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Tag: Soludo

  • Soludo weeps as school reveals names of three pupils killed by lightning

    Soludo weeps as school reveals names of three pupils killed by lightning

    • Governor urges NDLEA, monarchs, others to eradicate mkpurumiri, kidnapping, cultism

    Tansi International College, Awka, Anambra State has revealed the names of its three pupils killed by lightning last weekend.

    They are Obi Chukwunwike (16) from Nteje, Oyi Local Government, Obeta Uchechukwu (16) from Nsukka, Enugu State and Usulor Chidubem (19) from Ezza, in Ebonyi State.

    Governor Chukwuma Soludo, who wept following the incident, advised pupils to seek shelter anytime it rained, to avoid recurrence of the sad incident.

    In a statement yesterday by his Press Secretary, Chris Aburime, in Awka, the governor extended condolences to the college, grieving pupils and the bereaved families.

    Soludo has urged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members posted to the state to shun cultism, drug addiction, substance abuse, cybercrime, kidnapping and other vices.

    He called on law enforcement agents, traditional and religious rulers and town unions to join forces in stamping out the vices.

    Declaring open the 2023 Batch ‘C’ Stream I Orientation Course yesterday at the NYSC permanent camp in Umuawulu/Mbaukwu, the governor said such vices, rather than promote individuals and societies, degraded them with devastating effects on those involved.

    Read Also: Soludo to NDLEA, monarchs: join forces to eradicate Mkpurumiri, kidnapping, cultism

    He revealed the launching of a coding skill training tagged: “Coach Anambra programme”, enjoining corps members not good at coding and IT skills to tap into the opportunities.

    “This is the state that is promoting that. Our Solution Innovation District is also piloting affairs of entrepreneurial skills for innovation and acquisition of digital skills.

    “It is clear that the youth form not less than 65 per cent of the world population. They are equally the vibrant, energetic, innovative and creative segment of the society. So, the society holds them in high esteem.

    “Therefore, my administration will leave no stone unturned to accommodate this important part of the population and make them not only useful to themselves, but also beneficial to the society,” Soludo said.

    NYSC state Coordinator, Mrs. Blessing Iruma, said 1,500 prospective corps members, comprising 714 men and 786 women were registered and had adjusted to the new environment, participating in camp activities.

  • Soludo weeps as school reveals names of three students killed by lightning

    Soludo weeps as school reveals names of three students killed by lightning

    Tansi International College in Awka, Anambra state, has revealed the names of the three of its students killed by lightning last weekend.

    The deceased students include Obi Chukwunwike (16) from Nteje, Oyi local government area, Obeta Uchechukwu (16) from Nsukka, Enugu state, and Usulor Chidubem (19) from Ezza, in Ebonyi state.

    However, Anambra state governor, Chukwuma Soludo, who is in pain following the incident, has cautioned the students to seek shelter anytime the weather changes to avoid a repeat of such occurrences in the future.

    In a statement Tuesday, November 7, by his press secretary, Chris Aburime in Awka, which was made available to reporters, extended his deepest condolences to the Tansi International College community, their grieving students, as well as the bereaved families.

    Read Also: Adelabu finally breaks silence on plane crash

    The lightning that unfolded on the school grounds in Anambra state, struck nine of the students, while three died, six others were revived.

    It would be recalled that Soludo also lost his 92-year-old father, Pa Soludo on Monday at Isuofia, Aguata local government area of the state.

    The governor, however, acknowledged the profound magnitude of the loss to the State and offered fervent prayers to the Almighty to grant both the school and the bereaved families the strength to endure the irreplaceable loss

    The release said: “To avert the possibility of such heartrending incidents in the future, Governor Soludo earnestly urges students to seek shelter indoors and abstain from outdoor activities once the rain begins to fall, as lightning can strike without warning.

    “May the departed souls rest in eternal peace, and may solace find its way to the hearts of the grieving families, the Tansi International College community, and the entirety of Anambra state.”

  • Soludo to NDLEA, monarchs: join forces to eradicate Mkpurumiri, kidnapping, cultism

    Soludo to NDLEA, monarchs: join forces to eradicate Mkpurumiri, kidnapping, cultism

    Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra state has charged corps members deployed to the state for their national service to shun cultism, drug addiction, substance abuse, cybercrime, kidnapping, and other negative tendencies.

    He called on law enforcement agents, traditional and religious rulers, and town unions, to join forces in stamping out the vices in the state.

    Declaring open the 2023 Batch ‘C’ Stream I Orientation Course on Tuesday, November 7, at the NYSC permanent camp in Umuawulu/Mbaukwu, Soludo decried that such vices, rather than promote individuals and societies, degrade them with devastating effects on those involved.

