NIGERIAN NOTCH

Anambra State Government has taken proactive steps to strengthen security in Abatete, Idemili North Local Government Area, following the November 18 attack on vigilantes by gunmen enforcing the Monday sit-at-home. A delegation led by the Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, AVM Ben Chiobi (Rtd), visited Abatete to commiserate with the people. Dr. Mefor, who is also an indigene of the town, consoled the people and prayed for the quick recovery of the town's president general, Chief Ezebinobi Chimame Ezigbo, who was injured during the attack. The government has pledged to work with the people to restore security and has suggested measures such as installing CCTV cameras to improve security in the area. The leadership of Abatete has assured the government of their cooperation and has called for assistance in burying the dead and covering medical expenses for the injured. The Igwe-in-Council has also...

Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, has commended Governor Soludo's efforts in reviving the state's economy through the Chinụa Achebe International Cargo and Passenger Airport, Umueri. During his visit to the airport, Mefor praised the airport's Managing Director, Martins Nwafor, for his efforts in ensuring the airport's efficient operation. The airport has recorded impressive achievements, with 400,000 passengers in 7,000 flights over 2-3 years without night flights. Mefor assured the airport of the Soludo government's continued support, announcing plans to construct a VIP lounge in a matter of weeks. This development is expected to enhance the airport's facilities and provide a better experience for passengers. Mefor emphasized the importance of the airport in the state's economic development, citing its potential to transform Anambra into a destination for investors and tourists. The airport plays a crucial role in the A...

Imo state is poised to produce the next president of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, a prominent Igbo socio-cultural organization in the country.  This development was confirmed by Chief Damian Okeke Ogene, the Vice President General of the organization from Anambra State. According to Okeke-Ogene, the position of the president is zoned to Imo State, following the death of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who did not complete his tenure. While fielding questions from newsmen in Awka the state capital, he said that the leadership structure and election process for any position within Ohanaeze Ndigbo are clearly specified in the organization's constitution. Okeke-Ogene assured that Ohaneze Ndi Igbo remains intact and undivided, with no leadership crisis, despite Chief Iwuanyanwu's passing, creating a significant vacuum. The organization is now waiting for the Imo State chapter of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo to elect or appoint a replacement for the Ime-Obi, the highest decision-making body...

The Anambra State Police Command has dealt a significant blow to criminal elements in the state, demobilizing one secessionist group member and rescuing victims of kidnapping. In a press release made available to newsmen in Awka, the Anambra state Police Public Relations Officer SP Tochukwu Ikenga said that "on November 29, 2024, police operatives attached to a VIP in the state resisted an attack by armed men operating in a grey-coloured Lexus ES 330 and an ash-coloured Toyota Highlander along Agulu/Nnobi road." Continuing he said that during the gun duel, the swift response by the Joint Security Team led by the Divisional Police Officer Neni, Anaocha Local Government Area, forced the armed men to abandon their vehicle and flee the scene with bullet wounds. The police however recovered one pump action gun, five live cartridges, five machetes, two SUV jeeps, and two pairs of desert shoes. In another development, the Joint Security Team responded to a distress call ...

 Mazi Ejimofor Opara  Anambra State has taken a giant leap into the future of innovation, courtesy of a novel partnership with Meta, a technology company that builds platforms to connect people, find communities, and grow businesses. This exciting collaboration was formally launched at the inaugural Anambra Innovation Week, where Meta was proudly represented by Sade Dada, Meta Africa's Connectivity and Innovation Policy Manager. This strategic partnership underscores Anambra State's commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. By joining forces with Meta, the state aims to leverage cutting-edge technology and expertise to drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve the overall quality of life for its citizens. The Anambra Innovation Week, a week-long celebration of innovation and technology, provides a unique platform for startups, entrepreneurs, and innovators to showcase their ideas, connect with investors, and access valuable resourc...

A joint security force comprising the police and AVG has arrested a couple, Mr. Okoye Kingsley (36) and Mrs. Chidinma Okoye (27), in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State. The couple was arrested on November 29, 2024, for allegedly sending threatening messages to people, demanding ransom, and threatening abduction or murder. The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed that the couple confessed to the crime and admitted to destroying some of the SIM cards used to commiting the crimes. The police also recovered phones and SIM cards from the couple. However, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, has directed the immediate transfer of the case to the Anti-Kidnapping/Robbery Squad for comprehensive investigations. The accused persons will be charged to court on conclusion of the investigations. In a related development, the police command is investigating a recent voice note regarding a security report, in which a victim escaped abduction ...

