Anambra News

 How Soludo Administration Is Promoting Peace And Community Development In Anambra State By Ifeanyi Okeke The South-East states in Nigeria were abuzz with colourful celebrations and multiple social events during the 2023 Christmas season, as it is now customary in Igboland during festive periods. In Anambra state, it was more than just Christmas but a carnival of colours, enchanting rhythms, dance steps and ululations of celebrations and expressions of very rich cultural heritage across the 179 communities in the state. All these would not have been possible if not for the peace and tranquillity that has gradually returned to the state. Thanks to the hardwork and efforts of the state Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, his commissioners, aides, security agencies, traditional rulers, Presidents General, and the resilient spirit of Ndi Anambra who are heeding the Governor’s call to take back their communities. According to Miss Vera Onyia, a native of Odekpe, in Ogbaru Local Gov

 "An Overview of Soludo's January: A Glimpse into Agu-Awka" By Izuchukwu Adichie Throughout January, Soludo was involved in a range of activities, including the appointment of Prof. Charles Ononuju as MD/CEO of Anambra Solid Minerals Development Company Ltd and Chairman, Petroleum and Energy Resources Ltd, meetings with government officials, business leaders, church leaders, community members, stakeholders, traditional rulers council, and business leaders. Following his New Year message to Ndi Anambra on the 1st of January, in which he described the year as "a year of changing gear with full execution", Soludo was involved in a series of events, including a 2-day "Mid-term performance review retreat" at the ICC from the 12th to the 13th of January. The retreat was designed to enable executive members to reflect on set goals, the journey so far, the challenges faced, and the success achieved. Soludo also held four consecutive Executive Council Members m

 Anambra 2025: "Politicians who promise only one term in office cannot be trusted" By Izuchukwu Adichie Yes. No one takes politicians who are promising only one term in office seriously. They cannot be trusted. This is because we have seen cases in the past where Nigerian politicians have made such promises and failed to follow through. Such politicians are dishonest, and deceitful, and cannot be relied upon. When a politician promises to serve for only one term in Anambra state, it raises serious concerns about their motivations. It suggests that they are more concerned with their interests than the well-being of the Anambra they are supposed to serve. This is a worrying trend that we should all be aware of. For instance, during the 2021 gubernatorial elections, Chief Obaze of PDP and Mr. Tony Nwoye of APC promised to complete Obiano's second term, but they were never given a chance because the people knew they wouldn't follow through on this promise. Additionally, s

 ANAMBRA GOVERNMENT REGRETS MISTAKEN IDENTITY IN TANYA OKPALA STORY The Anambra State Government has expressed its regret and apology for the error of initially referring to the recently rescued Tanya Okpala as Jacqueline Okwueze.  It would be recalled that a few days ago, Tanya Okpala, the former Nigerian tennis champion, who was seen on the street of Awka, was widely referred to as Jacqueline Okwueze across various social media platforms.  Following public outcry to the Anambra State Government to come to her aid, she was traced and taken into custody for proper care by the State government  In its initial reference to the story, the State Government equally, wrongly referred to Tanya Okpala as Jacqueline Okwueze, following the lead from many social media publications. When it came to the attention of the Government that the true identity of the lady was Tanya Okpala, the Government immediately pulled down the publication and published the correct information which then referred to

 "Soludo the local champion" By Izuchukwu Adichie It is a fact that Soludo is a local champion, a statement that is widely accepted by Ndi Anambra. His extensive knowledge of the state and its people is undeniable, and he has an exceptional understanding of every nook and cranny of our homeland. With an extensive network of political contacts, he can easily name a person from each political ward without thinking twice. He has a comprehensive understanding of all the major and connecting roads in the state, which further proves his expertise. He belongs to the street! Soludo's commitment to promoting locally-made products is truly commendable. He truly embodies the spirit of supporting local brands, from his choice of Innoson as his official car, to wearing Akwete and using made-in-Ogbunike shoes. His dedication to showcasing the best of Anambra to the world has made him a true champion of our homeland. Without a doubt, Soludo has established himself as the most proactive

