Nri Elects Chief Romanus Okafor As President General Of Nri Progressive Union

By Ejike Abana

In a historic moment for the ancient kingdom of Nri, Anaocha Council Area, the General Election has come to a close, with the people electing Chief Romanus Okafor as the new President General of Nri Progressive Union, NPU.

The process has been grinding, with a long list of candidates vying for various posts at the Nri Unity Hall.

This marks the twelfth Presidential General Election since the Union, and it has been another significant demonstration of the voting power of ndị Nri as they braved the long tiring process to vote for their favoured candidates.

At the Nri General Assembly, shortly before stepping down, the outgoing executives, led by the President General, Chief Kevin Obaegbunam, called for ratification of Chief Sylvester Odogwu and Uzoegbu Godwin as Chairman and Secretary of the Electoral Panel.

Chairmen of the respective villages in Nri submitted one name each, to serve as members of the electoral panel.

The villages including Agbadana, Diodo, Ekwenanyika, Obeagu, Uruofolo and Uruoji later took turns to cast votes for the positions of President General, Vice President General, Secretary General and Assistant Secretary General in a secret ballot system.

Other positions of Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Publicity Secretary and Protocol and Welfare Officer were zoned out.

As the votes were counted, tension and anticipation grew. Finally, the results were announced, and Chief Moses Enujiugha polled a total of five hundred and fifty eight votes, conceding to Chief Okafor who scored five hundred and seventy-three votes to emerge winner.

The crowds gathered to cheer the new leader, whose first message was one of peace, unity and inclusiveness.

The new President General, Chief Okafor expressed gratitude to the people, the electoral panel, and the other candidates for participating in the democratic process, promising to work hard to meet the enormous expectations of ndị Nri who had elected him and to bring change and prosperity to the Community.

The former President General of NPU, Chief Obaegbunam who enumerated their achievements in office, voiced his hopes that the new administration will deliver on its promises of progress and development for all, adding that the new leadership of NPU now has a critical task to bring the community together and to provide the much-needed leadership to take the community to greater heights.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr. Tony-Collins Nawbunwanne represented by Chief Mike Okechukwu who played observatory roles in the election, revealed that the interest of government is for peace and progress to reign in all Anambra Communities and tasked the new executives on working for the good of ndị Nri in particular and Anambra state in general.

According to Barr. Chukwuemeka Oli, as all fingers are crossed on what to expect from the freshly elected leadership, the people of Nri are ready to rally behind the new President-General as the Community enters a new dawn for their future.

Chief Chibuzo Oli also polled a total of seven hundred and fifty seven votes to emerge Vice President of NPU, while Mr. Maduakonam Amaechina emerged as Secretary General of NPU.

Anambra State Government Receives Donation of Brand New Innoson Security Vehicles

By Ejike Abana

In a move aimed at enhancing security in Anambra State, the state government has taken delivery of ten brand new units of Innoson vehicles.

The vehicles which are fully equipped with security gadgets such as sirens, public address systems, and radio communication were delivered by the Anambra Security Trust Fund at the Government House, Awka.

The Chairman, Board of Trustees, Anambra State Security Trust Fund, Chief Chidi Anyaegbu performed the handover of the vehicles which were received by the Commissioner for Homeland Affairs, Chief Chikodi Anara, flanked by Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Air Vice Marshal Ben Chiobi (Rtd). 

Also handed over were refurbished security vehicles and armoured personnel carrier as well as ten bedroom bungalow mechanic residences.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Chief Anyaegbu appreciated Governor Soludo for the support and encouragement, explaining that the donation is the first batch out of the proposed one hundred units to be supplied to officers of Anambra Vigilante Group in all nooks and crannies of the state.

Chief Anyaegbu expressed trust in AVG to intensify efforts in doing their job, appreciating the members of the public who donated generously to the Trust Fund.

He noted that such donations have contributed in aiding the security work in the state and encouraged them to do more, to entrench enhanced security in the homeland.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the state government, the Commissioner for Homeland Affairs, Chief Anara recalled that prior to the advent of the Governor Chukwuma Soludo administration, seven local government areas in the South and one in the North Senatorial Zone of the state were under siege by hoodlums, stressing that due to architecture put in place by the present administration, the situation has witnessed tremendous improvement.

While assuring that the vehicles will be used to boost their security patrols and respond to emergencies, Chief Anara expressed gratitude for the gesture, adding that security will always remain a top priority for the Soludo-led government.

