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Tag: Soludo

  • Soludo’s aide apologises to GUO over brutalisation of driver

    Soludo’s aide apologises to GUO over brutalisation of driver

    • Company threatens legal action              

    The Managing Director of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Mr Osita Onuko, has apologised to the management of GUO Transport Company and its driver who was brutalised by security personnel on his instruction.

    Onuko who made the public apology in a statement yesterday said he took full responsibility for the action of the security men on Friday even when he had left the UNIZIK Junction scene of the brutality.

    The GUO Transport Company driver who came in from Lagos was brutalised by a combined team of Police, NSCDC and Anambra Vigilance Group operatives following a traffic incident with the ACTDA boss on the Ukpo axis of Enugu- Onitsha expressway.

    Onuko said he was traveling towards Awka with two NSCDC personnel in his vehicle when the driver tried to overtake dangerously and swiftly veered into his lane thereby endangering his life and those of others.

    Read Also: INEC to parties: Stop malicious rumour mongering

    He said efforts to stop the GUO driver who continued his journey without any sense of apology was futile as he refused to pullover even at Police checkpoints.

    “Given that the expressway is a two-way drive, he could not meet up with his moves to overtake me and other vehicles in the line, because two heavy-duty trucks were approaching; he suddenly veered into my lane, it would have been a serious disaster.

    “He eventually stopped at UNIZIK junction and the two NSCDC who were in their unifors approached and asked him to alight but he locked up himself and his passengers in the bus.

    “At this point, the atmosphere was very heated, I had to call the police and community-based vigilante within the environment.

    “I told them to take him to the Police station for a proper check and drove off from the scene. A few minutes later while in my office, the driver called me to apologise,” he said.

  • Soludo celebrates secondary school teacher

    Soludo celebrates secondary school teacher

    Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has celebrated his Class 5 teacher, Chief T.N. Ezenwaka, who just clocked 90 years.

    He described the nonagenarian, who was his “Government teacher” back in Class 5 at Uga Boys Secondary School as an excellent and impactful teacher, who had left lasting impression on him and many other students.

    Speaking during a mass celebrated in his honour by the Bishop of Ekwul, Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpalaeke, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Uga, Aguata Council Area, Soludo eulogised Pa Ezenwaka’s teaching skills, selflessness and commitment to the education of students.

    He said: “T.N, as you are fondly called, we have come to celebrate you at a ripe age of 90. You have trained lots of people, including myself and Cardinal Okpaleke. Your former students are making waves all over the world.

    Read Also:Soludo’s wife launches pad banks in schools

     “You’re indeed an outstanding teacher, who dedicated his life to educating the younger generations. Your selflessness and commitment to the education of students have earned you admiration and respect among your students.”

    Ezenwaka’s 90th birthday was a moment of celebration and reflection as his former students, including Cardinal Okpalaeke, showed up in large numbers to honour him and mark his legacy as an outstanding teacher.

     Students from various schools in Uga also conveyed their appreciation to Governor Soludo for his unwavering support for education.

    They expressed gratitude for his efforts in improving teaching and learning and providing opportunities for their academic growth and honoured him as “Ochendo Awka”.

  • Soludo’s wife launches pad banks in schools

    Soludo’s wife launches pad banks in schools

    Wife of Anambra State Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, yesterday unveiled menstrual pad banks in 400 secondary schools, to enable girls have access to pads when they suddenly experience monthly flow.

    She launched the pad banks in Awka to mark the International Day of the Girl-Child observed every October 11, to address the challenges girls face, promote girls’ empowerment and fulfilment of their human rights.

    The theme of this year’s event is: ‘Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being’.

    She said: “One of the significant goals of our crusade in Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative is to teach our girls the rules of hygiene, nutrition and self-development.

    “In the area of hygiene, we are also looking at menstrual hygiene and the overall health education of women and girls, especially those in the low income class.

    “We have concluded arrangements to provide sanitary pad banks in over 400 secondary schools across Anambra State where healthy living clubs are domiciled.

    “Accessibility to sanitary pads remains a major concern in rural homes. It gets even worse when menstrual emergencies break out in schools. Therefore, we want to intervene where it matters the most.”

    Soludo said over 1,000 sanitary pad packs would be distributed to schools to kick off the campaign, while subsequent distributions would be done at the beginning of each academic term to last throughout a particular academic calendar.

