of Anambra State who are beneficiaries from His Excellency’s generosity in flagging off this skill acquisition/empowerment programme as one of the key players in the industrial revolution initiatives of this administration.

    “The centre has remained focused towards achieving its objectives and has also contributed greatly towards the economic and industrial development of Anambra State and its environs.

    “At this juncture, I wish to convey the deep appreciation of the Minister of Science and Technology and Director-General/CEO, National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) to your Excellency towards the actualisation of the objectives of the incubation programme.

    “Also I wish to extend the minister’s assurances and commitment towards achieving the objectives of the Youth Skill Acquisition and Empowerment Scheme in Anambra State which is in line with our mandate of nurturing and facilitating the growth of technology-based SMEs.

    “I therefore enjoin the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity offered to them by the governor to be self-reliant.

    “I thank the Commissioner for Science, Technology and Mineral Resources, Chief Obi Nwankwo who has worked tirelessly for the success of this event and ensuring a sustaining and effective collaboration between the Centre and Anambra State Government,” she said.

    Former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Chief Maja Umeh said he felt elated that the first set of 500 would-be entrepreneurs has just begun the race to self actualisation, describing the initiative as a bold one. He commended Governor Obiano for that bold step. He encouraged the learners to be serious to actualise their vision of enrolling in the first place.

     

  • N500m fake drugs destroyed in Anambra

    N500m fake drugs destroyed in Anambra

    Members of the Bridge Head Drug Dealers’ Association in Onitsha, Amanbra State have proved that they are not as bad as sometimes portrayed. They surprised Nigerians by joining the crusade to rid the society of fake and sub-standard drugs. This, they did by willingly surrendering some expired drugs in the market to the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC) for destruction.

    The traders were led by their chairman, Uche Eze, who told members of the public that they were no longer comfortable with the bad name which drug dealers in the state are associated with.

    Eze also said the number of deaths being recorded in the society as a result of expired, fake, counterfeit and adulterated drugs were alarming.

    NAFDAC, on that day, burnt products worth N484.2m at the dump site at Agu-Awka in Anambra State.

    Some of the products were expired drugs that were voluntarily submitted to NAFDAC by members of the Head Bridge Drug Dealers’ Association in Onitsha, while others were seized fake, counterfeit and adulterated drugs from importers and manufacturers.

    All the security outfits and their Para-military counterparts were represented during the exercise.

    They praised the Onitsha traders for their sincerity and NAFDAC for its commitment to the fight against fake, counterfeit and adulterated drugs in the society.

    Director-General of the Agency, Dr Paul Orhii, who supervised the destruction  at the dump site in Awka, warned those involved in fake and expired drugs to be careful as the long arm of the law awaits them.

    However, he praised Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano and all the security agencies and Para-military organisations in the country for giving NAFDAC adequate support and security in the fight against the monster.

    Few of the products destroyed by NAFDAC included fake and counterfeit anti- malarial, anti-hypertension, anti-biotic, anti-diabetics, analgesics, injectables of various kinds and multi-vitamin, among others.

    He said what NAFDAC was doing was to stop the re-introduction of fake, counterfeit drugs and expired foods in the country, adding that a similar thing was done in Enugu and Kano states about three month ago.

    He also said that NAFDAC had an outstanding six 40 feet containers of imported fake drugs and other products brought into the country by importers which are waiting to be destroyed.

    “We want to clean up the drug system in Nigeria. We have a huge burden in this country; the success recorded by NAFDAC was by everybody, including the security operatives and other sister organisations.

    “If not for the vigilance and timely interventions of NAFDAC, these products would have found their way into circulation and their use would have resulted in therapeutic failure, drug resistance, adverse drug reactions, kidney failure, liver failure and death.

    “I wish to re-iterate our stance on zero-tolerance on fake and counterfeit drugs and other NAFDAC-regulated products and also state that the agency will leave no stone unturned in eradicating these products from our society.

    “The fight against counterfeit drugs is a continuous one and we do not need to drop our guards. It is in this spirit that I am soliciting for the unrelenting support of the government of Anambra State, all stakeholders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Customs Service, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and other agencies and the media to sustain the tempo of the fight.

