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Tag: Nkem Okeke

  • Student who invented bitter-leaf processor gets scholarship

    Anambra state government has promised to sponsor Dikanna Onuigbo, a secondary school student in the state who invented a machine that processes bitter leaves (onugbu) to study Mechanical Engineering in the university.

    The Deputy Governor, Dr. Nkem Okeke, who made the promise in Awka, on Friday, also assured him of government assistance in patenting his invention.

    He praised the 16-year old SS3 student for his resourcefulness, saying the feat was an indication that the State was blessed with rich talented people.

    Earlier, Onuigbo, a student of Community Secondary School, Okpuno, Awka South Council area of the state, said his dream was to patent the invention and secure funding for its commercialisation.

    Read Also: Footballer docked for stealing valuables from church

    He also said the machine would relieve people from the use of hand processing method they were traditionally used to over the years.

    Accompanied by his father, Peter Onuigbo, the Anambra-born student demonstrated his invention before the presence of the Commissioner for Agriculture, Afam Mbanefo and his Lands counterpart, Nnamdi Onukwuba, among others.

  • Obiano, sworn-in for second term in office

    Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra State and his Deputy, Dr Nkem Okeke were on Saturday sworn-in for second term in office with a pledge for more remarkable achievements.

    The News men reports that Obiano and Okeke accompanied by their wives were sworn-in by the Anambra State Chief Judge, Justice Peter Umeadi, at the Dr Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka.

    Addressing the people, Obiano said that the state was on another journey of remarkable achievements.

    The governor assured the people that his second tenure would witness improvement in the provision of infrastructure, entrepreneur and agriculture.

    “As we have commenced another journey of four years, we will install CCTV cameras to further improve security across the major cities.

    “We will dualize major roads in Nnewi and Onitsha and transform Awka to 21st century modern city,’’ he said.

    Read Also: Obiano’s second term inauguration tomorrow

    Obiano advised people of the state to stand together with his government to bend the tide of destiny of the state.

    The governor reviewed his achievements in the past four years in the areas of healthcare, infrastructure, education and security.

    He assured the people that the Airport City project he promised during his campaign would be achieved.

    The news news reports that the event was attended by the Governors of Delta, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, Ebonyi, Chief Dave Umahi, Abia, Okezie Ikpeazu, Enugu State, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Ayo Fayose of Ekiti state.

    Other personalities that attended the event include Obi of Onitsha, Prof. Nnaemeka Achebe, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi,  HRM Dubem Iweka, the traditional ruler of Obosi, members of the National Assembly from the zone and captains of industries and religious leaders.

    The event also witnessed cultural displays from different parts of the state.

    NAN

  • Governors urge FG to increase allocation to states

    Governors urge FG to increase allocation to states

    The South-East and South-South Governors’ Forum on Monday called on the Federal Government to increase allocation to the states from the Federation Account.

    The governors made the call in a communiqué at the end of the forum’s meeting in Uyo.

    In the communiqué signed by its Chairman, Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom, the forum expressed concern that in spite of increase in oil price and production level, revenue accruing to states had not reflected such realities.

    “The forum therefore urges the Federal Government to ensure improved revenue allocation to the states to reflect the current realities to enable the states meet the yearnings and expectations of their people.

    “The forum also proposed that the Federal Government should relinquish all federal roads to states, where such roads are located, facilitate legislation that would ease concession of the roads,” the communiqué said.

    The governors appealed to the Federal Government to intervene urgently to improve the current state of some critical infrastructure located in the South-South and South-East.

    According to the communiqué, the forum mentioned some of the infrastructural facilities to include airports in Calabar, Enugu, Imo and Port Harcourt as well as roads located in the zones.

    The forum expressed concern over alleged shoddy approach to infrastructural development by some intervention agencies of the Federal Government operating in the regions.

    It, therefore, appealed to the Federal Government to direct the agencies to liaise with state governments in the identification and execution of projects.

    It expressed belief that the approach would ensure that projects carried out by intervention agencies were in synergy with the developmental agenda of the states.

    The meeting was attended by Udom Emmanuel, Rochas Okorocha of Imo, Nyesom Wike of Rivers, Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu.

