Anambra’s Billionaires’ estate – the rush is on…Obiozor laid to rest…Soludo does it in multiples…2 Nigerian startups win $300,000…Aguleri is a new Catholic Diocese…plus South East Digest…

 

Anambra’s Billionaires’ estate – the rush is on

The billionaires’ haven, The Golf Residency, Awka, which we told you about last week, was formally flagged off last Tuesday, alongside six other estates in the new Awka GRA.  In less than 48 hours of the flag-off ceremony, over 10 plots of The Golf Residency, Awka, had been snapped off!  

We bring you pictures from the MOU signing ceremony which took place at the headquarters of the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency in Awka, and the formal handing over ceremony which was performed by Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, Secretary to the State Government, on behalf of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, CFR.

Obiozor laid to rest

The remains of the late President-General (P-G) of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Prof. George Obiozor, were laid to rest on Friday in his Awo-Omamma country home, Oru East Local Government Area of Imo.  The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that eminent Nigerians, who attended the funeral service held at the Assumpta Cathedral Owerri, took turn to pay tribute to the late Igbo icon.

In a tribute, President Muhammadu Buhari described Obiozor as a “renowned academician, diplomat, statesman, patriot and foremost Igbo leader”.

Buhari, represented by the Minister of State for Science and Technology, Chief Henry Ikoh, said Obiozor’s passion about Nigeria propelled him to return to the country to serve in various positions.

Also, Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo said with the death of Obiozor, Nigeria had lost a walking encyclopedia on foreign policy and diplomacy.  Uzodimma said: “With the death of Obiozor, the entire South East has lost a consummate and compassionate leader, whose inclusive, insightful, decisive and innovative style was beginning to bear enormous fruits in our relationship with our neighbours and allies. 

In a condolence message, former President Olusegun Obasanjo described the deceased as an outstanding diplomat, who brought his unique knowledge and experience into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and international community.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar, described Obiozor’s death as a “great loss”.

Abubakar stated that the late Igbo leader was an elder statesman of repute, strong pillar of support to the family and entire nation. 

In attendance at the ceremony were the Secretary-General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Amb. Okey Emuchay, and former P-G of the body, Chief Gary Igariwey.  Also present were the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Chief Edwin Clarke, who was represented by Gen. Collins Ihekire (rtd.) and the executive members of Middle Belt Forum, led by Mr Ben Atatah.  Elder statesman, Chief Chris Iwuanyawu, former Senate President, Adophus Wabara, former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd.), former Minister of Health, Dr ABC Nwosu and former Minister of Aviation, Mrs Kema Chikwe, were also present, amongst others.

Quotes of The Week

 

Photo of The Week

A young man not old enough to vote shows his love for Peter Obi:

Soludo does it in multiples

Many people, particularly, socio-political analysts have continued to wonder why Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, does not flag-off only one road or commission one project at a time.

The contribution below by Sir Paul Nwosu, Anambra State’s Commissioner for Information, may give us a clue:

Anambra wants Politics of Development, not Politics of Handout

By Paul Nwosu

 

Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo is principally interested in what he terms Politics of Development as opposed to Politics of Handout. There ought to be no argument over the fact that politics geared toward development ought to trump the facetious politics built on handing out freebies. The solid stance on development that is quite different from the fleeting nature of ill-assorted politicians bribing voters with handouts which is usually common when elections are afoot can be seen as marking Governor Soludo out as one leader who has his finger on the pulse of the progress of the people.

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) which is synonymous with Anambra State stands in good state with the drive of development initiated by Governor Soludo. Through the drive of Soludo in developmental leadership, Ndi-Anambra are in fine fettle with the understanding of what it takes to reap the real dividends of democracy through their teeming support of APGA, the party that has consistently put smiles on their faces for over a decade. The reality today is that Governor Soludo has turned the entirety of Anambra State into vast construction sites. (Continued after South East Digest) below 

2 Nigerian startups win $300,000 at Rocket Fuel Pitch Competition in Saudi Arabia

Two Nigerian startups RiceAfrika Technologies and Wicrypt have emerged winners in different categories at the Rocket Fuel Pitch Competition with a total of $300,000 cash reward. 

