THE TALE OF A LEGAL TITAN AND COMMUNITY CHAMPION: THE INSPIRING ODYSSEY OF CHIEF BARR. PRINCE CHUKWUDI OLI (ỌBA EZEAFIA ANAOCHA)

By Evaristus Onyibor

In the complex tapestry of Nigerian public life, it is rare to find individuals who seamlessly blend intellectual sophistication with a deep, visceral commitment to their roots. Very often, professional success distances the elite from the realities of their communities.

However, every generation produces a few exceptional figures who break this mold—individuals whose lives prove that true greatness is not measured merely by the heights one reaches, but by how many others they lift along the way.

Enter Chief Barr. Prince Chukwudi Oli, popularly and traditionally revered as *Ọba Ezeafia Anaocha*.

A legal heavyweight, seasoned strategist, and relentless philanthropist, Prince Oli has emerged as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for transformation. As the nation looks toward the future, his name has increasingly become synonymous with visionary leadership, grassroots development, and an unyielding commitment to justice.

*A Foundation of Heritage and Academic Excellence*

Prince Chukwudi Oli’s story begins in the historic and culturally sacred ancient kingdom of Nri—specifically in Uruoji village, within the Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State. Born into the respected Oli family, his upbringing was steeped in the values of integrity, community responsibility, and the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo nation.

Recognizing early on that education is the ultimate lever for societal advancement, he pursued a career in law. He proceeded to the prestigious University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC), an institution renowned for producing some of Africa’s finest legal minds. Upon obtaining his law degree, he crossed the final hurdle of professional training and was formally called to the Nigerian Bar in 2005.

*Ascendancy in the Temple of Justice*

The Nigerian legal landscape is notoriously competitive, yet Prince Oli’s ascent was nothing short of meteoric. He sharpened his legal teeth within two of the country’s most formidable and elite legal institutions: the chambers of the legendary Nwankwo Ikwueto, SAN, and the powerhouse J.K. Gadzama LLP.

It was during his tenure at J.K. Gadzama LLP that his brilliant legal acumen, fierce work ethic, and natural leadership came to the fore. In a milestone achievement that still resonates within the legal community, he rose to become the youngest ever Head of Litigation at the firm. Managing high-stakes, complex litigations at such a young age spoke volumes about his intellect and earned him the lifelong mentorship of the legal icon, Chief Joe Kyari Gadzama, SAN.

Today, Prince Oli sits as the Principal Partner at *Oli and Partners*, a top-tier law firm that has redefined excellence, professionalism, and ethical advocacy in the Nigerian legal system.

Beyond private practice, his expertise has been sought at the highest levels of national politics. He was a critical asset and key member of the legal team that represented the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) during the high-stakes 2007 and 2011 presidential election petitions—a testament to his mastery of constitutional and electoral jurisprudence.

In 2013, in strict recognition of his distinguished service, impeccable character, and contributions to the bar, the Supreme Court of Nigeria appointed him a Notary Public. As an active member of both the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the International Bar Association (IBA), Prince Oli remains firmly entrenched in global legal discourse and institutional reform.

*Redefining Philanthropy: The Home-Grown Modernizer*

While his professional achievements place him in the elite corridors of Abuja and Lagos, Prince Oli’s heart has never left Anaocha. His philosophy of community development is practical: he believes that governance and development must be brought directly to the people.

Where others wait for the government, *Ọba Ezeafia Anaocha* steps in.

In December 2023, he single-handedly funded and undertook the construction of a major inland road in Nri, transforming the socio-economic life of the community. This landmark project was commissioned by none other than his revered mentor and billionaire philanthropist, Chief Engr. Prince Arthur Eze (*Ozoigbondu, Ezeigbo gburu gburu*). This infrastructure drive was not an isolated incident; Prince Oli extended the same civic-minded benevolence to his residential area in Enugu, constructing critical road infrastructure to improve the lives of inhabitants.

"True leadership is about creating immediate, tangible relief for the people while building infrastructures that outlive us." — This sentiment echoes through Prince Oli's extensive humanitarian footprint.

His interventions span several critical sectors:

 *Housing for the Vulnerable:* He has built modern, decent houses for the less privileged, restoring dignity to families who had lost all hope.