    “I also wish to advise genuine manufacturers, importers of NAFDAC-regulated products to continue doing the right thing. However, for unscrupulous Nigerians that are involved in counterfeiting and faking of NAFDAC-regulated products, I assure them the hand of the law will catch up with them soon.

    “Individuals with credible information of where violations involving NAFDAC- regulated products are being carried out should not hesitate to report to the NAFDAC state office or any NAFDAC formation around,” Orhii said.

  • Anambra women mobilise for Jonathan

    Anambra women mobilise for Jonathan

    Women leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State,

    led by Senator Joy Emodi, yesterday held a meeting in Awka to re-strategise on how to deliver President Goodluck Jonathan in next month’s election.

    Other prominent women at the meeting were first woman governor, Dame Virgy Etiaba, Mrs. Ifeoma Ekwueme, wife of ex-Vice President Alex Ekwueme.

    There is also former Commissioner for Women’s Affairs, Mrs. Jane Ekwochi and Nonye Nwangwu.

    The closed-door meeting, presided over by Senator Emodi, lasted for more than two hours at the Jonathan’s presidential campaign office in Awka.

    Briefing reporters, Senator Emodi said the women would move to the grassroots with newly-established committees by next week.

    She said following the postponement of the elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the women would campaign for Jonathan.

    According to her, “it is a meeting of state and local government PDP women leaders and opinion moulders in Anambra to re-strategise on the polls, especially the presidential election.

    “This is part of the national women campaign organisation for President  Jonathan.

    “Because of the change in the dates of the elections, we identified the challenges and came out with a panacea.”

    About 4,000 women attended the meeting. A similar one was held two weeks ago by the men, led by Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka.

  • Anambra, group sign MoU to build 20,000 shops

    The Anambra State Government and Bukham Group, a firm of real estate developers, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop 20,000 units of shops at the Anambra International Trade Centre, Oba, near Onitsha.

    Governor Willie Obiano and the Chairman of the group, Mr. Bukham Hassan, signed the agreement. Under the MoU, Bukham Group would build 20,000 shops, including 2, 000 warehouses and hotels. The group would also build a primary school, a cinema house, police post, health centre and a fire station in the project, which are expected to be completed in five years.

    Represented by Mr. Ifeatu Onejeme, the state Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Commerce, at the signing, Obiano said the government would build access roads to the centre from Onitsha-Owerri road and Oba. He noted that the centre would attract infrastructure, boost the economy and continue to generate employment for the community and its environs.

    “Trade and commerce development is one of the core pillars of our administration and what we have done today speaks volume of the strong desire to make the state a major commercial hub in Africa. Government has agreed to fence the market centre, connect it with electricity as well as ensure adequate security. With this agreement, the developer (Bukham Group) has assured that the market centre will be inaugurated in March with 1,700 shops placed on offer for the public,’’ Obiano said.

    The governor revealed that N3 billion had been set aside for infrastructure development at the centre.

    The chairman of the group said the phase 1 of the project was nearing completion and would be inaugurated in March this year. “The project will gulp about N100 billion and it has been bankrolled by Bukham Group and Enterprise Bank Plc. We already have up to 1,000 youths employed and working to construct the centre in order to meet deadline for the project. When the project is completed, no fewer than 100,000 people will be directly engaged and its multiplier effect will be felt by more than a million families,’’ Hassan said.

    The President-General of Amalgamated Market Traders Association of Anambra State (AMATAS), Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo, lauded the government for attracting the investment to the state. He, however, urged it and the developer to make the shop rents affordable for traders.

  • Anambra celebrates community peace

    Anambra celebrates community peace

    It was clear that the relief was felt even beyond the remote community. The Deputy Governor, Dr. Nkem Okeke was there on behalf of his boss, Chief Willie Obiano. So were various dignitaries including traditional rulers and community leaders.

    It was a special day for Nibo and its people in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State. For seven years the community boiled over, kinsmen rising against one another. For that long, the town had no traditional Prime Minister or Onowu, in local parlance.