The competition took place at the 2nd edition of the LEAP Technology Exhibition in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 

RiceAfrika Technologies, a tech-driven agric optimization startup emerged as the global best in the Tech for Humanity Award category and got 150,000 dollars. 

The second startup, Wicrypt, an innovative startup decentralizing the internet globally, also won 150,000 dollars after it was announced as the global best in the ‘Into New World Award’ category. (Culled from Nairametrics)

 

(A digest of latest reports on the Economy, Industry, Politics, Sports, and developments around the South East of Nigeria)

ABIA STATE

Abia bans roasting of fish, other animals in markets

Worried by the fire incident of February 8, at line 27 off Ngwa road market, which affected two shops, the Abia State government has ordered immediate ban on roasting of fish and other animals as well as cooking within the major markets in the state.

It would be recalled that the fire was triggered as a result of a fish roaster’s stove that was left on after close of business. 

A statement by the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, said the governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, has directed the ministry of trade and investment to evaluate the extent of damage to goods at the two affected shops with a view to supporting the concerned traders.

“While we thank God that the market authorities and other sympathizers were able to deploy available firefighting equipment to quickly contain the fire, Governor Ikpeazu has directed the ministry of trade and investment to evaluate the extent of damage to goods at the two affected shops with a view to supporting the concerned traders.” 

“We wish to encourage all market executives to fully implement the guidelines on fire protection within our markets, including ensuring that no flammable material is allowed to be stored within the market as well as effectively distribute fire extinguishers.”

ANAMBRA STATE

Aguleri is a new Catholic Diocese

Pope Francis has announced the establishment of the Catholic Diocese of Aguleri, and appointed Bishop Denis Isizoh the Diocese’s first Bishop. 

The erection of the new Catholic Diocese in Nigeria and the appointment of the pioneer Bishop of the new Episcopal See was made public by the Holy See Press office today, Sunday, February 12.

The Diocese of Aguleri has been curved from the Archdiocese of Onitsha, making it suffragan of the Metropolitan See of Onitsha.

Until his appointment as the new Local Ordinary of Aguleri Diocese, Bishop  has been serving as Auxiliary Bishop of Onitsha and Titular Bishop of Legia.

EBONYI STATE

Sir Ifeanyi Eleje, APGA Senate Candidate for Ebonyi South District describes the attack on Prof. Odoh’sentourage as heinous. 

APGA Senate Candidate for Ebonyi South senatorial district of Ebonyi State, Sir Ifeanyi Eleje, has condemned the attack on Prof. Benard Odoh, the APGA governorship candidate for Ebonyi state and described it as heinous.

According to the APGA Chieftain, “I  am shocked to learn of the brazen attack on the convoy of Prof. Ben Odoh, the All Progressives Congress Grand Alliance, APGA, governorship candidate for Ebonyi State on Thursday, February 2, 2023. The attacked which was carried out by gunmen suspected to be Ebubeagu Security operatives and who fired bullets with aim of killing Prof Odoh resulted in the death of his driver and severe injuries on his escorts. 

He said that this is one attack too many being perpetrated by anti-democratic forces in Ebonyi state under the Umahi-led administration using the instrumentality of Ebubeagu Security operatives. He therefore, appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, and other heads of security agencies including the President and C-in-C, the Chief of Defense Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the NSA, the DG, DSS, and the DG, NIA , the NBA, INEC  and the International community to give the undemocratic practices in Ebonyi State deserved attention.

Eleje, the APGA senate candidate for Ebonyi South, has for some time now been operating from outside Ebonyi state. He was secretly taken out of Ebonyi state recently, based on reliable intelligence from trusted sources that Governor Umahi has instructed his para-military outfit to abduct his supporters and inflict serious bodily injuries on them. “I have also been informed that specific directives have been issued by the Governor’s team to the same out-fit that I (his opponent in the senate race) should be attacked, incapacitated, and hospitalised until after the Senate election scheduled to hold this February 25th by Independent Na-tional Electoral Commission (INEC)”. 

Presently, his campaign activities have been disrupted as a result of incessant harassment and violent attacks by a para-military outfit established and controlled by the Umahi-led APC government and known as EBUBEAGU security operatives.

