* The atmosphere at Rosa Mystica High School (formerly Girls’ High School, Agulu) brimmed with joy as the school ground welcomed back its daughters for the maiden Homecoming, Reunion.
In a solemn address infused with spiritual warmth, the Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Revd. Dr. Paulinus Chukwuemeka Ezeokafor, represented by Rev. Fr. Dr. Evaristus Iheanacho, blessed the gathering. He invoked divine grace for peace, unity, and enduring support for the institution. His words resonated as a call to action, urging the alumni to remain pillars of strength and growth for Rosa Mystica.
Amidst the joy, a legendary Professor of English, Prof Joy Eyisi, from the class of 1986, shared her heartfelt emotions. ‘This reunion is the best Christmas gift I could ever ask for. Seeing everyone again is nothing short of magical,’ she gushed.
* Governor Chukwuma Soludo has constructed Ultra-Modern Road Networks at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) Amaku, Awka.
Soludo directed the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) led by Mr. Ossy Onuko to oversee the project.
Speaking to Journalists during the supervision of the project on Thursday,
the Managing Director of ACTDA, Mr. Ossy Onuko said the 1.7-kilometer road rehabilitation project was set for completion within few days. The ACTDA boss noted that despite the meager resources at the state coffer, Soludo’s administration was able to transform the state infrastructure-wise, including transforming COOUTH with a comprehensive road reconstruction project and the establishment of a trauma center.
The Chief Medical Director of COOUTH, Dr. Joe Akabuike in his speech expressed gratitude to Soludo stating that the governor prioritize healthcare infrastructure and established a trauma center at the hospital.
* Ndi Okija in Ihiala Local Government Area stood still as the community held an inter-denominational funeral service to honour victims of stampede which occurred on the 21st of December, 2024.
The stampede occurred during the
distribution of rice organised by a son of the town and philanthropist, Chief Earnest Obiejesi, also known as Obi Jackson which claimed more than twenty lives and many injured.
In his sermon at St. Mary’s School Field Okija, venue of the Church service, the Bishop of Ihiala Diocese of Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Ralph Okafor, while consoling the families of the victims, urged the people to accept what had happened as a will of Almighty God.
In his condolence speech, Chief Obiejesi expressed deep concern over the incident, assuring the community that comprehensive steps will be taken to prevent future occurrences. Chief Obiejesi, while commending the Traditional ruler of the town, Igwe Emeka Nnamdi Okezie, for ensuring a peaceful service, described the stampede as the worst incident his foundation will ever witness since its inception.
* The Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze has said that Anambra State has eminently qualified personalities to occupy any exalted office at any given time.
Felicitating former Anambra Deputy Governor, Chief Emeka Sibeudu on his emergence as the Secretary-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Rt. Hon. Udeze described Chief Sibeudu as a polished politician, experienced public administrator and notable APGA Chieftain whose humility and enterprise have continued to earn him high positions.
The Speaker who recollected with satisfaction the mature manner Chief Sibeudu operated as Deputy Governor of the State, maintained that he has enough training and experience to function as the Chief Scribe of the Apex Igbo Cultural Organization, the Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide.
He enjoined eminent personalities in Southeast zone especially those from Anambra State to give the former Deputy Governor, Chief Sibeudu the necessary support to enable him make indelible marks in Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, expressing the confidence that the new Secretary-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo will do Ndigbo proud as a tested and
trusted public servant.
* A Chieftain of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Valentine Ozigbo has described the attack
by the aides of Governor Chukwuma Soludo against Fr. Emmanuel Obimma, who spoke against cases of kidnapping and violent crimes in Anambra as a hight of irresponsibility.
Ozigbo, Anambra 2025 governorship aspirant, while speaking in Awka said
Anambra presently ranks highest in insecurity in the southeast, expressed worry that no week passes without harrowing reports of kidnapping and violent crimes in the state.
Also speaking, former chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Anambra East local government area, Chief Guy Melikam, also criticized APGA led government in Anambra State over “worsening security situation.”