    Even the traditional ruler, Eze Ugonwanne Ngene, who still managed to retain his throne, could not celebrate it. The Ofala, the grand feast marking such ceremonies, simply could not hold.

    Why? Nibo was in turbulence.

    Thankfully, all that is in the past now. A new Onowu, Prof. Simon Nnama, has been inaugurated. Peace has returned and everyone, including the Obiano administration, was happy.

    At inception, one of the first things the governor did was to mount a campaign for community peace and cohesion. It looks as if his efforts are paying off.

    The internal squabble halted any form of development in the area. This put off some indigenous people who wanted to help those in need especially the physically challenged and widows.

    In those horrible days, things stood still except the Eke Market  which was functional, while the presence of government was equally minimal.

    The Nation gathered that the conflict was essentially about leadership. Some aggrieved members of the community, it was said, were opposed to the monarch and made their opposition known. While that lasted, a few others helped themselves to community’s till.

    The conflict is over. The community is united under its king. The Ofala feast has returned and everyone made merry and did their best to forget the past.

    Ezike Nibo, as the monarch is addressed, also took time to recognise some sons of the land, while the community equally chose and installed its traditional prime minister.

    The wind of change has finally reconciled all and sundry with monarch and some of the community’s sons and daughters promising development.

    Special recognition was given to the community’s new traditional Prime Minister, Prof. Simon Nnama and Chief Kodilichukwu Okelekwe in an event that took place at Nibo Civic Centre and witnessed by the Aanmbra State Deputy Governor, Dr. Nkem Okeke.

    Traditional rulers from the 177 communities in Anambra state were led by the Igwe of Nnewi, Kenneth Orizu and Igwe Peter Anugwu of Mbaukwu.

    For members of the community, the honor given to one of their own Chief Kodilichukwu Okelekwe by their monarch was a well deserved one.

    He was given the traditional title of Ebubechukwu–Uzo (meaning the one who puts God first).

    The political scientist and business man has been a source of hope and motivation to the less privileged and the needy in the society not only in the community but beyond.

    Okelekwe before his education and rise to stardom was being ridiculed in the area in those days as epitome of poverty which he also attests to.

    The area was jam packed and the event wore a majestic look with decorations and different uniforms by groups that ran riot.

    The mention of Okelekwe’s name by the monarch elicited jubilation. Singers praised the man they described as the messiah of the poor.

    Mr. Chigozie Nwankwo, 67, said: “We are excited because this young man can starve his family to make sure that others do not suffer because he saw and experienced poverty.”

    The traditional ruler of Isuanaoma in Awka North Local Government Area, Igwe Uchenna Okpalaunegbu, who described himself as the recipient’s friend, told The Nation that the title on Okelekwe was a confirmation of his life

    “He is somebody that has touched lives, he believes strongly in living for others and this is the testimony”

    Dr. Harry Obi-Nwosu, a community leader in Umudioka, who came to witness the event, told the Nation that Okelekwe’s recognition by the community was well deserved as a man of integrity and honour.

    “I have known him as a gentleman that loves to help the poor; if not for the crisis in Nibo community, the people would have recognised him many years ago before other communities could do that.”

    Before now, in 2009, Okelekwe had been recognised as Ezechimelu (God’s anointed king) of Oko kingdom in Orumba North Council Area. In 2011, the monarch of Awka, Obi Gibson Nwosu gave him the title of Ochendo (the people’s shield).

    Chief Victor Umeh, who is the National Chairman of all Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), was equally among the recipients of traditional title from the sleepy community.

    The Deputy Governor, Dr. Okeke, who stood in for Governor Obiano, commended the people for the return of peace in the area and the orderly conduct of the event.

    However, he assured that the state government remained committed in ensuring the security and welfare of its citizens as evidenced in the crime-free Yuletide period.

    Ezike Nibo, Ugonwanne Ngene, before conferring the titles on the recipients, said they were chosen as special people to play special roles in the community because of what he described and their impeccable characters.

    Despite the crisis that nearly brought enmity to the people and their leaders, the monarch described Nibo as a blessed community where all the basic amenities of life were endowed in abundance.