“Even as I condemn this dastardly attack on Prof. Odoh and his entourage, the Director General of my campaign organization Mr Iheukwu Okogwu and some of our other team members have been forced to relocate outside Ebonyi state as they are being hounded by Ebubeagu security operatives who are on the prowl and searching for these supporters based on the directives of Governor David Umahi.

Eleje, therefore, calls on peace-loving people of Ebonyi state, and his constituents in Ebonyi South senatorial district to rally around and vote for APGA candidates and protect their votes in the forthcoming elections and put an end to this ugly era of state-sponsored attacks and killings going on in Ebonyi state under Governor David Umahi’s watch. 

IMO STATE

Federal Polytechnic Nekede Invents Fuel less Generator

In a blaze of history, the Federal Polytechnic Nekede has invented a fuel less and fumeless generator. The 7.5kva generator does not run with fossil fuel and does not make much sound. 

Unveiling the institution’s latest invention Friday at the new Engineering Complex, the Rector, Engr. Dr. Michael Chidiebere Arimanwa FNSE, stated that the fumeless generator is another contribution of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede aimed at solving man’s existential problems. He called on relevant authorities to support the numerous inventions which the institution has been making to better the lot of the society. 

Explaining the operation of the fuel less generator, the supervisor of the project, Engr. Samuel Onyenobi of the Mechanical Engineering Department stated that the fuel less generator is powered by 12 volts, 75Amp DC battery which stores chemical energy that drives the 3 horse power DC motor.

“There is a 28kg flywheel coupled to two pulleys and one of the pulleys which is driven by the flywheel turns an alternator of 7.5KVA to generate 150V AC current which is boosted to 220V using a transformer and automatic voltage regulator for stabilization of the voltage. The alternating current derived is being converted to Direct Current of 12 volts to charge battery and avoid its drain.”

The Rector thanked the department of Mechanical Engineering for coming up with an invention aimed at solving the perennial power problem in Nigeria, challenging other engineering departments to key into his administration’s vision of innovation and excellence. He also appreciated the students who came up with the idea of a fuelless generator as their project. He thereafter made useful recommendations on how the project could be made better.

Rector Arimanwa further described the invention as an “exciting thing” in an era where the cost of energy has remained unreasonably high. Thus, the poly chief described any effort to replace the utilization of fossil fuel as a welcome development.

According to him, “The world is already moving away from fossil fuel to more sustainable energy sources. Already some countries have placed a timeline within which to end the utilization of fossil fuel.” 

Meanwhile, the Rector has re-emphasized the importance of polytechnic education in the country, calling on the government to increase funding to technical institutions.

“This is an opportunity to invite the Federal and State governments to increase their support to polytechnic education. The polytechnic is doing a lot in Nigeria and it is noteworthy that the Federal Polytechnic Nekede has been living up to its mandate of creating machines that can be used to solve human problems.

” We are not new in the world of inventions and we are determined to make more of them to the benefit of mankind and glory of God. With the right funding, we will produce these inventions in commercial quantities to add value to the country.” 

Management staff present at the unveiling of the generator included the Deputy Rector (Academic), Dr. C.C. Onyemenonu, Deputy Rector (Administration), Dr. F.U. Ibeaja, Registrar, Mrs. E. C. Anuna, Librarian, Dr. Charles Obichere while Mrs. Ijeoma Ukwu represented the Bursar.

 

Anambra wants Politics of Development, not Politics of Handout (continued)

By Paul Nwosu

It was therefore a sight to behold on Thursday February 9, as Governor Soludo led multitudes of APGA supporters to flag-off the construction of the 11.37 kilometre Atani- Ozubulu road complete with a bridge to boot. The assurance is that the road will be completed within 18 months.

Governor Soludo said these words at the august occasion: What we have come for is to fulfill the promise we made during the campaigns. The first project we embarked was in Ogbaru. But I must make this point - you people should join to protect government infrastructure in your locality. One of the roads we awarded, the contractor mobilized to site but was disturbed and pursued away by youths. Even at that, it will still be done. You people told me that this road is strategic for Atani; that is why we are already on it. We want to do the road once and for all because Ogbaru deserves nothing but the best. We are making a commitment to complete this road. For Ogwuikpele, Osamalla and the rest from where food is being evacuated, we will still get down there."