The Publicity Secretary of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Anambra State, Mr. Okelo Madukife, also expressed worry over rising insecurity in Anambra; saying that it appears the government of the day does not understand its responsibility.
* Governor Chukwuma Soludo has commissioned a 2.1km road in Ukpor, Nnewi South Local Government Area built by Mr Cletus Oragwa, the Managing Director of Zenco Communications Limited.
While seeking for more collaboration among the government, private sector, and communities, the Governor stressed that the only way to develop the state with the needed speed is through Public-Private-Community-Partnership, PPCP.
The Governor hinted that this has been the bedrock of the transformation of the Igbo society, recalling how schools and hospitals were built by communities.
He commended Mr Oragwa and said that the road which he built in commemoration of his late mother, is the hallmark of philanthropy, community service and selflessness.
* The remains of Late Barrister Bennett Kamen, former Chairman of Ekwusigo Local Government Area in Anambra State, were laid to rest in his country home at Ihembosi, Ekwusigo LGA.
The burial ceremony was attended by many dignitaries, including former Governor of Anambra State and Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, and Hon. Jonbosco Akaegbobi, minority leader and member representing Nnewi South 11 at the Anambra State House of Assembly.
Mr. Obi, in his condolence message, described Late Barrister Kamen who was Ekwusigo Local Government Chairman during his tenure as governor, as a selfless and incorrigible individual who played critical roles during his tenure as governor. He noted that Kamen’s understanding and representation of public service aligned with his own ideals.
* Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has been named the Sun Nigeria 2024 Governor of the Year, solidifying his status as an exemplar in progressive governance.
The editors of Sun Nigeria headed by Mr Onuoha Ukeh, MD/ Editor-in-Chief, visited the governor in Awka on Friday to present him with the letter of the award.
Ukeh while speaking, said the decision follows weeks of diligent inspection and a painstaking selection process by the publishers of Daily Sun, Saturday Sun, and Sunday Sun.
Soludo who will receive the award in
Lagos on March 1, 2025, in response, thanked the Sun Editors and Editorial Board for the award.
The governor also promised to grace the occasion in March in Lagos when the award will be formally conferred on him.
* Anambra State’s Labour Party National Assembly Caucus have voiced their displeasure over Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s attack on Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma (Ebube Muonso) instead of addressing the pressing security challenges confronting the State.
The caucus, comprising Senator Victor Umeh, Senator Tony Nwoye, Hon. Ozodinobi George, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, Hon. Idu Godwin Emeka, Hon. Lilian Oroegbu, Hon. Aniekwe Peter, and Hon. Uchenna Harris Annie-Okonkwo, expressed disappointment over the government’s lack of action.
They pointed to the abduction of their colleague, Hon. Justice Azuka (representing Onitsha North Constituency), and Government passivity as evidence of the administration’s failure to prioritize security.
* Ikemba Front, a political movement comprising supporters of the late Senator who represented Anambra South district, late Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah have collapsed their structure for a governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sir Paul Chukwuma.
The 21 local government coordinators of the group who spoke during an endorsement rally in the home of Chukwuma in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area extolled Chukwuma for his plans for Anambra.
The group, which disclosed this on Saturday at endorsement rally held at Ụmụeri, Anambra East Local Government Area said they chose Chukwuma as rightful candidate after a search for a replacement to their late principal who they previously wanted to become the next governor.
The founder of Ikemba Front, Dr Chidi Okoye, who disclosed this at the rally attended by 21 LGAs coordinators, described Chukwuma as most suitable to govern Anambra, adding that he shares the same ideals as the group and late Senator Ubah.
Receiving the group, the APC gubernatorial aspirant, Sir Paul Chukwuma, commended Ikemba Front for chosen him for the onerous task, assuring that security of lives and properties of the citizenry would be his top priority as well as ensure that no Anambra resident would be disappointed.
Chukwuma added that his number one plan for the state is to bring back security, regretting that today in Anambra both Reverend Sisters and Fathers are not spared by kidnappers, yet the governor doe not have any clue of what to do..
