NIGERIAN NOTCH

The Nigeria Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Council, (NENYLC), on Friday, hailed the Federal Government for its action which has given a beacon of hope to the Ajaokuta Steel Company.  The umbrella youths organisation also saluted what they called the doggedness of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, chairman senate committee on local content, who has relentlessly championed the revitalization of the Federal Government-owned company.  It could be recalled that the Senator announced that the planned revitalisation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company plants would kick-off in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025. This came after Shuaibu Audu, minister of steel development, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the builders of the Ajaokuta steel plant, Messrs Tyazhpromexport (TPE), for the rehabilitation, completion, and operation of the plant and the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO). According to Senator Natasha, “I would like to give credit to the president, wh...

By  Mazi Ejimofor Opara  In a move that has brought immense relief and joy to the students, staff, and management of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Uli Campus, Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has intervened to restore electricity to the institution after a 21-year blackout. The Governor's transformative leadership was on full display as he embarked on a working visit to the campus, where he interacted with the university community, listening to their challenges and concerns. The visit was a clear demonstration of Governor Soludo's commitment to providing a conducive learning environment that fosters growth, innovation, and excellence. The 21-year electricity drought had taken a severe toll on the institution, hindering academic and research activities, and subjecting students and staff to untold hardships. However, with Governor Soludo's intervention, the narrative is set to change. During his visit, the Governor directed the Commissioner fo...

RAYMOND OZOJI reports The Anambra State Chapter of the Ohaneze-Ndigbo Worldwide has announced the conferment of Best President-General On Infrastructural Projects Award on the President-General of Umueri community in Anambra-East Local Government Area, Amb. Dr. John Metchie.  The award ceremony which would be held on 14th December this year at King David Hotel Awka, would be bestowed on him in recognition of his outstanding achievements as the President-General of Umueri community especially in deploying his personal resources to build a multimillion naira ultramodern joint security post for the military, police and other security agencies to curb security breaches in Umueri community.  Apart from security, Metchie has also touched lives through programmes and projects in education, health, agriculture, infrastructure and a host of other sectors; ensuring access to good life for his people.  His sterling performance as Umueri PG also earned him the prestigious...

The Anambra State Government has clarified that the installation of solar street lights across Awka metropolis was not approved at the last Anambra State Executive Council Meeting. According to a press statement released by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, the council debated the memo on the installation of solar-powered street lights and resolved that the unit cost was too high and should be reviewed downward. The memo was stepped down and rescheduled for re-presentation at the next ANSEC meeting, where all specifications would be available. The government regretted the mistake in the last release, which stated that the street light project had been awarded, and assured the public that they would be updated when a decision is eventually taken on the matter. It's worth noting that while the project has not been approved, the Anambra State Government had previously approved a contract worth N1.01 billion for the installation of 1,130 solar-powered streetl...

Chief Akai Egwuonwu, a renowned entrepreneur, philanthropist and politician, has declared his interest to run for the Anambra South Senatorial bye-election to replace Late Senator Dr Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, whose death created a vacuum in the representation of the district.  Egwuonwu, who is also the Managing Director of Zara Stores, Anambra Rice amongst other business concerns believes he is best suited to tackle the insecurity challenges facing the district if given a chance at the seat because he was privileged to have worked with Senator Ubah in depolying the security gadgets, during the Secure and Light Up Anambra South District project of the late Senator.  Egwuonwu's declaration is seen as a significant development in the upcoming bye-election, which is expected to be keenly contested by politicians in the district. The Anambra South Senatorial District has been without a representative in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly since the passing of Senator P...

A Renowned philanthropist and frontline APGA aspirant for the Anambra South Senatorial District seat, Chief (Dr) Ebuka Onunkwo, has tasked Anambra youths to prioritize self-development and skill acquisition. Speaking at the second edition of the Anambra Youth Conference, held at the international conference centre, Awka, Chief Onunkwo emphasized the importance of hard work, self-belief, and determination in achieving success. Chief Onunkwo commended Anambra youths for their participation in the activities of the solution government and encouraged them to contribute meaningfully to building the state of their dreams. He announced a donation of ₦10 million scholarship fund to cover school fees for academically gifted but underprivileged youths. Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, also spoke at the event, challenging the youths to take an active role in addressing societal challenges. He highlighted the "One Youth Two Skills" empowerment progra...

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 ...