THE MAN ERNEST EZEAJUGHI AND MORE

By Ejike Abana

Opportunities they say, comes for prepared people. Most times, it takes consencious practical step by step efforts to remain afloat.

The name Ernest Ezeajughi certainly rings a bell in the political terrain as a celebral and accomplished personality.

Little wonder why when the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, went ashopping, he chose Mr. Ezeajughi as his Chief Of Staff.

Mr. Ezeajughi was elected Mayor by the College of Councillors of Brent, London, on April 16, 2019 and was sworn into office on Wednesday, May 1, 2019. The Mayor is the first citizen of the Royal Borough who acts as an ambassador at public affairs and at civic and ceremonial events.

Ezeajughi who hails from Awgbụ, Orumba North Council Area of Anambra State in Southeastern Nigeria, had his primary and secondary and tertiary education in Anambra- Aguata High School, Aguata and Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik), Awka (Microbiology) are his Alma mater.

It is fondly proverbed in Igbo language that “Okụkọ ga-abụ oke na ebido n’eju" (greatness starts from birth). In the world of politics, Mr. Ezeajughi started early, having been actively involved in student union politics during his University days. On completion of his mandatory one year NYSC program, he had a brief stint in the family business before proceeding to England. He holds a Masters degree from the prestigious Kings College, London; a scientist by profession, having worked with the Medicine and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Mr. Ezeajughi's foray into politics blossomed once again just as he got involved in UK politics and soon became an active member of the Labour Party. He was soon elected in 2014 as Councillor representing Stonebridge Ward at Brent Council.

He is one of the founding fathers of the UK Chapter of the Nigerian political party, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), where he served as Chairman of the UK chapter of APGA from 2010 to 2012.

As Chief of Staff to the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Soludo- a position currently occupied by Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, he is importing his vast experience to the state, doing things differently in line with Governor Soludo's disruptive approach to the governance of the state.

Denise Morrison quipped; “The single most important ingredient in the recipe for success is transparency because transparency builds trust.”

The presence of Mr. Ezeajughi in Governor Soludo's cabinet has helped to ensure that decisions taken and their enforcement are done in a manner that follows law and order. Information is freely available and directly accessible to those who will be affected by such decisions and their enforcement.

This particular trait is important because being transperent is strength and not weakness. Sharing ideas and information allow concerned individuals and groups get a new perspective, new opinions and better insight to the discourse. This way, problems are solved faster and more efficiently if one learn to be open and honest.

A close association to Mr. Ezeajughi portrays him as a transperent leader who set performance expectations for everyone, including himself. As a result, this gives everyone a clear sense of direction that enhances performance and engagement. It  appears as if the Chief of Staff works with the 'SMART goals formular'- (Specific, Measurable, Achieveble, Relevant and Time-bound). This is a great work orientation that is worth commending and emulating.

Coupled with the above, Mr. Ezeajughi is accessible and have a listening ear to everyone. He dignifies and respects people, irrespective of age or social stratification.

One vital point that is worth making is that Anambra is increasingly becoming a construction site, following Governor Soludo's promise on assumption of office. Position this side by side a similar situation when Mr. Ezeajughi was in office where regeneration of Wembly-Brent was undergoing reforms and building a new city with about thirty-one (31) cranes; working day and night. Perhaps his cap as the Secretary of Anambra Urban Regeneration Council- recently set up by Governor Soludo, will come in quite handy. There are many more to say.

Suffice it to say that there seems to be more in the offing for Ndị Anambra, with Mr. Ezeajughi saddled with his current responsibility. We should all expect more.

As he commemorates the day of his birth, it's our desire that he continues to attain lofty heights in his chosen endeavours; especially in the service of government and good people of Anambra State.

Happy Birthday Mr. Chief of Staff!

ANAMBRA STATE PHYSICAL PLANNING BOARD READS RIOT ACT TO IMPERSONATORS

By Ejike Abana

Anambra State Government has warned individuals and groups impersonating the state building regulatory body, the Anambra State Physical Planning Board, to desist forthwith or face the wrathful hands of the law.

The Chairman of the Physical Planning Board, Barrister Chike Maduekwe handed down the warning in an interview with journalists at the Board's Corporate Headquarters in Amawbia.

According to Barrister Maduekwe, he has been inaundated by a barrage of queries by government and private individuals that some people now move round the state, pasting demand notices and soliciting for money, thereby usurping the legal duty of the board.