    Read Also: Guber poll: APGA ready to reclaim Imo, says Soludo

    She said the gesture would help to restore the girl-child’s confidence, beat down stigmas arising from menstrual emergencies and help them manage their menstrual cycle with dignity.

    Anambra State HIV/AIDS Coordinator, Dr Tonia Mbagwu, said there was the need to recognise the potential of the adolescent girl by advocating for increased opportunities for them.

    The governor’s daughter, Miss Adaora Soludo, urged girls to pick up life skills early in life to become problem solvers and self-reliant.

    “Learn communication skills, problem solving skills, critical thinking, be confident and creative to adapt and survive life challenges,” she said.

    An ICT expert, Ms Chinwe Okolie, urged the girls to take advantage of the state government’s Solution Innovation District to become empowered with information and communication technology skills.

    “The world today is about technology and our girls need to learn digital skills to become tech-gurus, impact their future and earn a living.

    “I advise our girls to empower themselves with digital skills such as the use of devices like a computer, tablet or mobile phone for task. An empowered girl is intelligent, a goal-getter and an achiever,” she said.

  • APGA poised to reclaim Imo, says Soludo

    APGA poised to reclaim Imo, says Soludo

    Ahead   the November 11 Imo governorship election, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, (APGA) National Leader and Governor of Anambra State, Prof Charles Soludo has assured supporters that the party is certain to emerge victorious.

    Soludo made the remark while receiving Sir Tony Ejiogu, the APGA governorship candidate in Imo State, at the Anambra State Government House in Awka.

    “You’ll agree with me that Imo State has been a stronghold of APGA. Most of our founding fathers are also from the state. Imo is APGA, and APGA is Imo. We have been through trials and tribulations in the past, yet we remained strong as a party. It’s time to reclaim Imo through our persistence and consistency,” Soludo stated.

    Read Also:Guber poll: APGA ready to reclaim Imo, says Soludo

    He added: “APGA is the first party to be registered with the word “progressives” in its name. In APGA, we believe in true federalism with a mandate, core value, framework and structure to move the nation forward.”

    He expressed optimism in the victory of APGA in Imo State while noting that the herculean task of defeating an incumbent is achievable as evidenced by the massive support the party has enjoyed in the past in Imo where it won elections.

    According to him, APGA has shown and demonstrated its commitment to the development and progress of Imo State through a credible candidate, Sir Tony Ejiogu and urged the electorate to come out en masse and support the party.

  • Soludo rehabilitates 300 touts

    Soludo rehabilitates 300 touts

    • Says tax collectors caught with cigarettes, alcohol risks sack, prosecution

    No fewer than 300 touts popularly known as agbero have been rehabilitated and reintegrated into the haulage tax drive for improved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the Anambra State government.

     Project Manager, Bigly Oil and Gas Services, Chukwuma Nwabuikwu who disclosed this Saturday at a press conference, said the firm in partnership with Anambra State Internal Revenue Services (AiRS) would collect tax on behalf of the government.

    Read Also: ‘You have made Igbos proud by honouring late Chinua Achebe,’ Ohaneze tells Soludo

     He said the touts known for nuisance in the streets of the state have been taken off the roads, trained, transformed, and utilized to work for the government in the business of revenue collection.

  • Ohaneze to Soludo: You’ve made Igbos proud by honouring Achebe

    Ohaneze to Soludo: You’ve made Igbos proud by honouring Achebe

    The governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo has received accolades from the Igbo apex socio-cultural organization, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide.

    The Vice President of the group, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, commended Soludo for renaming the Anambra International Cargo and Passenger Airport, Umueri, after the late literary icon, Prof. Chinua Achebe.

    Okeke-Ogene said in a press statement in Awka on Saturday, that the gesture was an honour to Ndigbo, Africa, and the entire black race.

    He called on other Southeast governors to build monuments to immortalise the late literary icon who spent his entire life projecting Igbo social and cultural identity across the globe.

    Okeke-Ogene noted that through his creative works, the late Achebe sustained the fight and outcry against “marginalisation, injustice, and suppression of Ndigbo.”

    He stated further that the late icon also stood for Africa and the black race in general as well as made huge sacrifices to give Igbo people a strong voice and recognition across the globe.

    Okeke-Ogene also recalled that in his humility, Achebe died in active service as the President General of Ogidi Town Union, in Idemili North Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra.

    Read Also: ‘You have made Igbos proud by honouring late Chinua Achebe,’ Ohaneze tells Soludo

    According to him, Achebe’s literary achievements celebrated Igbo’s rich cultural heritage and tradition that will continue to inspire present and future generations as well as help preserve Igbo cultural identity.