    While he was called up to step forward for his title, tears rolled down his cheeks but he managed to acknowledge the huge chants of his name by the people.

    He told The Nation that he cried because of what the community had gone through in the past and when he remembered his past when poverty reigned supreme in his life.

    “And that is what motivated me to be doing whatever I am doing today in the society and I have been in this charity job for the past 20 years and if I have the means, I will do more”.

    “This is very emotional to me and I cherish it because I never lobbied or made any discreet moves to be recognised by my people, I was only communicated 72 hours to the event and one of the greatest things that can happen to any man is to be recognised by his people.”

    The President General of the town Union, Dr. Innocent Akuvue described the day as a turning point in the lives of the people of the community.

  • APC mandates Obi’s ex-aide to deliver Anambra

    APC mandates Obi’s ex-aide to deliver Anambra

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has appointed former Governor Peter Obi’s Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Chima Okafor, as the coordinator for Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign in Anambra State.

    He is mandated to ensure that the party is not defeated.

    The Nation learnt yesterday that former local government chairmen and ex-speaker of the House of Assembly are about dumping the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC.

    Okafor, The Nation gathered, would relocate to Anambra State today to carry out his task of selling APC and its standard-bearer to the people.

    The grassroots politician said he had been appointed Gen. Buhari’s campaign coordinator.

    He said: “Our mandate is to make sure that APC takes its pride of place in Anambra State during the elections.”

  • Anambra South: Uba brothers at war

    Anambra South: Uba brothers at war

    The Uba brothers – Andy and Chris – have resumed hostilities in Anambra South Senatorial District. The duo are fighting over the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket in the zone. NWANOSIKE ONU reports.

    The crisis trailing the Anambra South peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial primaries has not abated. Two brothers-Senator Andy Uba and Chief Chris Uba-are still in court over the outcome of the shadow poll.

    Although the party has affirmed that Chris is the candidate, supporters of Andy are  kicking against the verdict.

    Andy was until 2007 a presidential assistant. He contested for the governorship. He was declared as the winner in error. After a protracted legal battle, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, was declared winner by the Supreme Court. Obi had claimed that his tenure had not ended when the election took place. The Federal Government could not save Andy from the disaster. Andy barely spend 17 days in the office.

    At that time, Ugochukwu, Andy’s elder brother, was the  senator representing Anambra South. Chris was perceived as the godfather.

    The Uba dynasty was in total control. Efforts by other groups and individuals to pull the structure down failed. Many political office holders in the state were sponsored by Chris. Even, before Andy could become the governor, he sought approval from his younger brother. Unlike Andy and Ugochukwu, Chris is a street boy. He is at home with the grassroots. He is generous. Many people in the towns and villages have testified to his kindness.

    However, many were not happy that Chris, fondly called Eselu, has been calling the shots. Some money bags rose up to challenge his domineering influence. But, it was a futile.

    Chris has a predictable reputation in the PDP. He is perceived as a committed chieftain, who has not jumped ship, unlike his brother, Andy, who once defected to the Labour Party (PDP), following disagreement with some chieftains. He was instrumental to the emergence of Dr. Chris Ngige as the governor in 2003. In fact, he became the party leader when Ngige was in the saddle. Later, things fell apart between Chris Ngige and Chris Uba.

    When that centre could no longer hold, it was alleged that the Ubas went back to the drawing board to hatch a plot against Ngige. When the former governor was attacked on July 10, 2004, and when he was later abducted in November 4, many alleged that the Ubasa were behind the mayhem.

    The plot was mismanaged by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, the late Mr. Raphael Ige. It degenerated into arson. Public buildings were in flames. There was commotion. Later, peace returned to the state under Obi. The peaceful atmosphere is also being sustained by his successor, Chief Willy Obiano.

    However, Andy and Chris have not relented in their quest for power, despite the electoral tragedy that has hit the PDP in Anambra. Andy became a senator in 2011. He had planned to have a second term. Little did he know that the bid will be truncated by Chris, his blood brother.