Barrister Maduekwe alleged that the group even go as far as demanding money from people who have been given approvals with houses built, erroneously telling the public that they are now in charge of physical planning, building control and regulation.

Barrister Maduekwe warned that the State Governor, the police and the State House of Assembly will be alerted, to ensure enforcement of the law against those not working in the interest and development of the state.

Barrister Maduekwe, however, acknowledged that because of the challenges being experienced in the Board, they recently reached an understanding with relevant professional bodies including the Council For the Regulatory of Engineering In Nigeria, COREN for some kind of collaboration as a result of the activities of quacks, to ensure that the process of building control is sanitized.

He added that professional bodies are expected to work in tandem with the physical planning authority to get the building code, pointing out that going forward, such individuals will be sued for impersonation and aberation.

"We met with members of COREN, asking for some kind of understanding with them, to ensure that the engineers who come for permit applications, are engineers in practice that they know. And we felt it was okay.

"And for that they were to give their forms with ten thousand naira (N10,000) fixed price, which those Engineers must fill and we send it back to them, afterwhich they give endorsement that they know them. 

"Suddenly, what we now see is that some people now go around to perhaps impersonate COREN.

"They now interfere with our working, demanding huge sums of money from unsuspecting members of public", Barrister Maduekwe stated.

"For the upteenth time, this is a warning to them; that the state cannot tolerate such short-changing.

"We have government regulated fees. They are cheating government. If they don't desist, we will bring them under the full embrace of the law.

"I heard that they have distributed over five hundred (500) forms in different buildings, including buildings that had got approvals in the past.

"I've reported the matter to COREN in the state. I'll take it up to federal level. They cannot take over the duties of a government regulatory body set up by law", he noted.

"I've spoken with the Chairman of the technical committee in Anambra who said he is not aware.

"You must work in tandem with the physical planning authority, to get the building code; even if you are going for inspections. You can't operate outside the law of the state. They will be sued for impersonation and running a criminal enterprise.

"Every professional body is set up by law and you must obey the law. What those people are doing is an aberation.

"I'll report to the Governor and House of Assembly. We will even report the matter to the police.

To the public, "anybody that pastes anything on your property, demanding money, report them to us and the police. They don't represent the government of Anambra State", concluded the Physical Planing Board boss.

PROF. EGBUONU MAKES ANAMBRA PROUD, GETS GOLD MEDAL AWARD BY WEST AFRICAN COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS

By Christian ABURIME

Government of Anambra State has congratulated Professor Ifeoma Egbuonu, a foremost daughter of Oraifite in Ekwusigo L.G.A of Anambra State, who recently recieved the West African College of Physicians' Gold Medal Award in Accra Ghana.

Professor Egbeonu was selected and awarded the 'Gold medal' for impacting the development of the medical profession in West Africa being the highest merit award of the College.

She was presented with the award by the Ghanaian president, His Excellency, Nana Akufo-Addo at the 46th Annual Congress of the West African College of Physicians held at Cedi Conference Center, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.

As a former consultant of the International Children's Emergency Funds (UNICEF) and World Health Organization (WHO) as well as the first female president of the West African College of Physicians, among other accomplishments, Governor Soludo hails her tenacity and zeal for success as well as celebrate her for making the state proud in her chosen career path.

In recent times, more and more professionals of Anambra descent have continued to excel in every fields across the globe. This has further given credence to the spirit of excellence which the State is known for 

Beyond the award, Governor Soludo also celebrate Professor Egbuonu's contributions in the field of medicine, especially the roles she played in the reduction of infant mortality in the country through diverse creative childcare interventions.

Worth commending are the roles she played in Anambra State Ministry of Health. Her work as consultant Paediatrician at the General Hospital Onitsha, overseeing Iyi-Enu Hospital Ogidi and St Charles Borromeo Hospital Onitsha, as well as Waterside Maternity Hospital, Onitsha and later Nnamdi Azikiwe University where she rose to the rank of Professor of Paediatrics, which was an outstanding feat

Professor Egbeonu's accomplishments, moreso, the recent award recieved from the West African Colleges of Physicians, summarizes the indefatigable nature of the Anambra spirit of Excellence, for which the government and good people of the state are proud.

SOLUDO GREETS ARTHUR EZE AT 74

Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR has congratulated Prince Engr. Arthur Eze, OFR, (Ozoigbondu) on the occasion of his 74th birthday.

