* Persons with disabilities (PWDs) have called on Anambra State Government to consider the establishment of special courts dedicated to handling cases related to disabilities.
During a workshop organised by the Anambra State Disability Rights Commission (ASDRC) with support from the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) in Awka over the weekend, PWDs emphasised the importance of creating specialised courts to ensure the protection of their rights and the delivery of justice in cases involving persons with disabilities.
The demand for special courts for disability-related cases comes amidst ongoing efforts to promote the rights of persons with disabilities in the state.
In a resolution, the group highlighted that the creation of special courts would address the numerous challenges they face in accessing justice in the state, including ensuring accessibility and the efficient and effective handling of cases involving persons with disabilities.
* The State Executive Council of the National Union of Market Traders Employers of Nigeria (NUMTEN), recently, paid a familiarization visit to the Head of Service, Anambra State, Barr. Okwy Igwegbe, at her office domiciled inside Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka.
Speaking on the essence of the visit, the Chairman of NUMTEN, Anambra State Council, Comrade Nnamsom Nwafor-Orizu, who was accompanied by the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Anambra State Council, Comrade Humphrey Nwafor, KSJI, and the Secretary of NUMTEN Anambra State Council, Comrade Ikechukwu Ugwuoke, stated that the NUMTEN remained the only gazetted Union in-charge of trade in Nigeria, saying that they were recognized across the 36 States and the FCT.
The NUMTEN Chairman assured that they would carry out their statutory duties without fear or favour and as well help to give the traders in the state a better and more conducive environment to ply their various trades.
* The Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) is facing a growing crisis, with traders and executive members accusing the President-General (PG), Chief Humphrey Anuna, of withholding the association’s 3% Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Since Anuna took office, the revenue which traditionally belongs to ASMATA’s board and executive has not been distributed, causing widespread dissatisfaction.
According to sources, when ASMATA executives confronted Anuna about the funds, he claimed that governor Chukwuma Soludo, had compensated him with the 3% IGR due to his financial support during the governorship election, citing a ₦200,000 contribution he made on election day.
* Women Foundation for Improved Living Standards, WOFILS, in collaboration with Nwafor Orizu Demonstration Nursery and Primary School, Awka, has advocated for greater awareness of dyslexia, emphasizing that it can be a source of strength, fostering resilience and creativity.
Held in Awka, World Dyslexia Day is a day dedicated to raising awareness and understanding of dyslexia, a neurological condition that affects reading, writing, and spelling abilities but does not diminish a person’s intelligence or potential.
The day aims to promote inclusivity, access to education, and the implementation of effective strategies to support individuals with dyslexia in their learning journeys.
Speaking during the event, the Convener, Mrs. Nneka Onwudinjo highlighted the importance of recognizing and supporting individuals especially children with dyslexia, noting that early intervention and awareness can significantly improve their educational outcomes.
* Anambra House of Assembly has screened and confirmed members of the State Judicial Service Commission on Tuesday at plenary.
The Chairman House Committee on Screening and Election Matters, Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Okoye while speaking said the nominees; Dr. Mrs. Ifeyinwa Obegolu, Hon. Dr. Ben Nwankwo and Hon Victor Ezeoke are reputable figures with impressive records.
Rt. Hon. Okoye who is also the Deputy Speaker stated that the three nominers have been committed and have also contributed immensely to the development of Anambra State.
The Deputy Speaker urged the House to confirm them stating that their history of service, character and competency speaks volume.
* Primary and secondary school head teachers in Awka, the Anambra State capital, are lamenting the neglect and lack of basic necessities for basic education amid the cheering news of the impressive performance of the present State Government in the Education Sector.
At Central School, Awka, the school had a number of challenges bordering around infrastructure, administrative running costs, inadequate number of teachers, among others.
The Headmistress, Mrs Josephine Nwankwo, said the school was struggling with insufficient academic staff, having 40 streams with 21 teachers.
According to her, pupils’ desks and chairs, teachers’ tables, sports equipment and many other things at the Central School, are also insufficient.’
* The Acting Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Carol Arinze-Umeobi has announced her intention to institute special prize for best performing discus throwers at the Nigeria University Games (NUGA).
Prof. Arinze-Umeobi made the disclosure when she received members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Anambra in her office on Tuesday.
The Ag. Vice Chancellor who recalled how her Performance in the discus event at National Sports Festival in 1977 opened the floodgates of positive fortunes for her said she owed her success in life to sports.
She described herself as a passionate lover of sports who would do all she could do support athletes in whatever way she could.
* Anambra State Commissioner for Housing Hon. Pauly Onyeka has encouraged youths of the State to take charge of their destinies by being effective, determined and spiritual if they must attain greater heights in the Society.
The commissioner gave the advise while giving a talk at Catholic Girls Secondary School Ozubulu, Ekwusigo LGA of the State.
Hon Pauly recalled that during his secondary school days, he was very effective, with good morals and spiritual backings which helped him reach the hight he is in life today .
* Anambra State House of Assembly on Tuesday at plenary, passed the Local Government Administration Bill, 2024 into law
The 8th Assembly passed the bill after the joint Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and the Committee on Judiciary and Justice presented its report through Hon. Patrick Udoba.
Anambra Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, who presided the sitting while commending the lawmakers for their participation, stated that the bill seeks to clearly define the powers of the Chairmen and Councilors at the local government level as they relate to the Council Areas.
Rt. Hon. Udeze noted that some of the contents of the law such as Primary School Teachers, Primary Healthcare, Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board, Local Government Service Commission and Pension Board among others are areas where the State and Local Governments interface to ensure proper admnistration at the local government level.
* The Catholic Women’s Organization, CWO, of Nimo Deanery has held its triennial convention and the installation of the founder of All for Women Initiative Nigeria, A-WIN, Comrade Stella Igboka as “Ugochinyelu” of the deanery.
The event which took place in Nimo, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State drew members of the organization from within and outside the deanry.
In an address to the convention, the Director of CWO Awka Diocese, Lady Sabina Ndigwe, reminded Christian mothers that the call to motherhood is a vocation that can only be answered through Christlike lifestyle and asked make their contributions to the development of the society especially in areas that involve their faith and gain converts by example of Christian living, love and service to neighbours.