    Others were Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, Ivara Esu and Dr Nkem Okeke, both Deputy Governors of Cross River and Anambra.

    NAN

  • Anambra deputy governor hails voters for re-election

    Anambra deputy governor hails voters for re-election

    Anambra State Deputy-Gov. Nkem Okeke on Monday hailed the people of the state for huge support for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the Saturday’s governorship poll, which led to his re-election.

    Okeke made the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka.

    Okeke is Gov. Willie Obiano’s running mate.

    He said that the decision of the people to renew the mandate of the present administration showed that they had taken their destiny in their hands.

    Okeke added that the support was an expression of confidence in the Mr Willie Obiano-administration.

    He assured members of the electorate that APGA would adhere strictly to its manifesto.

    According to him, the administration will not relent in developing all sectors of the state’s economy to achieve a secure future.

    He told NAN that the administration would consolidate on the achievements it recorded in agriculture, education, commerce and industry and healthcare delivery, among others.

    Okeke said that APGA’s victory in the poll was a call for more work.

    “The administration would make the people proud; we will not fail Anambra people,” he said.

    NAN reports that Obiano secured 234,074 of the 457,311 valid votes to defeat Dr Tony Nwoye of the All Progressives Congress, who polled 98,752 and Mr Oseloka Obaze of the Peoples Democratic Party who polled 70,293 votes.

    Read Also: Obiano re-elected Anambra governor

     

  • FG to beef up security in worship centres – Ngige

    FG to beef up security in worship centres – Ngige

    The Federal Government says it will come up with security plans that will guarantee the safety of lives and property in worship centres across the country.

    Sen. Chris Ngige, Minister for Labour and Employment, said this in Amakwa, Ozubulu in Ekwusigo council when he led a delegation to commiserate with the people and government of Anambra on Saturday.

    The delegation was led to St. Philips Catholic Church by Dr Nkem Okeke, Deputy Governor of Anambra and Most Rev. Dr Hillary Okeke, the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese.

    Ngige said the Federal Government would cooperate with Anambra to ensure that the culprits were brought to book.

    The minister, who described the attack as heinous, wicked and sacrilegious, said the delegation would report back to the presidency.

    He said the Federal Government would also work out a security framework that would protect worshipers anywhere in the country.

    Ngige, who was briefed by the Bishop and Parish Priest of the church, Rev. Fr. Jude Onwuaso, said efforts would be made to forestall future recurrence.

    In his remarks, the deputy governor said the church was praying for the repentance of the perpetrators.

    He said government and the security agencies could go ahead with the hunt for the culprits, but as Christians, the diocese was praying that the masterminds should change their ways.

    He called for prayers and support for the victims either directly to the affected families or through the church through its Victims’ Support Fund.

    Other members of the delegation included the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Anthony Anwukah, the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama and the Minister of State for Environment, Mr Ibrahim Jubrin.

  • Anambra pilgrims’ board begins sale of forms

    Anambra pilgrims’ board begins sale of forms

    The Anambra State Christian Welfare Board has begun selling the forms for this year’s pilgrimage to Israel and some European cities.

    Its Chairman Dr Levi Monanu announced the sales yesterday in Uga, Aguata Local Government Area,

    at a farewell ceremony organised by Uga Corps of Salvation Army Church for Major Stephen Ezechukwu on his transfer to Kano State.

    He said the board was under the Office of Deputy Governor Nkem Okeke.

    Monanu said this year’s pilgrims would visit Israel, Rome and Greece.

    The chairman, who was also the preacher at the ceremony, said he had known Ezechukwu for several years in the service of God.

    He said: “I appointed him a chaplain of the board because of his spiritual life and he did not disappoint me all through.

    “Many clergymen in Anambra, who were posted to the North, resigned for the fear of uncertainty. But the Lord will go with you and make way for you where there seems to be no way.”

    Ezechukwu assured that he would not relent or fear serving the Lord wherever he finds himself.

  • ‘No order stopped Obiano’s swearing-in’

    ‘No order stopped Obiano’s swearing-in’

    •Smooth transition excites Ndigbo

    •Obiano retains Obaze as SSG

    Anambra State Chief Judge Justice Peter Umeadi has said there was no court order stopping him from swearing in Governor Willie Obiano and his deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke, as being alleged.