The Anambra State Government, through the Solution Innovation District, has taken a giant leap in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the state. At the recently concluded one week Anambra Innovation Week 2024, 100 startups were awarded N1 million each, totaling N100 million. This was however done in conjunction with Meta, and UNDP.  According to Ms. Chinwe Okoli, Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation, the state government's drive is to make innovation and business startups the driving force of the economy. "We want to create an ecosystem that supports innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation," she stated. The Anambra Innovation Week has been a huge success, and the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Lawrence Mefor, couldn't be more thrilled as he was empathic that the innovation week has impacted positively on Ndi Anambra. He believes that the innovation and business solutions brought forth by the state governm...

The youth wing of the Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide on Thursday expressed its support for the rotation of the Office of the President General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, as provided in its constitution. Following the demise of the late President General of the group, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who hailed from Imo State, there have been internal wranglings among some of the ranks, hence the need for the youth group to voice their stand. The acting National Youth Leader of the Ohaneze Ndigbo, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, who addressed journalists after the 57th National Executive Committee of the group held in Enugu, regretted what he called the perceived rascality by some members of National Executive Committee, NEC of the pro-Igbo group. These NEC members he noted, have tilted contrary to the provisions of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Constitution on its leadership, and tend to drift Ohanaeze Ndigbo into a leadership crisis. Okpalaezeukwu called on the Statutory Members of Ime...

The burial ceremony of Mrs. Anthonia Ogonna Onwusika, which took place recentlyat Oba, was attended by a multitude of dignitaries and well-wishers. Among the notable personalities who stormed the event were Igbo music icon, Gozie Okeke, representatives from Ubahnation Media, and members of the Ikemba Front. Gozie Okeke, known for his soul-stirring music, was spotted paying his last respects to the deceased. His presence added a touch of elegance to the ceremony, as he mingled with other mourners and offered words of condolence to the bereaved family. Okeke's attendance was a testament to the high esteem in which Mrs. Onwusika was held. Ubahnation Media, a renowned media outfit, was also represented at the burial ceremony. The team, known for their exceptional coverage of events, was on hand to provide live updates and reports on the proceedings. Their presence helped to amplify the event, ensuring that the life and legacy of Mrs. Onwusika were celebrated far...

.....Calls on Ndigbo to never forget their culture The ancient town of Oraifite recently came alive with the celebration of the New Yam Festival by Ogbuefi Ugochukwu Nnajiofor " Man Pass Man", a significant cultural event in the Igbo calendar. The festival, which symbolizes the harvesting of new yams, was marked with great fanfare, music, and traditional dances. At the heart of the celebration was Ugochukwu Nnajiofor "Man Pass Man" , a traditional healer known for his philanthropic activities and commitment to promoting Igbo culture. Ogbuefi Ugochukwu"Man Pass Man" with his followers, friends and well wishers , clad in their traditional attire, gathered at his Oraifite country home to mark the occasion. One of the highlights of the festival was the presence of Awka Okukotiwarati, a renowned traditional healer from Oba, in Idemili South, Anambra State. Awka Okuko's performance added a new dimension to the celebration, showcasing the rich cul...

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has said that the National Assembly did the right thing, by inviting tax experts into the chambers to brief lawmakers on the nitty-gritty of the proposed tax reform bill. He also stated that after listening to the professionals, lawmakers and even members of the public, who watched the submissions of the experts, would have seen the need for the bill to be supported. Akpabio spoke while receiving in courtesy, the leadership of the  Association of Nigeria Delta Monarchs of Nigeria (ANDMON), led by His Royal Majesty, Captain Okurakpot in his office on Wednesday. A statement by the Special Assistant to the President of the Senate on Media, Mr Jackson Udom, quoted  Akpabio saying during the visit," we had some contentious bills that the public seem not to understand. We felt we can't go into them unless we do proper education of the people. I want to thank the Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau,  who presided ov...

It was all joy and celebration on Sunday, November 17, 2024, as the parish and parishioners of St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, Ihiala, in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, as the Catholic community marked annual feast day of their patron saint in pump and pageantry. The feast day was marked on the 11th day of every November, popularly known as 11:11. The parish shifted the 2024 feast day to Sunday, November 17, as the 11th of November fell on Monday. The Holy Mass to mark the feast day was concelebrated by priests of the Congregasio Satissimi Redemptio (CSSR), including Very Rev. Fr. Michael Emerue, the Vice Provincial Superior of the Redemptorist Vice Province of Nigeria; Fr. Kingsley Ebhogaghe, the Chancellor and Secretary of the Redemptorist Vice Province of Nigeria; Fr. Hyacinth Agomuoh, Parish Priest of St. Martin of Tours Parish, Ihiala; as well as Frs Alex Nwadozie and Stephen Okechukwu, Associate Parish Priests. In his homily during the...