  Anambra State Government Issues Certificate of Recognition to Thirty Four Newly Elected President Generals  The Anambra State Government through the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs is currently issuing letters of recognition to the 34 recently elected President Generals of communities where successful elections took place during the Christmas and New Year Season. Commissioner Tonycollins Nwabunwanne, assisted by the commissioner for finance and the special advisor to the governor on political matters, congratulated the newly elected and returning PGs. He emphasized the importance of avoiding distractions, particularly in the realm of politics. This historic event which took place at the SSG Hall right inside the Government House of Anambra State is the first of it's kind in the history of Anambra State. Stay tuned for more details. Ekenem. The Peacemaker ✌️

 WHY ANAMBRA NEEDS A WORLD-CLASS HOTEL IN AWKA By Christian ABURIME  Anambra State Government’s strategic plan to build a 10-storey international hotel in Awka has sparked controversy in different quarters.  While some dismiss it as an unnecessary project of less priority, others understandably recognise it as a strategic investment in the state’s future.  This contributory intervention is nuanced in the proposition that building a world-class hotel in Awka is not just about luxury accommodation; it is about laying the foundation for a thriving international business hub to attract the much-needed investors and development as it is done in other parts of the world.  As a global imperative, stately hotels are stepping stones to progress in modern society. Transforming a city into an international centre of commerce and tourism requires more than just ambition. It demands a strategic approach that prioritises infrastructure and amenities that cater to a global audience and that is precis

  Anambra Govt Debunks Old Video of Soludo Banning Okada, Keke over Insecurity The attention of Anambra State Government has been drawn to a video currently trending online, purportedly showing Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, announcing security measures banning commercial motorcycle (Okada) and tricycle (Keke) operations in some LGAs of the state.  We wish to categorically state that this video is an old recording of May 26, 2022, almost two years now, being misused by mischievous elements seeking to paint a wrong picture of the current security situation in Anambra State.  The directives contained in the video were issued years ago as part of specific, time-bound measures to address temporary security challenges in certain Local Government Areas. These measures yielded significant positive results, and have since been reviewed and adjusted as the security situation has continuously improved.  To be clear, the Anambra State Government is not imposing a blanket ban on Okada, Kek

 SOLUDO: Oji Local Eme Onu! By Mazi Ejimofor Opara If there would ever be a brand Ambassador for everything Anambra, Nigeria, Africa and thriving, no one would second guess that Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR will be that person. Man is a believer that everything of high standard started with someone who believed in its growth potential.  A few examples of times when some of the local products we use in government developed glitches, prompting some of us to question why Governor Soludo wouldn’t approve that we get their foreign substitutes, he would retort with this, “you use these products because someone believed strongly enough in them to endure their shortcomings. They themselves got better from addressing these shortcomings consistently”.  He would further add that, “every foreign product or company is local to their places of origin”. Of course we would agree that if not for extreme consumerist inclinations, the word local does not have the words “fake” or “sub-standard” a

 Editorial  SOLUDO AND THE PROPOSED "10-STOREY INTERNATIONAL HOTEL IN AWKA The recent breaking of news of a proposed "10-storey international hotel in Awka" set to be built by Soludo's administration by one of our friends has generated a lot of debate, while some are questioning its priority, others maintain that it is a necessary and crucial undertaking. Building a modern international city requires strategic planning and infrastructure development to attract international investors. Such developments typically include an airport or seaport, as well as hotels of international standard to accommodate visitors. Without these facilities, it would be difficult to attract foreign investment, which is essential for economic growth and development. The success stories of cities like Abuja, Dubai, Singapore, and Rwanda attest to the importance of international hotels and airports in attracting foreign investment. For instance, the Hilton Hotel played a crucial role in the d

