* Arrangements have been perfected for Onitsha Correctional Centre to be used as centre for Open University come January next year sequel to its upliftment by the Open Air University personnel who on oversight of the facilities endorsed it as a centre sequel to its high standard of equipments.
The Chaplain of St Maximilian Kolbe Chaplaincy Onitsha, Rev.Fr. Bathlomeo Okpalugo, made this known at the Correctional Centre shortly after a special Concelebrated Mass by the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, His Grace, Most Rev Dr Valerian Okeke with the inmates to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.
According to Fr. Okpalugo, the Open Air University officials on inspection of the facilities at the Onitsha Correctional Centre, confirmed that none of the Correctional Centres in Nigeria has acquired the kind of structures that are in Onitsha centre with the ultra modern skill acquisition structure built by the Archbishop.
* No fewer than 20 couples received the sacrament of matrimony in a mass wedding celebration sponsored by Noble Lady Chinwe Mgbajiaka, the Supreme Subordinate Auxiliary President of the Knights of St John International, Nigeria, at St Mary’s Parish Nimo
The mass wedding which saw couples also from neighboring parishes and towns like Abagana, was one of a kind.
The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Innocent Muomegha while reflecting on the gospel passage of John Chapter 2, verses 1- 11,
enjoined the couples to emulate the couple of Cana in Galilee who invited Jesus and His Mother, Mary, to their wedding.
* Business mogul, High Chief Hamilton Ezeonu, the Ikemba, Nnobi and his wife Lolo Thelma Ezeonu, have distributed bags of rice to over 200 widows and elderly in Nnobi, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The beneficiaries who included elderly men in the three quarters of Nnobi were elated by the rare display of love and magnanimity by the couple.
Dr Mrs.Ezeonu who spoke after the event said they just wanted to contribute their little way to spread love among the people especially this season.
* The Governorship aspirant of All Progressives Congress (APC) for next year’s election in Anambra, Sir Paul Chukwuma, has empowered 18 indigent members of the Catholic Women’s Organisation (CWO), Awka II Deanery.
The empowerment scheme which comprised a start-up fund of 50,000 Naira given to each of the beneficiaries, was done at the deanery headquarters, St Mary’s Catholic Church, Awka, Anambra State, during the 2024 Triennial Convention of the deanery.
Speaking at the event, Sir. Paul Chukwuma who was represented by Princess Ebele Nwankwo Anene, assured the organisers, CWO, Awka two Deanery; Lady Lilian Ejy-Akwuba; and the beneficiaries; that he was committed in ensuring that those in the margins of society were treated with love and justice; and that there was equitable distribution of resources.
* Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP, Nnaghe Obono Itam has commissioned a patrol vehicle donated to 3-3 police division by the 3-3 community, near Onitsha, to assist in curtailing the spate of insecurity in the area.
The CP, represented by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations Department, James Ihiebe,
while speaking shortly after the commissioning, commended the chairman of Works Committee, AllEstates within 3-3 police division, Jonathan U. Egonu, a lawyer, his executive members and residents for the donation of the vehicle assuring that it will yield dividends.
On the alleged assault on residents by police Special Anti Cultism Squad, SPACS, that has been accused of terrorizing the residents by carrying out illegal operations that include, scaling residential perimeter fences, breaking and entering at odd hours without notifying the 3-3 Police division prior to storming the area, the CP frowned at the allegation.
* The Chief of Staff of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Mr Ernest, and the entire Ezeajughi family of Osikwu Village, Awgbu, Orumba North Local Government Area, have celebrated their lovely mother, Lady Christiana Mgboye Ezeajughi as she clocked 92 years.
The celebrant, Lady Christiana, and his late husband are blessed with eight children, six men, and three women, and many grand and great grandchildren.
In a remark, the Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, represented by his Chief of Protocol, Mr Chinedu Nwoye commended the Ezeajughi’s family for celebrating their mother while still alive, saying that such aligns with his message to young people, and should be emulated by others.
The last son of the celebrant and the Anambra State Chief of Staff, Mr. Ezeajughi thanked God for blessing their mother with longevity and appreciated those that came to share their joy, even announced that the family will pay school fees of 200 school children in honour of their mother.
The celebrant, Lady Ezeajughi appreciated God for His faithfulness and advised young people to avoid bad lifestyles in order to live long on earth.
* The members of the Catholic Men Organization (CMO) St Francis of Assisi Parish, Amikwo Awka have held an epic end of year outreach
The event which was organized by the association in partnership with Dr George Muoghalu who also doubled as the Chief Guest of honour attracted the presence of the parish priest, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Anthony Udogu who led the occasion with an opening prayer, among many members of the CMO and other parishioners.
In his opening speech, the Parish priest, Fr. Udogu lauded the initiative of the organization, saying it was “a means of togetherness and show of love to the members of the CMO”.
Going further he added, “I urge you to continue in this demonstration of faith and love, do not let evil seeds of jealousy and greed take root within you”.
* Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra, OCHA Brigade has arrested four suspects for violating the warning on the newly constructed Club Road, formerly Abakiliki Street.
The Managing Director of the Brigade, Comrade Celestine Anere who led the taskforce team to the area, frowned at people’s attitudes towards public infrastructure, especially the roads, and expressed the willingness of the Brigade to arrest and prosecute anyone found wanting.
The OCHA brigade boss used the occasion to call on residents, landlords, and community leaders to take responsibility of protecting government property and projects as the law is not a respecter of anyone.
One of the arrested suspects, Mr. Jeremiah Izuchukwu pleaded for forgiveness and said that he was not responsible for the burning of tires on the roads but knew those who did.
*Akokwa community came alive with excitement as Akokwa Digital Ladies organized the maiden edition of “Akokwa Carnival”.
In her keynote address, Deputy Governor Ekomaru commended Akokwa Digital Ladies for their vision and commitment, describing Akokwa Carnival as a shining example of women’s pivotal role in community development.
The Convener and Chairperson of Akokwa Digital Ladies, Mrs. Maria Ihionu while speaking, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the community’s overwhelming support, emphasized that the Carnival is a platform for fostering unity and also a means to celebrate and showcase the rich cultural heritage of Akokwa.
* Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Paul University, Awka, Prof Chinyere Stella Okunna have been honoured by St. Peter’s Parish Girl’s Guild, Umuji, Ebenebe, Awka North Local Government Area, Anambra State.
The award was bestowed on Okunna during the 2024 Girl Child Conference with theme: “My Body, God’s Temple. 1 Cor. 6: 15-20.
In her remarks, Prof Okunna, who inspired the girls with her story, warned against greed, and covetousness as most girls yield to evil sequel to lack of contentment.
Prof Okunna urged them to work hard always as hardworking did not kill, rather than depending on any man for survival.