    He also revealed the launching of a coding skill training tagged “Coach Anambra programme” in two weeks’ time, urging corps members not good at coding and IT skills to tap into the opportunities.

    He said: “This is the state that is promoting that. Our Solution Innovation District is also piloting affairs of entrepreneurial skills for innovation and acquisitions for various digital skills.

    “It is crystal clear that the youth form not less than 65 percent of the world population. They are equally the vibrant, energetic, innovative, and creative segment of the society. So, society holds them in high esteem.

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    “Therefore, my administration will leave no stone unturned to accommodate this very important part of the population and make them not only useful to themselves but beneficial to the entire society.”

    Acknowledging the immense contributions of the scheme to the development of society, particularly in areas of education, health, agriculture, and rural infrastructure, the governor pledged continued support of the operators of the scheme in the state.

    He said: “May I equally add that my doors are open to the management of the scheme and therefore can access the government house at any time of the day.

    “I have confidence in your commitment to ensuring the value re-orientation and character mould of these patriots towards a transformation that will in turn impact greatly on national development.”

    Earlier, state coordinator, Mrs Blessing Iruma disclosed that a total of 1,500 prospective corps members, comprising 714 males and 786 females were registered and had quickly adjusted to the new environment and participating actively in camp activities.

    She said: “As you are aware, the national focus for the youth appears to be on the acquisition of skills, owing to the scarcity of white-collar jobs, so, the NYSC has risen to the occasion by the introduction of Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Programme.

    “It is, therefore, expected that every prospective corps member would acquire a skill during the nine days of SAED sensitization, lectures, and hands-on training.”

  • JUST IN: Soludo’s father dies at 92

    JUST IN: Soludo’s father dies at 92

    Anambra state governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has lost his 92-year-old father, Pa Simeon Nwankwo Soludo

    Recall that the late sage was kidnapped some year back at his Aguata country home and released after some days in the kidnapper’s den.

    Popularly known as (Ichie Akukananwa 1) in the Aguata area, the nonagenarian died in the early hours of Monday, November 6.

    The late Pa Soludo was survived by seven sons, eight daughters-in-law, twenty-two grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

    Read Also: Soludo to churches: make your school fees affordable for the poor, downtrodden

    According to the governor, his late father lived a fulfilled life and died at the ripe age of ninety-two years (92)

    Meanwhile, some members of the community had expressed shock at the death of the man, describing him as strong about three days ago.

    A lady, who gave her name as Prisca, told The Nation that he was loved by all because according to her,” he was a peacemaker”

    Though according to her, he was old, “But he was strong a few days ago and we were not expecting him to leave us at this moment. May his soul rest in peace.”

  • Soludo’s group expels governor’s aide, others over gross misconduct

    Soludo’s group expels governor’s aide, others over gross misconduct

    • ‘Purported expulsion malicious’

    A group, Soludo Support Group (SSG), has expelled its former national coordinator and convener, Chinedu Nwoye, who is also the chief of protocol and deputy chief of staff to Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

    The expulsion followed allegations of highhandedness, usurpation of power, financial impropriety, misrepresentation and refusal to apologise to the body for misleading statements against the group’s leadership.

    The group also abolished the position of convener and replaced it with founder.

    Read Also: Soludo’s group expels gov’s aide, others over gross misconduct

    Coordinator of Njikoka/Dunukofia/Aniocha Zone, Prof. Ike Morah, who moved the expulsion motion alongside seven others during a meeting, described Nwoye’s disposition as a huge embarrassment to the group.

    Idemili Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Okolo Ikechukwu, seconding the motion, said Nwoye tried to usurp the power of the national coordinator and Board of Trustees (BOT) by holding clandestine gatherings in an attempt to misinform and mislead the public.

    Reacting to his purported expulsion, Nwoye dismissed it as a fallacious, malicious and an obnoxious tendency orchestrated by a gang of disillusioned and frustrated individuals impersonating SSG members.

  • Soludo’s group expels gov’s aide, others over gross misconduct

    Soludo’s group expels gov’s aide, others over gross misconduct

    A group, Soludo Support Group (SSG), has expelled its former national coordinator and convener, Chinedu Nwoye, who doubles as Chief of Protocol and Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

    The expulsion followed allegations of highhandedness, usurpation of powers, financial impropriety, misrepresentation and refusal to apologise to the body for misleading statements against the group’s leadership.

    The group also abolished the position of convener and replaced it with founder.

    The coordinator of the Njikoka/Dunukofia/Aniocha zone, Prof. Ike Morah, who moved the expulsion motion alongside seven other persons during a meeting, described Nwoye’s disposition as a huge embarrassment to the group.