Governor Soludo in his birthday message noted that Prince Arthur Eze remains an accomplished businessman and a Philanthropist who has devoted his resources in assisting the less privileged in the society and his immediate community as well as the academia, health and religious institutions.

The Governor stated that he is delighted that the celebrant have used his massive investments in the oil and gas sector to contribute to the development of the economy of the state, country and the continent of Africa.

As the celebrant marks another year, Governor Soludo prays that God Almighty continue to grant him good health and long life in his service to God and humanity

Signed

Christian Aburime 

Press Secretary To The Governor 

25th November, 2022

APGA Alleges Plot To Implicate Soludo/ With $28 Million Bribe uncovered

By Maxwell Okoli

The All Progressives Grand Alliance APGA in Anambra state has uncovered an alleged plot by those they described as Political jobbers to Implicate Gov Charles Soludo of receiving the sum of $28 Million as bribe from Gov Hope Uzodimma of Imo state to run down the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi before the coming election.

According to the party, someone who claims to be an investigative Journalist with a name TK Ekwudayo have been approached to write false and unfounded stories in order to implicate Gov Soludo and paint him in bad light, following his recent submissions about the ambition of Peter Obi.

According to the National Coordinator APGA Renaissance Chief Uchenna Chukwuka who spoke to reporters in Awka, Anambra state;

"It has come to the notice of this body that some faceless and sponsored elements masquerading as investigative Journalist claiming false insider  information from the All Progressives Congress, APC,  are out to implicate our able governor Prof Charles Soludo with some baseless and false allegations of receiving the sum of $28 Million to run down the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi"

"Also the faceless self-acclaimed investigative Journalist further alleged that both Uzodimma and  Soludo have already extorted the sum of N10 billion as the first trench of the payment while the sum of N10 Billion would be paid after he had concluded the second assignment "

In the light of the above, it has become instructive that we make the following resolutions for the purposes of clarity and brevity; 

"That the said investigative Journalist does not exist and is hiding under the guise of a fake name to justify the payment by their sponsors who do not see anything good in Gov Charles Soludo"

"That the author of this spurious report and allegations is only being clever by half by linking the APC governor in the South East with his satanic report in order to give their story acceptability before the reading public "

"That the person of an international status, and an eminent person in the mould of Gov Charles Soludo is more occupied in giving good and populist governance to the people of Anambra state than reducing the office of a governor to that of a pedestrian blackmailer"

The group further contended that the manner and recent practice of and stock in trade of the so called supporters of the Labour Party in adopting the Nazist style of 'Hitler Mob' is more of their cutting off their noses to spite their faces and ultimately burn their fingers and de- marketing their candidates.

"Nigerians are too enlightened and highly educated to fall for this cheap blackmail and flagrant display of 'tout status' which the general public cannot buy "

"We in the All Progressives Grand Alliance APGA have our own Presidential candidate as well as National Assembly and State Assembly Candidates who are more popular and more credible, hence cannot be cowed into playing anti party  politics by supporting candidates of the Labour Party or any other party for that matter"

"The era of Nazist style of Hitler's Mob has gone and Nigerians are too enlightened and educated in buying into such gambit "he said.

Plot to Dump Wastes at Anambra Govt House: Think Twice —Aburime Advises Youths

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

The Press Secretary to Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, Mr. Christian Aburime has cautioned the youths to have a rethink and not to allow themselves to be used as a tool of distraction or agents of distraction to the government. 

He also advised them not to constitute a part of the problem to be solved in the society, rather than being a solution to the already existing problems.

Mr. Aburime gave the advice in his reaction to the alleged plot by a group of youths, identified as Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), to dump wastes and debris at the gate of Anambra State Government House on Friday, November 25, as a way to ‘punish’ Governor Soludo over his recent comment on the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party and former governor of the state, Mr. Peter Obi.

The Southeast-based group had, in a press release signed and issued over the week by its President General, Mr Goodluck Ibem, threatened Governor Soludo to retract the said utterances he made on Obi before Friday this week, or expect heaps of wastes and debris at the gate State Government House on Friday. 

The group said dumping of the wastes at the Government House “will serve as deterrent to other Igbo political office holders who might want to insult the sensibility of the Igbo nation.”

