# Chinua Achebe International Cargo Airport Umueri has concluded arrangements towards boosting cargo transport services.
Disclosing this to newsmen at the Airport, the Managing Director of the facility, Mr Martins Nwafor said that this will enable traders and the entire business community in the state and beyond easy transportation, and also receive their cargoes to and from any part of the world, noting that in spite starting just four years ago, the airport is competing favorably with older airports within and beyond the region.
He further thanked the Anambra state government for its support and interventions through the provision of some needed facilities and equipment, saying that the airport will hold a seminar and international trade fair on boosting cargo services through the airport to the hinterlands, to among other things enlighten traders, the business community and various public on the cargo transport services as well as provide opportunity for flight operators and passengers.
# Anambra State government has issued an interim electricity distribution licence to First Power Electricity Distribution Company, a subsidiary of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company in charge of electricity distribution in Anambra State, to enable it carry out its official duties geared towards uninterrupted power supply in the state.
Held at the Anambra State Solid Mineral Development Company in Awka, the event drew stakeholders in power distribution including EEDC, TCN, the Anambra State Ministry of Power and Public Utilities, among others.
Presenting the interim licence, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission, Prof. Frank Okafor, appreciated the Anambra State House of Assembly for bringing the state’s electricity law to life, noting that after their inauguration, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, issued an order transferring regulatory oversight to them, which he said gave the commission the authority to issue the interim licence to First Power to legalise its operations in the state.
The Group Managing Director of EEDC, Engineer Praveen Chorghade, represented by Engineer Ernest Mupwaya, said that EEDC complied with the Electricity Act 2023 by engaging distribution companies for every state in the South East, with First Power Electricity Distribution Company taking charge of Anambra State, noting that the issuance of the licence is a major milestone towards what he described as a shift in power supply in Anambra.
# A delegation of Anambra State Mayor’s’ wives, led by Lady Ify Ezeogidi, Coordinator of the Forum of Mayors’ Wives, paid a condolence visit to Hon. Lady Ify Nnekwelugo of Idemili South LGA, following the passing of her husband, the late Sir Mike Nnekwelugo.
During the heartfelt visit, Lady Ify Ezeogidi conveyed the Forum’s deepest sympathies.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Lady Ify Nnekwelugo of Idemili South Local Government on the passing of her beloved husband, Late Sir Mike Nnekwelugo. This loss is deeply felt and our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Ify and her entire family during this period of mourning. We pray that the Almighty God grant you the strength to bear this loss and the comfort that comes only from above. May his soul find rest in the bosom of the Lord.”
# Police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, working in collaboration with professional river divers and local volunteers, conducted an intensive search along the Omambala River in Anambra West Local Government Area.
Giving an update on the on-going investigation into the alleged kidnapping of three Cameroonian women in the State, Anambra Police Command spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga in a press statement noted that during the operation, the team recovered two (2) female decomposed bodies believed to be victims of the kidnapping incident.
“The operatives immediately contacted the family of the kidnapped victims, who positively identified the recovered bodies as his wife Mrs. Bognou Alice and his niece Miss Sandra.
Both bodies have been deposited in a mortuary for further examination and necessary investigative procedures.
To this end, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, while extending his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and friends, has ordered intensified search efforts to recover the remaining missing victim.
The CP has also directed all units involved to strengthen operational activities aimed at apprehending the third suspect, Uchenna Nicholas Mmadu, who is currently on the run, to ensure he faces the full weight of the law.
The Commissioner further reassures the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives, maintaining security, and delivering justice.
# The Chairman of Njikoka LGA, Barr. Chinedu Ononiba, alongside the lawmaker representing Njikoka one Constituency at the Anambra State House of Hon. Chidi Ibemeke, paid a sympathy visit to the scene of the recent fire outbreak at the Post Office area behind the Civic Centre, Enugwu-Ukwu.
The incident led to the destruction of some shops and properties, causing distress among the shop owners.
During the visit, Barr. Ononiba extended his heartfelt consolations to the affected shop owners and expressed deep gratitude that no lives were lost in the unfortunate incident. He described the situation as a sad development and encouraged the victims to remain hopeful, assuring them that they are not alone during this difficult time.
The Mayor also used the opportunity to appeal to Ndi Njikoka to remain safety-conscious during this dry season, as fire outbreaks are more frequent. He pledged that his administration will support the affected shop owners in any way possible to help them restart their businesses and recover their lost means of livelihood.
# Ex-governor of Anambra State, Sen. Chris Ngige, has given an account of how his convoy was attacked by gunmen on Wednesday.
Ngige who is the immediate past Minister of Labour and Employment while speaking to journalists when presidential candidate in 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi, visited him to commiserate with him on the attack, said he had been in Anambra since Saturday, and had sent his personal aides on errand, including taking one of his cars for maintenance when they were attacked on their way back, leading to the death of one lady, while his police orderly was shot in the leg and dispossessed of his rifle and his uniforms.
Ngige, dispelling rumors of death, said: “As you can see, I’m alive, I’m not dead, so there should be no panic or fear. They attacked my convoy while they were coming back around Umuoji when they saw some vehicle racing towards them, and later reversed and chased after them, and started shooting.
# Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike has commissioned doctors and nurses quarter built by the local government Chairman of Idemili South, Mrs. Amaka Obi, at Umunocha Healthcare centre, Awka-Etiti.
In his address during the commissioning, Dr. Obidike lauded Mayor Obi, for her selfless service and ability to achieve which he described as remarkable.
The Commissioner stated that Governor Chukwuma Soludo has renovated and equipped healthcare centres in the state, adding that many healthcare will be upgraded.
In her remark, the local government boss
Dr. Mrs. Amaka Obi said, doctors and nurses will now have a decent and secure place to live, which will help them focus better on saving lives.
Dr. Obi added that her administration will continue to invest in projects that benefit the people and help council area grow.
# To reduce untimely death caused by avoidable health issues among youths, the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, and Anambra State have organised a programme termed “Campus Health Connect” with the theme; “Awareness And Wellness Campaign and Outreach”.
The health sensitization programme, which is the brainchild and personal Community Development Service, CDS, of a Corps member, Mr Francis Henry, was held in collaboration with the Anambra Broadcasting Service, ABS, African Health Connect, Anambra Ministry of health, Meshi Unizik Chapter, among others, and took place at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, where students were given free medical treatments and health talks.
In an interview, Corper Henry, who is a professional nurse, explained that the event, which is his personal CDS and an avenue to launch his NGO, African Health Connect Initiative, with the objective of bridging gaps and building health, cautioned students against self medication and patronising quacks when they are faced with health problems, but advised them to rather visit the university’s medical centre to access medical checks from qualified personnel.