    Chris’s supporters have alleged that Andy has not represented the district well. They claimed that their representative has been a “dumb” person in the Upper Chamber. They also said he has not done anything for the zone, since he was elected, almost four years ago.

    Thus, women, youths and other artisans were mobilised to protest against his re-nomination bid. As they chided Andy for poor performance, they were singing the praise of Chris, saying that he will be a better senator, if given the opportunity. The representatives of the protesters stormed Chris residence in Akwa, Enugu and Abuja to draft him to the race.

    Chris, the kingmaker, had to combine two roles of an aspirant and godfather. He has been spending his money on candidates since 1999. But, in 2015, he has to sponsor himself. Some people have raised eyebrows. But, past senators, House of Representatives membbers and state lawmakers who have benefitted from him, could not kick against his ambition.

    Following pleas by stakeholders, Chris threw his hat into the ring. He obtained the senatorial form and kicked off intense campaign in the district. The elite were against him. But, he forged ahead because he had the support of the down-trodden.

    Chris ran an effective campaign. On the campaign train were beneficiaries of his philanthropy across the local governments. He has money to spend. He has materials to distribute. He has a solid structure. He laso has the backing of the party.

    According to a PDP chieftain, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, Ochiagha Chris is a nice person. This is a man who fights for others without thinking of what he has to gain. He helps the poor and the needy and feels the pulse of the people.

    “But, his brother Andy is a dangerously quite person, who does not show sympathy and can not allow people to come close to him. He can not talk to you and you hardly know what is on his mind.

    “Since he went to the Senate, you hardly see or discuss with him. His aides and security personnel will not allow you to come close to him. They always shield and barricade him and he is always afraid of those who elected him.

    “For us to continue having such a man as our senator is like committing suicide and that is why the people have decided to beg his younger brother, Chris, who always remembers the people, to come out and he will enjoy our support.”

    The clash of ambition has divided the Uba family. It has also polarised the party. Andy and Chris attented two separate primaries. Thus, initially, there were two candidates for one slot. There was a primary  at  Doris Hotels, Awka. There was another primary at Udoka Housing Estate conducted by  Ejike Oguebego, amid tight security. The latter was monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials.

    INEC’s spokesperson, Mr. Frank Egbo, said the commission was impartial, adding that it was not interested in any of the camps. tored its primaries.

    He said: “Whether the party has 20 factions or not, it is not the concern of the INEC. What we did was to monitor the primaries conducted by Ejike Oguebego led-PDP in the state as required by the law.”

    Chris, according to the electoral agency, is the flag bearer. But, the ripples generated by the controversial primaries remain unsettled.

  • 3,000 kids celebrate in Anambra community

    3,000 kids celebrate in Anambra community

    Some lasting impressions may have been made on the mind of eight-year-old Jane Ikwoaku from Ochuche in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State. It was at a party hosted annually for children since the past 15 years.

    At the event, the children looked quite happy with their hosts, sharing food and drinks with Dr Pamela Dubem Obaze, wife of former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters in the administration of former governor, Peter Obi.

    At the party, held in their riverside Umuodu-Ochuche country home, no fewer than 3,000 children came and dined with the Obazes.

    Also, women who accompanied their children, and widows, went home with lots of gifts, including wrappers, bags of rice, among others.

    The party, introduced one and a half decades back by Obaze’s mother Mrs. Rose Mary Omuluzua who died some years back, started as a family thanksgiving for all the Lord did for them.

    Children ever since have been looking forward to it, for it offers them an opprotunity to meet their peers, share things in common and generally have a good time. The Obazes routinely oblige, sending them back home with joy in their hearts.

    The couple had been together after their marriage for years without an issue, but when God answered their prayers, they had a set of quadruplets on their hands two years ago.

    The children were all in a happy mood throughout the party which lasted for five hours singing, dancing and clapping.

    The Obazes’ bundle of joy who stayed with their fellow children were Ekenechukwu, Chinazaekpere, Chukwudalu and Chukwudumebi, three girls, one boy.

    One of the children who spoke with the Nation, feeling shy, also eight year old Chukwunonso Odika thanked God for the party, adding that they were given lots of gifts by the hosts.