 Soludo lends a helping hand to Okpala, an ex-Nigerian tennis champion By Izuchukwu Adichie I recall an incident during one of our trips to Onitsha when Soludo came across a ghastly road accident at the Abba-Ukpo axis of the Enugu-Onitsha expressway. Without a second thought, he ordered his convoy to halt and personally took charge of the rescue mission. The victims were quickly transferred to the Amaku Teaching Hospital, Awka for immediate medical attention, and Soludo remained at the scene until he was satisfied that everything was under control. This act of kindness was not an isolated incident; we had witnessed Soludo's empathic side on numerous occasions. Another such instance was when he visited the Amaku Teaching Hospital, Awka on a fateful morning to see the remains of his late father, Pa Simeon Soludo. During the visit, he generously cleared the bills of the sick and needy, leaving an indelible mark of compassion and humanity on everyone's hearts. It is admirable to he

Just In:  GOVERNOR SOLUDO RESCUES TANYA OKPALA… — Orders immediate rehabilitation.  Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR. has announced that Ms. Tania Okpala, a US based Tennis player is now in the custody of the Anambra State Government. According to a post on his official social media handles, the Governor stated; “Tania Okpala(Fmr Tennis champion) is now in the custody of the Anambra State Government. She was with the Commissioner for Women Affairs when my wife spoke with her on the phone”.  Governor Soludo further assured that he has directed the immediate rehabilitation and reintegration of Ms. Okpala with her family. According to some part of the post, the Anambra State Governor noted, “My government will ensure her rehabilitation and fruitful reunion with her daughter and family”. Recall that Ms. Okpala was captured in a viral video on Social media by a good spirited member of the public on the streets. She looked distressed and unstable in the said video, prompting the quick r

 BEAUTY PAGEANT LILIAN OROGBU LIED AGAINST PRESIDENT TINUBU OVER CHRISTMAS PALLIATIVE ~~AFAM OGBAJI, MEDIA AID By Izuchukwu Adichie The truth cannot be hidden forever. Lilian Orogbu, a supposed "Beauty-pageant" turned "Federal Lawmaker" representing Awka North and South, needs to be held accountable for her actions. It's time to address her abysmal performance and lack of effective representation at the 10th Assembly, which has been brought to light due to her neglect and abandonment of the vulnerable, elders, women, and the weak among her constituents during the Christmas period. President Tinubu had released a rice palliative for Nigerian households during the 2023 Christmas period through the Federal Lawmakers, but the allocation of Awka North and South was successfully diverted into personal use by their Representative, Lilian Orogbu. Despite this fact, Mrs. Orogbu made it known to the world and Nigerians through her official media communication and director

 SOLUDO: A SHINING EXAMPLE OF AN ACTIVE GOVERNOR, A HEALTHY STATE. By Izuchukwu Adichie During one of our conversations, Soludo shared with me an interesting fact about his health - he hasn't been sick or taken any medication in the past 30 years. I was curious to know how he managed to achieve such a feat. He explained that he follows a strict dietary regimen, consuming only healthy foods. He also engages in regular physical activities such as cycling, boxing, playing football, and gym workouts. Furthermore, he keeps himself mentally active by reading and writing extensively, dancing, and jogging. His dedication to a healthy lifestyle has resulted in him being physically and mentally fit, and a worthy Ambassador of Healthy Living With Nonye Soludo. No wonder, ndi Anambra takes pride in having Soludo as a governor who actively advocates for the benefits of sports, fitness, and physical activity, and inspires all the people, including the appointees to adopt a healthy lifestyle. He

 "Soludo is leapfrogging Anambra as the next tech hub in Nigeria" By Izuchukwu Adichie Indicators have shown that Soludo has established himself as a trailblazer in the fourth industrial tech hub development in Nigeria, with Anambra state becoming a key player in this sector. Upon his assumption of office, Soludo made clear his intentions to leverage technology and digital innovation to advance the state's digital landscape. To this end, he established the Anambra State ICT Agency responsible for advancing the state into a technology landscape and the Solution Innovation District (SID), an incubator hub designed to foster technology and innovation-driven enterprises amongst the youth. Within the short period of 22 months in office, Soludo's administration has achieved several milestones in digital technology development, including the full implementation of the Zero Right of Way (RoW) policy, the establishment of an Internet Exchange Point, and the use of technology i