    Idemili zonal coordinator, Okolo Ikechukwu, while seconding the motion, said Nwoye tried to usurp the powers of the national coordinator and the BOT by holding clandestine gatherings in an attempt to misinform and mislead the public.

    Read Also: Soludo to churches: make your school fees affordable for the poor, downtrodden

    He said: “Nwoye’s expulsion, together with his co-travellers is the only way to rejig and restore sanity to SSG.”

    Other members of the group who spoke at the meeting insisted that Nwoye must be expelled and made to refund the entire money following his alleged refusal to account for funds paid through him in the course of the group’s efforts towards the 2021 governorship election.

    Following the adoption of the motion and unanimous position of members, the group’s national leadership through its National Coordinator, Chief Arinzechukwu Awogu, said Nwoye stood expelled as well as other affected members.

    Speaking after the meeting, the National Youth leader of SSG, Charles Ebulue chided Nwoye over his desperate attempt to resort to the use of police to stop the meeting from holding, wondering the reason behind police deployment in a brothers’ dispute.

    He appreciated the Police for their professional disposition, stressing that Nwoye’s desperation would escalate matters.

    Reacting to his alleged expulsion, Chinedu Nwoye dismissed it as a fallacious, malicious and obnoxious tendency orchestrated by a gang of disillusioned and frustrated individuals impersonating SSG members.

    He noted: “It is indeed laughable that certain unscrupulous individuals with no integrity whatsoever will concoct all manner of trash and feed the social media.

    “When you look at our bylaws, you would discover that the meeting was not properly convened and that shows that they have no locus standi to suspend or expel anyone. The expulsion doesn’t hold water.

    “The public has been urged to discountenance the so-called expulsion and those masquerading as leaders of the group remain expelled indefinitely.”

  • Soludo to churches: make your school fees affordable for the poor, downtrodden

    Soludo to churches: make your school fees affordable for the poor, downtrodden

    Anambra state governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has restated his commitment to enthroning a peaceful and progressive state.

    He said his agenda of a livable and prosperous Anambra state would be driven by compassion and transformation.

    Speaking at the Dr Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, during the annual prayer rally, Soludo pledged continued partnership with the church to sustain positive change and keep giving value to residents of the state.

    He, however, appealed to churches to support the efforts of the government, particularly in reducing fees in their schools so as to give every child equal opportunity.

    While emphasizing that Anambra remained a Christian state, the governor called for unity of Christendom in the State, adding that true ecumenism would foster peace and progress in the state.

    He said: “We must do the work of God here on earth because God won’t come down from heaven to do it. Government must live up to its responsibility, the church and larger society also have theirs.

    “The twin factors driving us are compassion and transformation. The day leaders lose the link of compassion for the weakest link in the chain, then the whole essence of governance is lost.

    “The road constructions, youths empowerment, free education, antenatal, employment of teachers and medical personnel, distribution of palm and coconut seedlings, they are all for the downtrodden.

    “That poor woman selling banner should not only breathe, let’s create the enabling environment for them to work. There must be a balance between physical projects the parishioners are taxed on and what they enjoy.”

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    Also speaking, the Archbishop, Province of Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Alexander Ibezim called on both federal and state governments to make necessary sacrifices for the betterment of the citizenry.

    He said: “We acknowledge the plights of our members, we’re not far from you. We want to appeal to our leaders to come closer to the common man. The greatest thing the government can do for us is to better the lives of families.”

    Earlier in his sermon, Bishop of Amichi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Ephraim Ikeakor said the prayer rally offered the congregation the opportunity to encounter the God of miracles who desired fruitfulness and multiplication for his children.

    Speaking on the theme, “You shall eat the labour of your hands,” from Psalm 128:2, Ikeakor emphasized the place of faith and knowledge of God as a prerequisite for his blessings.

    “Your blessings are dependent on your relationship with God. Every promise of God is anchored on his laws and principles. You can’t break God’s laws and expect his blessings.

    He said: “If we must reap the fruits of our hands, we must demonstrate undaunted faith and knowledge of God like Hannah did. We must also believe in our priests as God’s ordained regardless of their personalities.

    “Faithlessness in our altar, liturgy and clergy is a serious challenge in our time. When you look down on your priest, the source of your miracle is tampered with. But when you honour them, your matter will be resolved.”

  • ‘Soludo breaking poverty cycle through youths empowerment’

    ‘Soludo breaking poverty cycle through youths empowerment’

    Bigly Oil & Gas Services, one of the authorised revenue collectors and partners of Anambra Internal Revenue Services (AIRS), has praised Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo on his quest to break poverty cycle with the 1Youth 2Skills Initiative. 