 *Social Safety Nets:* In a unique display of structured welfare, he pays monthly salaries to the elderly in his community, ensuring they live out their golden years with financial security.

 *Educational Empowerment:* Across Abuja, Enugu, and Anambra, he runs sustained youth empowerment schemes and robust scholarship programs for brilliant but indigent students.

 *Sports Development:* He is currently financing the construction of a state-of-the-art sports stadium in Nri. Upon completion, it is poised to be one of the best community-engineered sports facilities in Nigeria, designed to discover and nurture the next generation of athletic talent.

A Custodian of Culture and Joy

For all his modern exposure, Prince Oli remains a passionate custodian of Igbo culture. He understands that a people detached from their culture lose their identity.

During the historic *Onwa Agwu* traditional masquerade festival in Nri, he brought unprecedented color and joy to the community. In a bid to encourage cultural preservation and support local youth, he financially rewarded every single participating masquerade group, with the top three winners walking away with massive cash prizes and grand gifts.

His generosity has become a staple of festive seasons, where he routinely surprises his hometown with extensive food items, cash gifts, and support systems that ensure no household is left behind.

*The Vision for 2027: A Call to Higher Service*

It is this impeccable track record of professional excellence, infrastructural development, and deep-seated empathy that has triggered a massive, grassroots-led movement calling him to higher public service.

Currently, Chief Barr. Prince Chukwudi Oli is the frontline aspirant for the **Dunukofia/Njikoka/Anaocha Federal Constituency** seat in the Federal House of Representatives for 2027.

His candidacy is not born out of mere political ambition, but out of a desire to scale up his proven template of private philanthropy into sustainable, legislative-driven development. Backed by the wisdom of his two most influential mentors—Chief J.K. Gadzama, SAN, and Chief Prince Engr. Arthur Eze—Oli represents a bridge between the old and the new; between corporate excellence and grassroots empathy.

As the political landscape of Anambra State shapes up for the future, the people of Dunukofia, Njikoka, and Anaocha are looking toward a man who has already delivered the dividends of democracy as a private citizen. In Chief Barr. Prince Chukwudi Oli (*Ọba Ezeafia Anaocha*), they see a legal titan ready to defend their rights, an infrastructural builder ready to attract development, and a son of the soil who will never forget home.

Housing Initiative: Governor Soludo Inspects Golf Residency Estate Awka

By Ejike Ababa

As part of his administration's commitment to addressing housing deficit in the state, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has conducted a scheduled inspection visit to Golf Residency Estate in Awka.

This initiative underscores his administration's commitment to partner with the private sector to provide affordable and sustainable housing solutions for Ndi Anambra.

During his visit to the expansive estate, which is part of the Awka 2.0 brand new city of the present administration, Governor Soludo engaged with key stakeholders, including developers, government officials and potential homeowners to observe the ongoing developments and future projects aimed at improving housing accessibility in the region.

Mr. Emeka Onwuocha, who is the location Director, Rainbow Heritage Group, Developers of the Golf Residency Estate, Awka explained that the estate, which features a blend of modern architecture and green spaces, is envisioned as a model for future housing projects in the state.

The Golf Residency Estate is expected to provide hundreds of housing units, ranging from affordable apartments to upscale villas, catering to diverse income brackets, and providing a broad spectrum of housing options as part of Governor Soludo’s strategy to ensure that no one is left behind in the quest for better living conditions.

WEATHERING THE RAIN: A BUSINESSWOMAN’S SEASON OF REFLECTION AND RESILIENCE

✍️ Maureen

The rainy season is here again, ushering in cooler air, greener surroundings, and the familiar scent of wet earth. For many, it is a time to snuggle indoors with warm meals and quiet reflection. But for me, it marks the beginning of one of the most challenging periods in my line of work.

I run a business that deals in building materials like cement, iron rods, and bags of stones, chippings, and sand stacked right in front of our shop. While the rains are a blessing to nature, they bring a different kind of weather report for business: “slow.” Construction sites fall silent, and buyers hesitate to start or continue building projects in the downpour.

