# The atmosphere in Awka the Anambra State capital was burbling with celebrations as the Catholic Order Knights of St Michael the Archangel, CKSMA, admitted new members into the fold of the order.
The event, which took place at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka, also came with it, the first anniversary celebration of the existence of the order in the Catholic Church world over.
The double celebration began with a Holy Mass presided over by the Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Paulinus Chukwuemeka Ezeokafor.
Speaking in a homily during the Mass, Bishop Ezeokafor admonished the newly admitted members of the CKSMA, to live a Christian life worthy of emulation, and defend the Church not only with their blood but also with all they have, for their salvation.
While performing the admission and investiture rites, the Bishop, who assured the Knights of St Michael the Archangel of the full support of the Church, prayed God to pour out His spirit of fortitude upon the new members that they might defend the truth of the Catholic faith with steadfast hearts.
.# The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) wishes to inform the general public that a massive delivery of both delayed and newly produced driver’s licences has commenced across Anambra State.
All applicants are advised to promptly respond to calls or text messages from FRSC or the Board of Internal Revenue (BIR) and pick up their licences without delay.
Applicants can also walk into any FRSC Driver’s Licence Centre (DLC) nearest to them to check if their licence is ready for collection.
# The long awaited Valedictory Ceremony/Ex-Augural Lecture And Festschrift Presentation in honour of Prof. Steve Ibenta a celebrated academic has come and gone with deep reflections and memorable testimonies by guests that graced the occasion.
Delivering the lecture titled, “The Lost Paradise: Power Of Money, Finance And Banking, And Politics Of Investments, Wealth Creation and Sustainable Economy ‘at the ASUU secretariat Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka Campus, Ibenta a Prof. of Finance,Banking And Economic Development Studies, described Nigeria as a paradise suggesting a country flowing with milk and honey.
According to Valedictory Lecturer, Nigeria as a lost paradise needs redemptive overhaul to restore its former glory.
He called on all relevant Stakeholders to be part of the building process to make the country work again.
# Barr. Robinson Chukwunonso Akpua, former presidential candidate under the National Democratic Liberation Party (NDLP) in the 2019 general elections, announced his decision to join APGA to support Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s re-election.
Akpua revealed that several political parties had invited him to join them, but he chose APGA because of his confidence in the governor’s leadership and achievements.
Barr. Akpua emphasized that his move is aimed at ensuring the continued development of Anambra State under the Solution government. He urged Ndi Njikoka and Anambra State by extention to come out and vote for Gov. Soludo on November 8, highlighting the positive impact of his administration on the state.
# Anambra State Government has assured members of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives better welfare and more fruitful years ahead.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, gave the assurance during a road show by the association, which they used to endorse the Governor Chukwuma Soludo for a second term.
Dr. Obidike maintained that Soludo’s
administration is passionate about the welfare of the nurses as they play an integral role in healthcare delivery in the state.
“The Governor made it clear that it is not easy to be a nurse because of the herculean task involved. I urge you all to continue to give your best for the overall interest of the state”. Obidike added.
# The Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) has intensified efforts to tackle voter apathy, urging residents not to stay away from polling booths on election day.
At a voter education outreach held at Oye Agu Market, Abagana, SIDEC Project Officer, Mr. Bruno Chimnaecherem, said the biggest threat to credible election in Anambra is not just violence or vote buying, but the growing disinterest of citizens to come out and vote.
With the Anambra governorship election fast approaching, Chimnaecherem reminded the electorate that bad leaders get into office when good people refuse to vote.
Also speaking, SIDEC Finance Officer, Mrs. Chioma Enwereuzo, stressed that with over 2.8 million registered voters in Anambra, staying away from polling units automatically weakens the power of citizens.
Enwereuzo warned voters not to wear party outfits, caps or insignia to polling units as such amounts to illegal campaigning. She also advised citizens to turn down vote-buying attempts, saying the Electoral Act (2022) criminalizes both buyer and seller.
She further appealed to voters to respect priority rights of persons with disabilities, the elderly, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.
# A lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Dr. Henry Duru, has blamed voter apathy on long history of poor governance and bad leadership.
The University don, disclosed this in Awka during a brainstorming meeting organized for stakeholders by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD) in partnership with the International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre (IPCRC), under the Strengthening Transparency, Accountability and Governance Process, (STAGE 2 Project).
Themed ‘Reignite the voice: Mobilizing for electoral participation, Duru observed that most voters have lost interest in elections because some of those voted into power failed to fulfil their campaign promises.
The Communication expact listed other factors fueling voter apathy to include: lack of trust in the electoral processes, electoral violence and insecurity as well as inefficiency in the electoral process.
# The Chairman of Idemili-South Local Government Area, Dr. Mrs. Amaka Obi says Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s free maternal service programme has continue to touch lives, bringing joy and relief to numerous families in Anambra.
The Mayor during during an unscheduled visit to the General Hospital Nnobi, discovered that four nursing mothers had benefited from the governor’s free antenatal and delivery services.
While interacting with the nursing mothers, the local government boss
reiterated that Governor Soludo’s free antenatal and delivery services were not a political gesture but a genuine effort to help the people, particularly women.
Hon. Obi recalled that the governor had announced this programme in September 2023, promising to sustain it throughout his tenure.
The mayor commended Governor Soludo for his inclusive administration, particularly highlighting the free education, one youth, two skills, and other policy implementations.