Mr. Governor stressed his appreciation to the people for voting for him and urged them to continue to support him the more by voting for all APGA candidates.

The stone-base road is being built with enough thickness and height to survive flooding and sundry woes of the terrain. It is built to last for more than a score years. 

It had always been in the plans of Governor Soludo to link Atani with Ozubulu, and in his determination to go the distance he, on the same day, flagged-off the construction of the 6.05 km Ozubulu-Ihembosi-Ukpor Road.

Saluting the people of Ekwusigo for mobilizing votes for him, Governor Soludo said: I heard your cry when the entire place was flooded. And we decided to hearken to your plea, in line with the APGA mantra. I enquired from the stakeholders of Ekwusigo the most strategic road, and everybody confirmed the same location. In response, we mobilized for it. I thank you for voting for us during the last Governorship election. We won in 9 wards out of the 12 wards in Ekwusigo. As for the contractors, what we want are quality roads. Remember that it is guaranteed to last for a minimum of 20 years.”

Giving pride of place to his politics of development, Governor Soludo continued thusly: Because we have a road crises in the state, work is ongoing in all the 21 local governments of the state, notwithstanding the dearth of resources. We are doing a lot in education, health, youth empowerment and so on. The youths are the future - whatever you can do to empower them is desirable and will go a long way. You people said that Ekwusigo had always won election in favour of APGA, and this coming election should not be an exception.” 

Through the many road contracts undertaken by Governor Soludo, APGA has been given a new lease of life as the party to beat in the coming elections. At Nnobi in Idemili South LGA, Soludo beamed with satisfaction over the comprehensive work being done at the Afor Nnobi-Awka Etiti-Ichida-Nkwo-Igboukwu road rehabilitation. For Mr. Governor, It is solid work handled by a solid indigenous contractor, Igwe Sir Ben Emeka, the traditional ruler of Umueri. As you are all aware, the Afor Nnobi-Awka Etiti- Ichida -Igboukwu road was impassable. It is a Federal road. We solicited intervention from the federal government, but nothing has been done as of today. As Christmas approached last year, we were determined to ensure our people will not suffer and decided to use state funds to rehabilitate the road."

Governor Soludo made a recall of his visit to Umuoji, Ojoto, and Oba, where he flagged off Africa's largest open drug market and undertook reconstruction work on Mmili John and Inland doors' roads. 

According to Governor Soludo, "I was elected under Nigeria's third largest political party. I feel the power of the APGA insignia whenever I wear it. Anambra is APGA territory because nke a bu nke anyi. Without APGA, none of the state's developmental projects could be realized. 

Governor Soludos development politics is not a hundred-meter dash but a marathon that intervolves, amongst many others, inspection and rehabilitation/construction of Amansea-Ebenebe-Ugbenu-Awba Ofemili-Umuerum-Omor Road Phase 1; flag-off and revalidation of the construction of Community Road at Mbaukwu from St Lawrence Anglican church-Ngene Mmiri Shrine-Iyi Utuko stream-Ogado village; inspection of construction of Oye-Agu Abagana-Uruegbu Nimo Road with spur at Nimo Road; flag-off construction of Igwe Ezechi Okoye Road at Ifitedunu, Dunukofia Local Government; inspection of construction of some selected roads in Awka Club (Abakaliki Road), Regina Caeli, Millennium Industry-INEC; flag-off construction of Umuogbu Awka Flood Control Infrastructure and 3.872Km Road Network; flag-off Savinovo-Umuofor-Bright Street-Nkwo-Umuhu-Ubahuezike Road (Lot 1 & 2); inspection of Ugwuagba Obosi-Awada Obosi ongoing 7.79km road construction; inspection of construction of Umueze Anam-Mmiata-Nzam Road (Section 2: Mmiata-Nzam) with a bridge etc. The list is indeed endless.

With Governor Soludos politics of development, Anambra APGA are sure winners to the jubilation of the people.