Each day of heavy rain feels like pressing pause on the usual rush of activity. And it doesn’t stop at fewer customers. The rain often comes with unexpected costs. Stacks of sand and stones that was once neatly arranged, are brought down by rushing water. We are forced to pay loaders again to rebuild the piles, and the sands? Some of them simply wash away, a loss you can't fully measure until it is too late.

Sometimes I stand at the shop front, watching the raindrops create small rivers that snake through the shop, dragging grains of sand along with them. It’s disheartening, not just because of the physical loss, but because of the invisible cost including the effort and time already invested. Every bag lost is not just money gone, but a setback to progress.

Still, I remind myself that the rainy season is not the enemy. It is nature doing what it must. The challenge lies in how we, as business owners, respond. I have begun to think more strategically: using heavy-duty tarpaulins to cover stacks, raising the base of the piles with heavy rocks, and reducing the number of bags we display at once during rainfall season.

I also  offer doorstep delivery to sites that remain active during the rains. It is a way to keep sales going, even when foot traffic slows. Planning around the weather forecast has become a part of our routine like checking skies as often as we check stock.

The rains will come, just as they always have. But so will the dry days, when construction resumes and buyers return. Until then, all we can do is prepare, adapt, and ride out the season with grace and grit.I believe the rainy season may pause progress, but it never erases potential. And just like the buildings we help construct, we too are made to withstand the storm and rise again after it.

End To Erosion Menace: NEWMAP- EIB Team Inspects Designated Sites In Anambra, Lauds Soludo

By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu 

Following Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s efforts geared towards reclaiming major parts of Anambra State lands ravaged by gully erosion, a team of experts from the European Investment Bank (EIB) assisted Nigeria Climate Adaptation Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB), led by the National Project Coordinator, Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks, on Tuesday, 11th March 2025, visited some designated sites in the state to ascertain the level of the environmental degradation caused by the menace. 

Some of the sites inspected include: Ndiagu Ikenga Ogidi Gully Erosion site, Nkpor Flyover Gully Erosion site, Ugamuma Obosi Gully Erosion site all in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State and Abagana Erosion site, in Njikoka Local Government Area.

Speaking during the inspection, National Project Coordinator, Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks noted that they were in Anambra State on the instance of Mr. Governor to come and assess the state’s readiness to participate in the project or not, saying that they were certain things they needed to confirm to be sure that the state is actually ready, and one of it is the exercise they are doing at moment, adding that they needed to confirm whether the state has some selected sites, whether those sites are priority sites, and whether those sites met the conditions of the criteria to be enlisted as a site.

  His words,  'You can see we have visited about five different sites, and all these sites can be said they are candidate sites. What is very much important about those sites is that they are uncompleted sites that have not been completed before now. They are ongoing sites. It is pertinent that anything that has started needed to be completed 100%. The lack of completion was not a deliberate attempt. 

'The funding of this project was initially by the World Bank, and this is a project that closed as of 30th June 2022, and the resources for that have been exhausted. The government of Nigeria and with state government  both at national and the sub-national understanding the gravity and negative impacts of those challenges with the regards to land degradation did not rest on their aors. They ensure that funding are being secured to continue what has been done before and to complete what has not been completed. 

 'It is also of importance to note that His Excellency Governor Chukwuma Soludo has the passion and the heart to ensure that these sites are completed and, as part of his campaign promises to the people of Anambra State and he has told them that he has come with hope and not only hope and that he is coming with Solution. I can see that part of the solution  is while we are here.

 'He is working to ensure that when the project kicks start, Anambra will not be left behind. He is very much aware of the success story that has been recorded under NEWMAP, and he is aware that whatever has been done before needs to scale up, and it is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President. 

'He has a renewed hope for Nigerians to have a sustainable environment and an environment that is climate resilience, and at the end of the day, he wants to leave Nigerians with an environment that is climate smart. So this is a project that is the federal government's priority, and that is why the Anambra State government has also keyed in. This funding is coming from European Investment Bank (EIB) .

Yes , people will be calling World Bank because they are used to that. Going forward, the funding will be coming from EIB. It is going to deepen what has been recorded under the World Bank. We are continuing from where they stopped. The project objectives and strategic approach still remain the same,' the National Project Coordinator concluded 

Mr . Anda assured that most qualified contractors would execute the projects, adding that there would be no room for unqualified contractors.