    A statement yesterday in Awka, signed by Chief Registrar Nkechinyelu Doris Ezeani said the court saw the relief by the plaintiff, but did not pronounce on it.

    He said the matter was adjourned till March 25.

    The statement reads: “Knowing the chief judge, he will not evade the service of any court process. He will allow access even where it is to be served on him.

    “Even where he is absent and the court process is received in his chambers, it will come to his notice and he will abide by the same.

    “The publication in Suit No FHC/ABJ/CS/118/2014 does not show that injunction was made against the chief judge and none was served.

    “The chief judge is a nominal party in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/118/2014, but even at that he has been given the power and rights pursuant to Section 185(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to swear in the governor–elect and deputy governor-elect.

    “The power and rights can only be abridged by clear and unequivocal orders of court.

    “The publications in the newspapers do not replace the pronouncement of the court.

    “The court saw their relief no. (d) from a mandatory injunction to stop the chief judge from swearing in the governor-elect and deputy governor-elect on March 17, but did not pronounce on it and instead adjourned the matter till March 25.

    “From the legal authorities listed in the publications, the plaintiff may still achieve the purport of his relief if he continues with his suit.”

    Many igbo at home and abroad continue to hail the swearing-in of Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano and his deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke.

    The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mrs. Chinwe Nwaebili, told The Nation yesterday in Awka the state experienced success with the Peter Obi administration.

    She said: “I give God the glory for answering our prayers. What happened in the last eight years has never occurred in the history of Anambra, as a sitting governor handed over in a colourful ceremony.”

    The governorship candidate of the Progressives Peoples Alliance (PPA), Mr. Godwin Ezeemo, congratulated the new governor.

    He said Anambra was blessed with human and material resources to take the state to an enviable level.

    “Anambra is the heartbeat of the Igbo by virtue of the personalities from the state. Nothing will be hard to achieve if resources are pulled together.

    “The governor should put behind what happened during the campaign and pick the eggheads, who will assist him in piloting the state’s affairs.

    “The time has come for us to join hands with our leader and develop our state.”

    The Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Ekiti State and President of the group in the Southwest, Chief Nathaniel Uzoma, said the peaceful inauguration was a sign of greater things to come.

    He noted Igbo had come of age and would take their political destiny in their hands by aligning with things to promote Igbo interest.

    National Youth leader of the group, Mr. Alex Ezeobi, urged unity among the Igbo to ensure development in the Southeast.

    He enjoined youths to be responsive and sensitive to issues affecting their race and be enlightened to present challenges.

    The Chief Whip, Mr. Ikechukwu Umeh, corroborated the Speaker and others, saying the lawmakers would ensure growth.

    Speaking on behalf of Anambra in the diaspora, the President of Anambra Indigenes in America (ASA-USA), Mr. Allison Anadi, said the ceremony showed that the state had developed.

    He said the group would support the government and promote growth.

    Anambra State Governor Willy Obiano yesterday retained Mr. Oseloka Obaze as secretary to the state government (SSG).

    He appointed Prof. Joseph Asike as the Chief of Staff and Mr. Willy Nwaokoye as principal secretary to the governor.

    The oaths of allegiance and oaths of office were administered by the Solicitor-General, Mrs. Emeke Ekwue.

    The appointments were announced after the first Executive Council meeting.

    Obiano said they were his first appointments, expressing confidence the appointees are capable hands, who did well and would carry out their duties efficiently.

    He added: “The task ahead is huge. We need the best hands and I believe they will deliver.”

    Obaze, on behalf of others, thanked the governor for the honour, saying they would meet his expectations by meeting the challenges of governance.

     

  • Reactions trail Obiano’s swearing-in

    Reactions trail Obiano’s swearing-in

    Reactions have trailed the swearing-in of Governor Willie Obiano and his deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke.

    The Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Mrs. Chinwe Nwaebili, told The Nation yesterday in Awka that the state experienced success during the Peter Obi administration.