    He noted that the honour would equally remain a source of inspiration to young writers who will now be encouraged to explore opportunities in the creative world to attain their full potential.

    The Ohaneze VP said the recognition has positive implications on young writers knowing fully well that history and posterity will remember, recognise and honour them in the future.

    Okeke-Ogene expressed satisfaction that Soludo has sustained efforts toward human capital development and projects that impact directly the lives of the people.

    He noted that his free education scheme would provide every child easy access to quality education to build a strong and quality human capital development as was obtained during the early years of Achebe.

    “The free education of the Anambra government is commendable because it will motivate upcoming generations to discover themselves and aspire to emulate successful scholar personalities in the state and beyond.

  • Soludo, others lead tributes at Women Affairs Minister’s mother’s funeral

    Soludo, others lead tributes at Women Affairs Minister’s mother’s funeral

    President Bola Tinubu, his wife Oluremi, and Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, joined other Nigerians to bid farewell to the mother of Minister of Women’s Affairs, Uju Ohanenye in Anambra Friday.

    The 87- year- old, late Chief Mrs Winnie Uzoh-Ebeze (new Igweze) was buried Friday in her hometown of Umanaga, a village in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State

     Other dignitaries who celebrated the octogenarian in death, at Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka,  included one of the pillars of the All Progressives Congress APC in the Southeast, Chief Modestus Umenzekwe;  former Minister of Women’s Affairs, Iyom Josephine Anenih

    Others were, Shuaib Abubarka-Minister of State; Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa saw represented by Hadiza Ali.

    Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was represented by Anambra’s First Lady, D. Mrs Nonye Soludo.

    In his tribute, Soludo who represented the President also, said the only debt the Minister owed her mother was such a befitting burial.

    Read also: Stop impeachment moves against Akeredolu’s Deputy, APC orders Assembly

    He said the people of Nigeria and indeed, Anambra were equally mourning the late mother of the Minister, adding that she lived a life of emulation.

    The Minister of Women’s Affairs, Uju Ohanenye, described her mother as unique and a mother to all.

    The mother, according to her, spoke Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, Efik, and impeccable English, adding, “We will miss her greatly.”

    Senator Joy Emodi; Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah: Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, consoled the Minister, saying, the deceased lived a selfless service

    The wife of Imo State Governor, Chief Chioma Uzodimma, in her tribute, said she lived a life of dedicated service to humanity and would be missed by those whose lives she affected in positive ways.

  • Ember months: Stop blaming road crashes on village people, Soludo tells drivers

    Ember months: Stop blaming road crashes on village people, Soludo tells drivers

    Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra state has asked drivers to stop blaming old people in the village for road crashes, particularly during the ember months.

    He urged them to take responsibility for their vehicles by ensuring they were in good condition before hitting the road to avert crashes.

    Soludo spoke on Thursday, October 5, in Onitsha through Commissioner for Transport, Patricia Igwebuike while flagging off Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Ember Months Safety Campaign themed, “Speed thrills but kills, drive responsibly and avoid overloading”

    He regretted that most road crashes were man-made and could have been averted if proper care had been taken.

    He said: “Statistics around the world show that 90% of crashes are based on human error. This includes intake of substances, and not being in the right mental state, among others.

    “Everyone should be safety conscious. I advise those travelling with public transport to ensure they examine the state of both the driver and the vehicle before boarding.

    Read Also: Leader hails Soludo for immortalising Achebe

    “The ability to save your lives is in your hands. While the government has a lot to do, there are those you can do for yourself. When things are taken care of, chances of naming one old man or woman in your village as responsible will be minimized.”

    Soludo further warned young parents to desist from carrying their underage children in the front seats of their vehicles while driving, describing such acts as dangerous and not a demonstration of love for the child.

    He said: “I advise private drivers, especially young parents that insist their children must sit in the front seat of their vehicles to desist from such acts.

    “Some fathers, in their ability to show love to their children, go to the extent of carrying them on their laps to drive. This is very dangerous both to you and the baby.

    “The best way to show such love to the child is to keep him on the back seat and inside a baby seater. No matter how the child cries, it’s better he cries and be alive than to show such love and regret forever.”

    Earlier, FRSC Sector Commander, Adeoye Irelewuyi described the campaign as apt and inclusive, saying it would cover the “3” RTC main causative factors of speeding, overloading, and use of unsafe tyres.