Corroborating the National Project Coordinator,  the State's Project Coordinator,  Professor Philip Ogbonnaya Phil-Eze, said the Federal government Management Unit released criteria to them to prioritized the ones that have not been completed under the World Bank,  stating that a total of of 13 different sites have been completed in the state, acknowledging that it was of a very low percentage. He thanked Governor Soludo for paying the counterpart funding and for being proactive and concerned towards the plights of Ndi Anambra. 

In their separate speeches,  the Chairman of Ndiagu Ikenga Ogidi, Chief Chigozie Etuka, Mr. Obieze Ifeanyi, a victim whose house caved in at Ugamuma Obosi and Chief Okonkwo Nnamdi, Vice President General of Abagana, showered praises on Governor Chukwuma Soludo and NEWMAP-EIB for coming to their rescue, praying God to continue to bless and protect them.

"Umu Boi" Scheme Of The One Youth Two Skills Initiative Gains Traction With Special Development Training

By Ejike Abana

A transformative workshop aimed at reorienting the Youth Apprenticeship Scheme was held at the Professor Dora Akunyili Women's Development Center, Awka.

The workshop re-orientation attracted hundreds of youths under the "Umu Boi" Scheme of the One Youths Two Skills programme of the state government.

The initiative, organized by the Ministry of Youth Development, seeks to enhance the effectiveness of the apprenticeship programmes and better align them with the needs of the modern workforce.

The Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Aghamba stated that the Umuboi Entrepreneurship Scheme which is presently in it's second phase, is one of the most important aspects of one Youth two Skills programme with a lot of innovations like the Use of Talking Book and Online Entrepreneurship Academy.

While stating that the Governor wants businesses to run in a sustainable manner, the Commissioner said that the programme is also a medium to

engage the stakeholders in the market and other segments of the community on the programmes of government, so that everyone will be on the same page.

He added that the workshop will help Umuboi to be successful, not only in the 1Youth 2Skills programme, but also in all endeavors in life, as the society is faced with numerous youth related problems, fundamentally as a result of youth unemployment.

The Commissioner thanked Governor Soludo for

investing heavily in improving the Umuboi Scheme, adding that for the first time in the history

of the State, the government is seriously is giving back to the market, more

than it is taking from it.

The President General of Anambra State Amalgamated Traders Association, Chief Humphrey Anuna revealed that it is evident that the Governor has the interest of the youth at heart, especially the apprentists, praising him for delivering, even more than his campaign promises since assumption of office.

Participants engaged in various training sessions that covered various topics, including Setting the right value for sustainable enterprise development.

Attendees were encouraged to share their experiences and brainstorm innovative solutions to common challenges.

As the event concluded, participants expressed optimism about the future of youth apprenticeships under the present administration. 

Many left with new strategies to implement in their programmes with the "training materials shared to them, including the "talking book", and a renewed commitment to fostering a culture of learning and growth.

The state government plans to follow up with additional workshops and resources to support ongoing efforts to enhance the apprenticeship experience for Anambra youth.

With a focus on collaboration and innovation, stakeholders are hopeful that the reorientation of the Youth Apprenticeship Scheme will lead to greater success for both apprentices and local industries in a sustainable manner.

Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, his Culture, Entertainment and Tourism counterpart, Mr. Don Onyenji, Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Empowerment Programme, Dr. Nelson Omenugha, President General of Anambra State Association of Two Unions, ASATU, Barr. Titus Akpudo, among others, attended the event.

Anambra's Local Government Election 2024: The Best So Far

By Ejike Abana

Anambra State has been without a local government election for the last eleven years. The last local government election took place in 2013, few months before the then Governor Peter Obi left office- the election was marred with reports of violence and so on and so forth.

The expiration of the tenure of the chairmen and councillors in the twenty one local government areas and three hundred and twenty six wards, respectively, sparked concerns amongst citizens over the lack of accountability and transparency in local government affairs.