    She said: “I give God the glory for answering our prayers. What happened in the last eight years has never occurred in the history of Anambra, as a sitting governor handed over in a colorful ceremony.”

    The governorship candidate of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), Mr. Godwin Ezeemo, congratulated the new governor.

    He said Anambra was blessed with human and material resources enough to take the state to an enviable level.

    “Anambra is the heartbeat of the Igbo by virtue of the personalities from the state. Nothing will be hard to achieve if all resources are pulled together with one might.

    “The governor should put behind what happened during the campaign and pick the eggheads, who will assist him in piloting the state’s affairs.

    “The time has come for us to join hands with our leader and develop our state.”

    The Chairman of Ohaneze Ndigbo in Ekiti State and the President of the group in the Southwest, Chief Nathaniel Uzoma, said the peaceful inauguration was a sign of greater things to come in Igbo land.

    He noted that Igbo had come of age and would take their political life in their hands by aligning with the things, which would promote Igbo interest.

    The National Youth Leader of the group,

    Mr. Alex Ezeobi, urged unity among the Igbo to ensure development in the Southeast.

    He enjoined youths to be responsive and sensitive to the issues affecting their race and to be politically-enlightened to face the present challenges.

    The Chief Whip, Anambra House of Assembly, Mr. Ikechukwu Umeh, corroborated the opinion of the Speaker and others.

    He said the lawmakers would leave no stone unturned in ensuring growth.

    Speaking on behalf of Anambra in the diaspora, the President of Anambra Indigenes in America (ASA-USA), Mr. Allison Anadi, said the ceremony showed that the state had developed.

    He said the group would support the government and promote growth.

  • Anambra agog as Obiano takes the rein

    Anambra agog as Obiano takes the rein

    It was the first time power would be transferred in such an orderly manner since the creation of the state.

    Anambra was agog yesterday as Wille Obiano took over as governor with the exit of Peter Obi.

    The crowd was heavy. It was unprecedented in Awka, the state capital.

    The ceremony lasted over four hours as people irrespective of party affiliation, united to say goodbye to Obi and welcome Obiano –the banker-turned politician.

    Anambra’s business moguls, Sir Emeka Offor, Prince Arthur Eze ans senators Joy Emodi, Onyeabor Obi, Emma Anosike and Margery Okadigbo were among the guests.

    Throughout the ceremony yesterday, Obi looked sober. But Obiano and his deputy Dr. Nkem Okeke were all smiles. They were attired in uniformed black suits and ties to match.

    Different cultural groups from across the 21 local government areas were on parade including the popular Kponkiti dance from Umunze in Orumba South Council Area and the Ohafia war dance from Abia State.

    Abia state Governor and chairman Southeast Governor’s Forum Chief Theodore Orji, his wife Odochi, wife of the Delta State Governor Mrs Roli Uduaghan, also attended.

    There were also All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) chiefs.

    Security agencies had a hectic time controlling the crowd.

    At exactly 1.55pm, Obiano’s Deputy Okeke was sworn in by Chief Judge. Justice Peter Umeadi . Governor Obiano took the oath at exactly 2.08pm.

    Nollywood actors and actress were not left out which saw Bob Manuel Udokwu performed as one of the compeers.

    President Goodluck Jonathan was represented by his Special Adviser on Inter Party affairs, Senator Ben Ndi Obi.

    He said very soon, Obi would join the federal executive council.

    Senator Obi said the hint was given penultimate week by Finance Minister Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala at the Women Development Centre in Awka.

    Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, in his prayers said Obi had served meritoriously and was leaving gloriously.

    He prayed for God’s guidance, wisdom and vision for the administration of Obiano.

    Obi in his farewell speech, said it was the first time such event was taking place in the state sine its creation.

    He said when he took over he drove and left the arena in his own vehicle adding that he had provided a brand new bullet proof vehicle for Obiano.

    “I have finished my work, the job is done; today you can look around and say that we have a state and Anambra is the most financially stable in Nigeria today and that is why we are the Light of the Nation”

    Obiano said his administration would launch Anambra into a new economic place through “the four pillars of development.”

    He said: “We shall engage in a serious production of cassava, maize and rice where we have the comparative advantage.