    Soludo recently empowered 5,000 youths with N2billion and in the process, churned out 5,000 job creators in a massive human capital development drive. 

    Addressing reporters, Bigly Oil & Gas Services, through its spokesman, Dr. Harris Chuma-Odili, hailed Soludo for ensuring youths were not only being taught how to fish, but also given fishes. 

    He said: “It is certainly an unprecedented feat that over 5,000 Anambra youths, who were trained across life transforming skill sets, were equally empowered with N2billion as start-up grant with huge opportunity to access another N2billion loan from the Bank of Industry at single digit interest rate.

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    “At Bigly Oil & Gas, we are proud to identify with the ‘Solution Government’. With this initiative, Mr. Governor has not affected just 5,000 families when you analytically look at the ripple effect of this unprecedented empowerment. 

    “Governor Soludo, within a short period of time, has shown strong focus on addressing core issues of development. With this 1Youth 2Skills Initiative, the governor’s promise to create 1,000 youth millionaires annually is certainly realisable. 

    “Anambra is on the right track to become a major player in the MSMEs in Nigeria.

    “As one of the strong believers in the capacity of the Prof. Soludo-led administration, we enjoin Ndi Anambra to continue to support Governor Soludo and key into the policies being marshalled out to take the Light of the Nation to greater heights.”

  • Soludo’s drive excites experts

    Soludo’s drive excites experts

    An expert has hailed ‘One Youth, Two Skills’ entrepreneurship programme of Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

    Founder/Senior Consultant of Business Matters Incubators (BMI) Finishing School, Nnamdi Unachukwu, reiterated that entrepreneurship is the only way out of poverty and unemployment.     

    Unachukwu added: “BMI Finishing School identifies with Soludo. This speaks to the policy on primary school education to teach craft and trade. Unfortunately, this has been abandoned by many schools.

    Read Also: Why APC must produce Soludo’s successor, by Ubah

    “We also encourage state actors to emulate Soludo for nation-building. The governor has proved that entrepreneurship education is critical and acts as a catalyst for stirring entrepreneurial intention from a young age, helping youths create businesses around their areas of passion and talent.

    “Given the surge in population, with other harsh realities, we need to look inward by developing our entrepreneurial capacities.”

  • ‘Soludo’s N2b to 5000 youths will curb crime’  

    ‘Soludo’s N2b to 5000 youths will curb crime’  

    Acting National Youth Leader of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, has described distribution of N2billion grants to 5,000 graduates of the One Youth Two Skills initiative of Governor Chukwuma Soludo as a giant step towards fighting crime and insecurity in Anambra State.

    Soludo had during the graduation, certification and start-up grants ceremony at the weekend, presented sums of grants, ranging from N500,000 to N1,000,000 to the graduates trained across skills under the entrepreneurship and apprenticeship systems.

    Okpalaezeukwu in a statement yesterday, said engagement of the youth in gainful ventures had made them unavailable for crime and vices.

    He said: “Anambra State under Governor Soludo has again recorded a major milestone by this initiative. Recall that he had in his manifesto, promised to raise 1,000 youth millionaires annually. 

    “These graduates, with the grants given to them will go ahead to become wealth creators and employers of labour,

    which will in turn, translate many of them to millionaires, billionaires and even so much more.”

    “For me, the governor did not just teach these youths how to fish, he also gave them the nets, the hooks and other equipment to fish. They will have no reason whatsoever, to look in the direction of crime. 

    “This is what Ohaneze Ndigbo under the leadership of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu has been preaching and it is such a delight to see Governor Soludo thinking in this direction.

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    “This is consistent with the apex Igbo socio-cultural group’s vision to build the Igbo land of everybody’s dream.”

    While commending the form the program was designed to first empower the youths with skills before providing them with seed capital, the youth leader argued that the arrangement would ensure the grants were not wasted.

    He also applauded the mentorship and business development support which the government has negotiated with some partners, to enable the beneficiaries grow their businesses.

    “I wish to remind the beneficiaries that they have a huge responsibility to take up the challenge of building other youths who were not fortunate enough to benefit from the process.

    “With the grants they can become creators of wealth and labour, moving other unemployed youths out of the unemployment net.

    “The governor has set the ball rolling, it is now the duty of the beneficiaries to see to it that this initiative blossoms, by appropriately deploying the start-up capital to grow their businesses.

    “We are looking forward to a spike in the number of start-ups in the state, as well as Small and Medium Scale enterprises, who are the actual drivers of any economy.

    “The challenge is now theirs and we are hopeful that they will not betray the trust reposed in them by Mr Governor,” he added.