Subsequently, it was on this premise that in 2021, during his campaign and at his 2022 inauguration speech, Governor Soludo variously promised to conduct the local government election within his first term in office. Many did not believe.

No doubt, in the last eleven years, the absence of local government elections in the state has impeded the development of democracy at the grassroots level and has left citizens without a voice in the governance of their communities.

Before now, many stakeholders had criticized the government over its inability to conduct local government elections, noting that it is a fundamental aspect of democracy that should not be neglected.

Some believe that the postponement of local government elections is a deliberate attempt by the state government to control local government affairs and divert resources meant for local development to other projects.

Fast forward to 2024, as a man who believes in "process", Governor Soludo spearheaded the arrangement of the institutional mechanisms and legal framework for the organisation of the local government election. The election would have been held in December this year, but for the Supreme Court judgement that almost made it like an emergency for states without Council Chairmen to quickly conduct their election.

Yesterday, September, 28, 2024, Soludo kept the promise he made to ndị Anambra- a transparent election took place where nine political parties participated. From the video evidence and reactions by the people, the election has been described as the best so far. Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission, ANSIEC conducted local government elections, which was largely adjudged to be peaceful, free, and fair. The government's decision to conduct local government elections has been well received by more than 60 percent of citizens, who have hailed the move as a step in the right direction towards deepening democracy at the grassroots level.

Speaking shortly after he cast his vote at his ward in Isuofia, Governor Soludo acknowledged that the reports he got, the electoral process was transparent, free, and fair and expressed his satisfaction with the conduct of the election, which he believes demonstrated the state's growth in democratic values. By affirming the transparency of the election, Governor Soludo reassured the people of the state that their voices had been heard and that the process had been fully inclusive.

It is hoped that the successful conduct of the local government elections in Anambra State will serve as a catalyst for the elected Council Chairmen and Councillors in the state to prioritize democracy and development at the grassroots level.

Many political enthusiasts, stakeholders, citizens, civil society organisations and observers commended the Governor and security operatives for their roles in ensuring that the election was violence-free.

The voter turnout was also a testimony of the people's desire for good governance and transparency at the grassroots level. Commendations therefore goes to ndị Anambra for coming out to vote. It is hoped that their votes produced competent and capable leaders at the various Council Areas.

The just concluded local government election marks a significant milestone in the strengthening of democracy at the grassroots level in Anambra State. The people had spoken through their votes and they had decided to elect leaders who would directly represent their needs. By implication, it is believed that the elected local government chairmen would be accountable to their constituencies and deliver the dividends of democracy.

In conclusion, the Anambra State local government election is proof that Governor Soludo is committed to delivering free, fair, and transparent elections to the people of the State. His commitment to transparency and accountability in governance has continued to yield dividends, and the people of Anambra State can look forward to even more development under his leadership. Definitely, the elected Chairmen will tow this path.

APGA Kicks-Off Campaign With Rally, Ahead Of Saturday 28th Local Government Poll

By Ejike Abana

Ahead of the Saturday, 28th September local government election in the state, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA has taken to the streets to officially kick-off its campaign.

A rally led by the party's National Leader and Governor of the state, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, to drum and solicit support from ndị Anambra was held at the Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka.

Local Government Chairmanship candidates and councillors from the twenty one local government areas of the state, thronged the venue in colourful APGA insignias, seeking to win hearts and minds for the party.

In a speech, Governor Soludo stressed the importance of grassroot election which can further drive development and solicited the people's support for the party to continue its development trajectory across the state.

He added that the conduct of the local government election is a promise made and promise kept, eventhough many did not believe during the campaigns and promised a free and fair election, one man, one vote.

The State Chairman of the party, Barr. Ifeatu Obiokoye emphasized that the party is ready to go in for the elections.

Some people who spoke including the National Chairman of APGA, Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, Iyom Bianca Ojukwu, Rt. Hon. Paschal Agbodike, Chief Chinedu Obidigwe, Ozonkpu Victor Oye, Dozie Nwankwo, among others, stressed that APGA is a grassroot-oriented party, generally accepted by ndị Anambra as their development vehicle.

The Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Board of Trustees members of APGA, accompanied the Governor to the event which was attended by a mammoth crowd of witnesses and APGA faithful.