    ”In addition, we will re-train, re-equip and organise our farmers into cooperatives to enable them share resources and attract funding from donor agencies and financial institutions.

    “These efforts will lead to massive increase in food production in the medium to long term and the emergence of Agro-based industries in the area of storage, processing, manufacturing and packaging. That will create a lot of jobs for our people.”

    “We will provide the enablement for Oil & Gas companies to prospect for natural resources in our state and set up a refinery within one year of my administration.”

    “Commencement of a refinery will attract oil & gas ancillary companies to come to our state. This has a lot of job creation potentials for our people.

    “We shall provide an enabling environment for our traders to switch from importation to manufacturing the goods they currently import to Anambra.

    “This state hosts a large number of industrial clusters. My administration will strengthen this advantage with an appropriate policy framework that will boost our indigenous capacity in this sector.

    “This will have a direct impact on wealth creation in the state and bring down unemployment” Obiano said.

  • Ngige: how poll was rigged

    Ngige: how poll was rigged

    INEC to police: probe Anambra electoral officers

    Some lurid details of the fraud in last Saturday’s Anambra State governorship election were laid bare yesterday.

    One of the major actors in the election, which was widely condemned as “flawed” and “shameful”, described the election as a “disaster”.

    Dr. Chris Ngige, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, said: “We have on tape a policeman thumb printing for APGA and INEC officials running away with election materials.”

    Ngige was angry as he spoke at a press conference in Awka, the state capital. He said: “This INEC used students instead of members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to starve us of election materials. All the electoral officers were all compromised, like the one in Idemili North who deliberately acted on the orders of INEC and APGA.

    “Students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka here were used as poll clerks just to find fault in APC and to favour their lecturer, Dr. Nkem Okeke, who ran as deputy to the APGA candidate in the election.

    “Much more astonishing is that they wore NYSC uniforms because of the election and when they are taught how to perfect fraud, somebody will tell Nigerians that this country will be good. This is the disposition of the personnel that came to work in the election.”

    Ngige urged INEC chairman Jega to call for the list of the Adhoc staff who worked during the election. “I do not want anybody to favour me or my party APC. Apart from the people from Calabar, every other person that worked during the election had affiliation with APGA,” Ngige alleged.

    Ngige said APC members had computed that over 600,000 people were denied their voting rights, adding that the 210 units being allocated by INEC to them for the “so-called” supplementary election were not enough.

    He added that the 16 local government areas being claimed by INEC as places where elections were cancelled was not true. APC, he said, knows that election did not take place in 20 local government areas.

    Ngige said: “INEC on Sunday came up with what it called supplementary election. The votes allocated to APC during the so-called election on Sunday were fake because we did not participate.

    “Our stand is clear. The election was fraught with intimidation, with thuggery, with disenfranchisement of our voters and total partisanship by the electoral body.”

    He was disappointed in the system.

    Said Ngige: “If it were a bazaar, it would have been a different thing and APC would have prepared for it, but we were told by INEC and the President of this country, Goodluck Jonathan, that it would be free, fair and credible. But it was not the case.

    “Because they told us that they were ready for the election, that was why we conformed to it because we thought that those errors and mistakes had been corrected in the voter register, without knowing that it was a deceit.”

    In his view, “the election was a systematic way to deal with the opposition parties in this state, especially APC, and the same thing happened in 2011 during my senatorial election.”

    He blamed it all on Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Prof. Chukwuemeka Onukaogu, who accused of adopting “the same tricks he used in 2011 by adopting his APGA system to dislodge Ngige and APC.” “To my mind, the election was flawed ab-initio,” Ngige said.

    He added: “I am a statesman in this country. I have never gone to INEC to seek for favour. For Jega who everybody regards as a man of honour and integrity to sit back and allow his office to be messed up by those without honour, I’m really amased.

    “Jega is an activist like myself and I do not support injustice. I’m injured and pained that this kind of atrocity is happening in his time and I also have difficulty in absolving him. What has happened in Anambra State is a disaster.

    “I am sad for my country. I have lost hope in the entire process. People’s hopes are being dashed. I’m not desperate to become a governor. I have been there before now. The people of the state have lost hope in INEC,” Ngige said.