The Igbo Union Yorkshire (IUY) in the United Kingdom is gearing up for a new era of leadership as Dr. Emmanuel Nwofe, the newly elected President, prepares to take the reins of office. Dr. Nwofe's inauguration is scheduled to take place during the IUY's End of Year Celebrations on Saturday, December 14, 2024. The election, which took place on Sunday, November 24, 2024, saw Dr. Nwofe emerge victorious, alongside other executive-elect who will form the new administration. The executives-elect were issued with their respective Certificates of Return on the same day, marking the official beginning of their tenure.  The incoming administration is composed of dedicated individuals who are passionate about serving the IUY community. The executive-elect include Mazi Gabriel Ajoku as Vice President, Mr. Ifeanyi Madu as General Secretary, and Mr. Emeka Ibeh as Financial Secretary,Secretary, Mr Ifeanyi Madu, The Assistant PRO-elect, Mazi Chukwuanu Sunday Okagbue, A...

In a dramatic turn of events, a Nigerian based NGO, YOHESOR  has raised several questions regarding the drama concerning the iilegal sack of Professor Benard Odoh as the Vice Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University. Other matters raised by the NGO include the sacking of the properly constituted Governing Council led by Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe as well as the credibility of the current Registrar of the Federal University of Gusau who it accused of doing a hatchet job. YOHESOR argued that the situation Professor Bernard Odoh found himself was merely the creation of a conspiracy himself that stretches beyond academic boundaries into the realm of political intrigue and institutional manipulation. On the allegations raised by the registrar of FUGUS claiming that he, (Odoh's)employment and professorial appointment were fraudulent. The NGO suggested that owing to the documents available to it, these accusations are being met with strong pushback from former university offic...

***Urges China to Increase Aid Flows to Nigeria President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has appealed to the Chinese government to increase aid flows to Africa and particularly to Nigeria. Akpabio made the appeal on Tuesday while playing host to a Chinese delegation led by the Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress(NPC) of China, Zhang Qingwei. Akpabio described Qingwei's first ever visit to Africa as a historic occasion that resonated with promise and possibility. The Senate President told Qingwei: "While China's trade relations with Africa have continued to grow, I want to seize the opportunity offered by your visit to call on the Chinese government to increase aid flows to Nigeria. "This is particularly important as the pledge of the Chinese government to Africa in the 2024 FOCAC (Forum on China and Africa Cooperation) showed a declining trend compared to the US$60 billion pledged in 2015. "As we gaze into th...

.....As Tinubu Directs for others to be reactivated President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on the successful revitalization of the Port Harcourt refinery. The refinery's revitalization, marked by the official commencement of petroleum product loading on November 26, 2024, is a significant milestone in Nigeria's quest for energy sufficiency.¹ President Tinubu acknowledged the crucial role played by former President Muhammadu Buhari in initiating the comprehensive rehabilitation of Nigeria's refineries. He also expressed gratitude to the African Export-Import Bank for its confidence in financing this critical project. The President commended the leadership of NNPC Limited's Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mele Kyari, for his dedication and commitment to overcoming challenges and achieving this milestone. With the successful revival of the Port Harcourt refinery, President Tinubu has urged NNPC Limited ...

......Pays their last respect to a fallen hero Afam Ezenwafor, Founder of Afamation Movement in company of his members, on Saturday 23 November 2024 paid a condolence visit to the family of late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who was intered on November 22, 2024 in his country home.  Ezenwafor, a close friend and associate of the late senator, described him as a goal getter and a man of great vision. During the visit, Ezenwafor expressed his deepest condolences to the Ubah family, particularly the wife and children of the late senator. He reminisced about the good times he shared with Senator Ubah, highlighting his exceptional leadership qualities and unwavering commitment to the development of Nigeria. Ezenwafor praised Senator Ubah's remarkable achievements in business, politics, and philanthropy, noting that his legacy would continue to inspire and motivate Nigerians. He emphasized that the late senator's impact on the lives of those around him would never be forgotten. A...

The recent unfounded allegations by the Registrar of the Federal University Gusau against Professor Bernard Odoh have left a sour taste in the mouths of many Nigerians who hold the academic integrity of our institutions dear. It is both shocking and disheartening that a high-ranking official of a federal university would make such incendiary claims without due regard for truth, justice, or the damaging ripple effects on the Nigerian educational system. As a concerned non-governmental organization dedicated to the intricate affairs of our dear nation, we at Youth Health and Social Reforms, YOHESOR-NGO are deeply troubled by the recent statements made by the Registrar alleging that the appointment and employment of Professor Odoh were products of fraudulent arrangements with the former Vice-Chancellor of the institution. These allegations are not only baseless but constitute a direct affront to the integrity of Nigerian higher education and the reputation of the university in...