Recall that the state government has invested heavily in security infrastructure and training of security personnel to combat crime.

The donation of the security vehicles has received widespread appreciation from citizens and stakeholders, who have hailed it as a significant step towards enhancing security in the state.

The Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Felix Odimegwu as well as the Executive Secretary of the Fund, Mr. Daniel-Scott Ofoneme were also present at the hand over ceremony.

UNIZIK Honours Soludo's Press Secretary, Aburime, Lauds Him For Being Innovative

By Ejike Abana

The Press Secretary to Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, Mr. Christian Aburime has been honoured with an award of honour in recognition of his remarkable contribution to the growth and development of the Anambra state and the society at large.

The award was given in a ceremony held at the Faculty of Education of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, which was attended by top government officials, media representatives and friends.

The award of honour was in recognition of his immense contribution towards education and humanity.

According to the organizers of the event, led by the ESAN Chief of Staff, Comrade Anthony Icheku, the award is given to recognise the brilliance, innovation and dedication of the Press Secretary who have shown exceptional performance in his line of duty and have contributed significantly to the growth and development of the society.

Comrade Icheku, during the award ceremony, thanked the press secretary for his hard work and unwavering commitment to the objectives of the government, noting that the state has witnessed tremendous progress under Governor Soludo's leadership, and the role of the press secretary in disseminating information to the public cannot be overemphasised.

The Press Secretary, while receiving the award, expressed appreciation and gratitude to the Governor and the organisers of the event.

He noted that the award will serve as a motivation to continue to work hard and strive for excellence in the discharge of his duties.

Mr. Aburime further pledged to continue to work towards promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in the state through effective communication with the public.

The award ceremony was filled with congratulatory messages and accolades for the Press Secretary, who is widely regarded as a hardworking and diligent professional who has contributed significantly to the growth of the media industry in the state.

The award of honour to the Press Secretary is a testament to his remarkable contributions to the growth and development of the state, and it is hoped that it will inspire more people to work hard and contribute their quota to the growth of their respective communities.

ASMATA Inaugurates Aguleri Timber Dealers And Building Material Accessories Association

By Esther Asoanya

The newly constituted caretaker committee of Aguleri Timber Dealers and Building Materials Accessories Association has been inaugurated and adopted into the Anambra State Amalgamated Traders Association ASMATA.

The President General ASMATA, Chief Humphrey Anuna performed the function.

While addressing the caretaker committee members, Chief Anuna enjoined them to unite and work with one voice in order to surmount challenges that may come their way.

He commended them for their ability to coordinate themselves and come up with the idea of being part of the market union, saying that it will give them the opportunity to draw government attention to their market, as well as other benefits from the government.

The President General asked them to place God first in all they do and reminded them of the need to carry all their members along in the scheme of things.

In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the caretaker committee, Chief Kingsley Obadiegwu while thanking the ASMATA President General and his members for accepting them promised to abide by the rules guiding the association.

He spoke on the challenges they face in the market which prompted the idea of joining the Association and expressed hope that with the new step and ASMATA presence in their market, there will be peace and orderliness in their market.

Others who spoke at the inauguration include, the Oyi Zonal Chairman of ASMATA, Mr Peter Nwankwo and the Secretary, Aguleri Timber Dealers and Building Material Accessories Association, Mr Boniface Okagbue.

The Chairman Board of Trustee of the Association ..Chief udoba Anaekwe, expressed joy on their new status as members of Anambra State Amalgamated Traders Association, and promised to contribute their quota in the movement to better markets in the State.

FG Set To Revamp Steel Sector, Overhaul MTI, Onitsha

By Ejike Abana

The Federal Government is set to revamp Nigeria's steel sector to enhance the economy, create employment opportunities and speed towards industrialization. 

Nigeria's Minister of State for Steel, Uba Maigari Ahmadu stated this during an official visit to Anambra State.

During the visit, the Minister paid a familiarisation visit to Governor Chukwuma Soludo at the Governor's Lodge, Amawbia. 

The Minister said he takes pride Governor Soludo and recognizes Anambra as a cluster of industrial development in the country and extended a hand of fellowship to the State government.

Recieving the Minister, Governor Soludo commended the present administration for putting their hands on what is important, expressing optimism that the present government will put things in place to unleash the great potentials of the country.