    He thanked the governor for embarking on fixing roads in nooks and crannies of the state, just as he appreciated Special Marshals and other critical stakeholders in traffic management in ensuring safer road use and better road culture in the state.

    He added: “The Sector Command is requesting the cooperation of Ndi Anambra to key into this strategic programme of the Corps in these Ember Months and every other period of the year to reduce the rate of fatalities on our roads.”

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  • Resist ‘japa’ syndrome, explore Nigeria’s opportunities, Soludo’s aide tells youths

    Resist ‘japa’ syndrome, explore Nigeria’s opportunities, Soludo’s aide tells youths

    The Special Adviser to Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo on security, Ben Chiobi has advised Nigerian youths to resist the ‘japa syndrome’ and explore abounding opportunities in the country.

    He said opportunities to make money in Nigeria, particularly in the southeast abound more than in Western countries.

    Chiobi spoke in Awka, the state capital at the 2023 edition of The Pivot Conference, themed: “From Challenges to Opportunities: Unveiling the Potentials in South-East Nigeria through Social Innovation.”

    He advised the youth to avail themselves of opportunities for mentoring, arguing that the only way to succeed in the ICT generation was to be disruptive and not be a copycat.

    One of the resource persons and Chief Executive Officer, Selecom LTD, Precious Obimdi regretted that the Nigerian system was designed to frustrate younger entrepreneurs from thriving in their businesses.

    He identified partnerships with governments, agencies, and bigger establishments as ways of staying afloat and making impacts on human lives.

    “Although doing business in Southeast is challenging due to insecurity and other vices, but one can explore and discover what is not working, and turn same into a thriving global venture,” he added.

    Banking expert, Tochukwu Nwokediuko, said over 65 percent of businesses scarcely survive the first three years in Nigeria due to a lack of access to funding and credit facilities, planning, and poor financial literacy among business owners.

    He underscored the powers of partnership and collaboration, noting that the ability to appreciate and factor in the elements would define future successful businesses.

    Read Also: Leader hails Soludo for immortalising Achebe

    Also speaking, Technology expert and Managing Director, of Anambra State ICT Agency, Fred Agbata said many opportunities abound in the ICT sector, but insisted that without innovative spirit, teamwork, and partnership, success in business would be difficult.

    Speaking on “Fostering Youth-led Impact Entrepreneurship As A Catalyst For Growth,” Regional Coordinator, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Engr. Mrs. Chito Onuzulike said SMEs were a crucial component of the economy.

    She identified mindset, action, and process as three ingredients of entrepreneurship critical to doing business in the country.

    Earlier, Pivot Executive Director, Barr Ifedi Eze decried the past half-decade has been bedeviled with socioeconomic problems with a negative impact on the economic indices of the Eastern region.

  • Leader hails Soludo for immortalising Achebe

    Leader hails Soludo for immortalising Achebe

    President-General, Umueri General Assembly, Dr. John Metchie, has hailed Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo for renaming Anambra International Cargo and Passenger Airport, Umueri after literary giant, the late Prof. Chinua Achebe. 

    He described Achebe’s immortalisation as a good decision.

    He said the legends of Anambra origin, who had left indelible footprints in the sand of time, should be remembered for their immense contributions to human development.  

    He noted that the late Achebe was not just an ambassador of the Igbo nation, but also attained global recognition with his literary works.

    Metchie described Achebe as not just an Anambra hero or a Nigerian hero, but also an African and global hero yet largely unsung at home.

    He said the late Nigerian novelist, poet and critic gave African literature an identity and voice, and at the same time reconstructed and refined people’s identity in his literary works. 

    Read Also: Soludo prays for Tinubu’s success, honours Achebe in Anambra

    Metchie said: “Our governor is visionary. He is very meticulous with decision making and as a matter of public policy; he ensures that every decision taken by his administration is in tandem with the wishes and aspirations of the citizenry.

    “One of Chinua Achebe’s works, Things Fall Apart, has been translated into many local and international languages all over the world. The renaming of Anambra airport after him is a well-deserved honour.

    “An indigene of Ogidi in Idemili North Local Government, Achebe died at the age of 82. Prof. Achebe as a prophet is not celebrated among his people. That’s why I’m extolling the governor’s decision in renaming Anambra airport after the late sage.

    “I express my gratitude to the governor for finding the late literary oracle worthy of such an honour and announcing same at an auspicious occasion as the 63rd Independence Anniversary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”