    According to him, “I am happy to be here with my fellow children and I hope to come back here again; we thank our Mummy and Daddy and we are begging them to continue the party for us”

    The Nation further gathered that the party which initially was meant for the people of Ogbaru has extended to other local government areas like Anambra East, Anambra West, Onitsha North, Onitsha South and Ayamelum.

    The husband of the host, Chief Dubem Obaze popularly known and addressed by his people as (Ifeakachi) nothing pass God, told The Nation that it is an annual event and will continue like that so far there is life.

    With the caliber of persons especially, women that attended the event, and kinds of gifts that were shared, the Nation thought it was done under the auspices of a non-governmental organisation (NGO).

    Some of the items for the children included scrabbles, Y-pad cases, magnetic learning kit, pencils, pens, assorted bundles of exercise books and many more toys.

    However, the Chief host of the party, Dr. Mrs Pamela Obaze, told the Nation that some people see it differently, while some others see it as politically motivated.

    “If it is politically motivated, it will not be for the children who are between one and 13 years, who have no electoral value, it would have been for the adults”.

    “What I am doing is just a way of saying thank you to God for keeping us alive and lifting my family from sorrow to happiness, it was just not easy for my family”

    “So, this is giving back to the society, appreciating the work of God and I believe that God will continue to give us the strength and the means to continue such party for the children”

    “Yes, it is an annual event, but I believe that the memory of this will go a long way in their hearts and minds because they are the leaders of tomorrow” Mrs. Obaze said

    One of the women who helped in organizing the party for the children, Mrs Stella Otuku, told the Nation that so far there is life, there is hope, adding that it is good to show the children the right part to follow as tomorrow’s leaders.

    “The woman took over the event from the husband’s mother after her death and she has continued to make the children happy every festive period and what used to be Ogbaru party has gone beyond the area” Mrs Otuku said.

  • Anambra PDP sues Jega for contempt

    Anambra PDP sues Jega for contempt

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State has initiated contempt proceedings against the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, for allegedly flouting an order of a Federal High Court in Abuja on the outcome of the National Assembly primaries held in the state.

    Jega is accused, in a motion for committal filed by the party on December 31 last year, of disobeying a December 5 order of the court restraining INEC from accepting “any delegate list or nominated candidates” from the congresses or primaries conducted by the caretaker committee purportedly set up by the party’s national leadership to manage the affairs of the Anambra PDP.

    Justice Evoh Chukwu of the Federal High Court, Abuja had, in his December 5 judgment, in a suit by the Chairman and Legal Secretary of Anambra PDP – Ejike Oguebego and Chuks Okoye – (for themselves and the state’s Executive Committee of the party), affirmed the plaintiffs’ leadership of the party.

    Justice Chukwu declared the caretaker committee illegal on the grounds that it was wrongly constituted when the tenure of the Oguebego-led exco was yet to expire.

    He restrained INEC and its agents from accepting any delegates’ list or nominated candidates from primaries or congresses conducted by the illegal committee.

    The party, in its motion on notice by its lawyer, Taiwo Abe, seeks among others, “an order committing Prof. Jega, chairman, INEC, for contempt of court for disobeying and refusing to comply with the order of this court made on December 5 and served on him on December 8.”

    It also seeks an order directing INEC, “particularly its chairman, Jega – contemnor to comply forthwith with the orders of the court made on December 5.”

    The Anambra PDP led by Oguebego hinged its prayers on the grounds that INEC and its chairman were yet to obey the December 5 order and that their refusal to obey the order had affected the nominated candidates, who emerged from the National Assembly primaries it conducted.

    “Except the order sought for in this application is granted, the second defendant (INEC), particularly its chairman, Jega, will continue to disobey and refuse to comply with the orders except they are compelled to do so,” the applicants said.

    On Wednesday, the vacation judge at the Federal High Court, Abuja, Justice Ahmed Mohammed, ordered the service of the processes in relation to the committal proceedings and hearing notices on INEC and Jega.

    The judge adjourned further proceedings till January 7, but to be heard by Justice Chukwu.