Reacting to the said threat and plot by the group, Mr. Aburime reminded the youths that they are both the leaders of today and tomorrow, and wondered why they should allow themselves to be used as a tool of distraction by some politicians or individuals who have no good intent for them, than just to use them to achieve their mischievous aims and dump them thereafter.

He reeled out some of the programs and the vision Governor Soludo has for the youths, some of which, he said, he had already begun to unleash, to make lives better and meaningful for them and the generation to come.

“Instead of threatening to come and dump refuse at the Government House, the youths should rally round and support the government of Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, because his administration is actually working for the betterment of their lives, to see that both the youths of this present generation and the generation to come will have something that can make life more meaningful for them,” Aburime said in a telephone interview with this reporter.

He added that, aside giving the youths various key positions in his administration, Soludo’s government is also currently training and empowering thousands of youths across the state in different vocational skills, which, he said, is a good proof that youth empowerment is part of the major focus of his administration. 

He therefore advised the youths to think twice and not allow themselves to be used against the same government that has their interest and well-being at heart.

While describing the threat by the youths as a sponsored charade by political enemies and mischief makers who want to distract or derail the Soludo Administration and the progress it is making in the state; Aburime reaffirmed that “Soludo’s government remains focused on delivering the dividends of democracy to Ndị Anambra,

and will not be distracted by any form of verbal attack, threat or such sponsored charade as this; as he is working round the clock to make life better for the people.”

On whether Governor Soludo is planning to withdraw the said comment he made on Obi, as the youth group threatened him to do before Friday; Aburime said the Governor is not ready to or planning to retract any comment, and has no single regret about what he said, as he has spoken nothing but the truth.

He reminded the public that Nigeria is a democratic setting where the constitution guarantees freedom of speech and freedom of expression, which Governor Soludo is also entitled to, and therefore deserves no such threat or attack for expressing his constitutional rights.

Aburime added that even Obi has vindicated Soludo by confirming what he said about the value of his investment in Anambra State during his tenure as a Governor of the state is correct; adding that the said comment is also verifiable.

“Soludo will never retract any statement, and he has no regret about what he said, because he has actually expressed his own opinion which is his constitutional rights, and has said nothing but the truth; and you know they say the truth is always bitter…

“Again, I want to make it clear that Peter Obi has not disagreed with what Soludo said about his investment in Anambra State as a Governor. He has also confirmed that the value of the investment has gone down, as Soludo said. And these are all verifiable. So, to that end, I don’t see the reason people should be attacking Soludo or plotting this or that against him or his government.”

When asked whether the said comment has caused any decay in Soludo’s relationship with Obi; Aburime emphatically stated that Soludo’s relationship, friendship and brotherhood with Obi still remain intact, as against what many people think; and marvelled at how people created and magnified a non-existent issue, and how they react to the said comment of the Governor.

“As long as I know, there is no issue between Governor Soludo and Peter Obi. So I wonder why people disturb themselves and go about shouting in the media, over-reacting and issuing one threat or the other over a non-existent issue they created. 

These are totally uncalled for; and the people indulging in such should have a rethink,” Aburime said.

SOLUDO CELEBRATES TEAM ANAMBRA FOR WINNING PRESIDENT'S SCHOOLS DEBATE CHAMPIONSHIP

By Christian ABURIME 

Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR has congratulated the Anambra Debate Team who won the President's Inter-senior Secondary Schools Debate Championship.

The President’s Inter-Senior Secondary Schools debate Championship is an annual debate championship organized by the Presidency through President’s Schools Debate Nigeria for all States across the country.

Governor Soludo described the success achieved by the Students as another positive narrative coming out from Anambra State, the Light of the Nation.

"We are all very proud of the team for this fantastic performance. I'm glad that as a result, they will eventually proceed to Vietnam, come 2023, to represent Nigeria at the World Schools' Debate Championship.

"Defeating all participating states in the preliminaries and facing the Nassarawa state team in the grand finale to emerge the best is worth commending.

"This is the Anambra spirit of excellence in action and I'm glad that our steady efforts in  rounded educational development in the state is gradually yielding the much desired fruits.

"I specifically celebrate the Commissioner for Education, Professor Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, her team and the debate delegation for doing the State proud", the Governor added.

"In the coming days, our newly recruited teachers will make their ways to our classrooms as part of my administration's efforts to end the era of schools without teachers across the state.

"We will continue to affirmed our resolve to improve the quality of our teachers and teaching as a basis for development. We will intensify efforts in this regard", Governor Soludo further added.