 Tears in opposition as Ndi Anambra showers praise on Soludo By Izuchukwu Adichie The recent display of tears and confusion from opposition members at the shower of praises heaped on Soludo by the Anambra traditional rulers is indicative of the high level of acceptance he enjoys among Ndi Anambra. However, it is pitiful that some desperate politicians have misconstrued this acceptance and Soludo's impressive record of good governance within 22 months, as a threat to their active participation in Anambra political space in the future. Certainly! Soludo track record of transformation and commitment to improving the welfare of ndi Anambra has earned him widespread popularity that cannot be easily undermined. Even those who are currently stirring up the political scene will ultimately join forces to support his re-election. This is due to the recognition of his compassionate leadership style and his success in implementing effective policies that have driven the state toward its goal o

 GOVERNOR SOLUDO MOURNS THE PASSING OF HIS SPECIAL ADVISER ON LEGISLATIVE / STATE ASSEMBLY MATTERS AND FORMER HOUSE SPEAKER, RT HON ANAYO NNEBE The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has received with shock and grief the news of the death of Rt. Hon. Anayo Nnebe, a former Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly and currently a Special Adviser on Legislative /State Assembly Matters to the governor. He passed away today, January 24, 2024 after a brief illness. Rt Hon. Nnebe was a distinguished son of Anambra State, a patriotic Nigerian, who served the state with honour, integrity, and excellence.  He was a visionary leader, a brilliant legislator, and a passionate advocate for the welfare and development of his people and Anambra State. He was a man of peace, wisdom, and compassion. The governor has lost a trusted ally, a dependable colleague, and a dear brother in the former Speaker.  His death is also a huge blow to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (A

 "Opposition parties in Anambra: In Need of Strategic Help" By Izuchukwu Adichie Opposition parties in Anambra state are having a "bad night", they are in dire need of strategic help. It is evident that they lack a clear understanding of their roles as opposition parties, and are failing to carry out their tough tasks effectively. However, they need an intensive three-month retreat to better understand their roles if they want to remain active after Soludo's second term in office, they must be credible, factual, passionate, and not completely desperate, selfish, and lousy. The recent events surrounding the suspension of Igwe Damian Ezeani of Neni and others, now reinstated over the reckless conferment of Chieftaincy titles to non-indigenes who haven't even contributed to the development of their communities, have exposed the politicians of opposition parties as completely desperate and promoters of lawlessness in the state. However, the solidarity visit by O

 PRESS STATEMENT MEETING OF GOVERNOR CHARLES CHUKWUMA SOLUDO, CFR, WITH TRADITIONAL RULERS OF ANAMBRA STATE. HELD ON THE 23RD OF JANUARY, 2024. The meeting of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers was convened by Mr Governor to meet with the Traditional Rulers as part of a consultative meeting with stakeholders to review progress. This is part of the line up of events in the new year which began with a retreat of members of the State Executive Council, followed by engagements with Ndi Anambra in Lagos and the Consular-General of the US Embassy.  About 94 Traditional Rulers were in attendance despite the short notice. At the meeting, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, CFR, in his opening remark strongly reaffirmed the unalloyed solidarity and support of the Traditional Rulers for the government of Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, and assured the government that the Traditional Rulers stand ready to partner with the government in all its efforts to transform Anambra i

 “Ifeanyi Ubah and his ultra-modern noise making” By Izuchukwu Adichie It is another election season in Anambra. It is another season for Senator Ubah, whom ex-governor Obiano described as a noise-maker to amplify his noise-making. If he didn't make noise to get started, who will? Of course, he will. Ubah was recently de-titled by some communities where he collected night chieftaincy titles during the festive season and ever since then, he has not been himself. I would advise Ubah to stay defeated and get ready to work for Soludo’s re-election whenever he decides to contest. It is Ubah’s act to call for debate among political opponents whenever he feels defeated, but to challenge Soludo in a live debate is a joke taken too far. I don't know what they will debate, maybe, he would use the avenue to re-assure Soludo of his willingness to campaign and work for him pro bono, standing on his words in Abuja where he publicly declared that Soludo is God’s best blessing to Anambra and s