The Minister was earlier conducted round facilities at the Metallurgical Training Institute, MTI, Onitsha where he decried the mad rush for certificates among young Nigerians and expressed optimism that the state government would help scale up interest in skill acquisition and liaise with the institute, as a way to eradicate poverty.

He revealed that it was the first facility tour the Ministry was embarking under his watch, saying that the visit was a result of carefully planned agenda.

He added that the present administration is passionate about the steel sector and assured that MTI, Onitsha would get serious attention under the leadership of President Tinubu while thinking outside the box within their limited resources.

Earlier, the Director and Chief Executive, MTI, Onitsha, Mr. Bode Fakuade, solicited for increased government attention towards the Institute by way of putting more infrastructure as well as funding, saying that it will go a long way to impact skills on the young people thereby solving restiveness.

The Minister was also received at Innoson Motors, Nnewi by the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma who expressed readiness to support the federal government's drive to reposition the sector.

The Minister and his entourage also paid a courtesy call on the Traditional ruler of Obosi, Igwe Chidubem Iweka.

Anambra Judiciary: Senior Magistrate Excel At Justitia Awards, Austria

By Ejike Abana

A Senior Magistrate in Anambra State Judiciary, Neni Division, His Worship Ifeyinwa Nasiah Okoye has made Anambra State proud as she was celebrated as a "Game Changer" in the Legal profession, in far away, Vienna, Austria.

The Justitia Awards to the Magistrate is a cheering news to the State as she emerged tops on the global stage.

She was one of the five shortlisted nominees for the Justitia Awards during the Women in Law conference held in September, 2023.

Periodically, the Justitia Awards receives participants and competitive entries from all over the world.

Out of the four other outstanding female legal Practitioners shortlisted under that category including; Jalila Haider (Pakistan), Joyce Williams (USA), Leah Moletseli (South Africa) and Mehwish Muhib Kakakhel (Pakistan), Senior Magistrate Ifeyinwa Nasiah Okoye became the only Nigerian so recognized.

In addition, recall that in 2022, The BBC service conducted an inspirational story of resilience on Magistrate Okoye who despite being physically challenged and walks with the aid of crutches, has gone ahead to defy many challenges to fulfill her dream of being a voice for the voiceless.

This she had variously demonstrated through her service in the temple of Justice.

She has no doubt achieved many firsts for her state and we are proud of her.

Indeed, His Worship Ifeyinwa Nasiah Okoye, deserves commendation and handshake with the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, the Chief Judge of Anambra state, Hon. Justice Onochie Anyachebelu and the good people of Anambra State for this feat.

For details of the award and more, visit:

https://www.womeninlawconference.at/justitia-awards-2023/

https://youtu.be/Q00vqK8z6Lo?si=0wvTWYvNFHNes_v2

https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewspidgin/videos/624787468639390/?app=fbl

Soludo Bags Trailblazer Governor Of The Year Award

By Ejike Abana

In a stunning recognition of his contribution towards the state's development, especially in the area of digital technology, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has been awarded the prestigious Govtech Trailblazer's Governor of the year.

The award by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms of the Presidency is in recognition of the Governor's exemplary leadership in advancing Digital Governance.

The ceremony was held at the International Convention Centre, Abuja.

The award comes as a striking recognition of Governor Soludo's leadership in using technology to transform the state's governance, public services, and public safety.

The Governor's skillful use of technology is helping the state quickly move to remote work and online service delivery, minimizing disruptions to public services while keeping state employees safe.

Moreover, Governor Soludo's innovative programs have helped increase access to healthcare and education.

From online doctor consultations and telemedicine to distance learning, the Governor has leveraged technology to provide access to essential services that were previously out of reach for many residents before his advent.

The Governor's focus on using technology to increase public safety has been commendable, as well. He has facilitated the development of tracking systems for first responders, helped to implement a public safety app, and improved communication systems for emergency response teams. These tools have improved response times, increased situational awareness, and helped save countless lives.

According to the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr. Tony-Collins Nawbunwanne who received the award onbehalf of the Governor, Professor Soludo's effective use of technology to increase government transparency and accountability has been one of his most visible milestones.

The Commissioner pointed out that the Governor has implemented an open data initiative to provide citizens access to data about state government activities, finances, and statistics; an effort that has helped increase public trust in state governance, and citizens are more engaged in decision-making.

Governor Soludo's tireless efforts to use technology to transform governance, public services, and public safety deserve the highest recognition.

Indeed, the Governor of the Year award is a testament to his vision, dedication, and commitment to the state's development.