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Author: Joymbachi Ngozi

  • Anambra deserves national library branch—FG tells Soludo

    Anambra deserves national library branch—FG tells Soludo
     
    National Librarian, Prof. Chinwe Anunobi, speaking in Awka during
    her visit to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra

    Library

    By Joy Mbachi

    Awka, June 28, 2024 (NAN)  Prof. Chinwe Anunobi, National Librarian, National Library of Nigeria, has urged Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra to facilitated the establishment of Anambra branch of national library.

    Anunobi said on Friday during a courtesy visit to the governor in Awka that doing so would further boost the level of literacy in the state.

    She said it was unfortunate that Anambra, known for excellence in education, has no branch of the national library.

    “It is disheartening that Anambra State with dignified personalities in diverse fields of life has no branch of national library. I urge other state governments to build one.

    “There is no documentation in the country that does not have a connection with national library services.

    “The national library started in 1964 and almost all the states in the North-West region have magnificent national libraries, we need such in Anambra`’, she said.

    She said the delegation was in Anambra to request the governor to secure a place for the establishment of a national library branch.

    Responding, Soludo, represented by his deputy, Dr Onyeka Ibezim, appreciated the concerns expressed by Anunobi.

    Soludo assured the team that the government would give a speedy attention, saying it was determined to do anything possible to promote education in the state.

    “I assure you that the government will not take your visit for granted, your request is highly appreciated,” Soludo said.

    Speaking earlier, Mr Paul Nwosu, Anambra Commissioner for Information, acknowledged Anunobi’s passion to promote literacy in the state.  (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    JOY/OIF/KUA

    ===========
    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Uche Anunne

  • 65-year-old pastor in police custody for allegedly defiling 7-year-old girl

     

    Defilement

    By Joy Mbachi

    Awka, June 27, 2024 (NAN) A 65- year old man, Francis Ogwu, has been handed over to the police for allegedly defiling his seven-year-old girl domestic help.

    The suspect, Ogwu, was arrested following an alarm raised by concerned residents of the town.

    The media aide to Anambra Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare,  Miss Chidinma Ikeanyionwu,  said this in a statement to newsmen  in Awka on Thursday.

    The suspect, a pastor and general overseer of Jesus House of Joy Church, Awka hails from Imo State.

    He has lived in Anambra, with his wife and children, for over 30 years.

    Ogwu confessed to the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs Ify Obinabo, that he “just fingered the girl once”

    He denied allegations of penetration as against what the seven-year-old victim said.

    Ogwu attributed his action to temptation saying his wife usually denied him sex and that she made excuses of fasting whenever he desired her.

    Meanwhile, the seven-year-old, who narrated her side of the story, said the suspect had carnal knowledge of her over three times.

    She informed the Commissioner that her guardian Ogwu usually gave her money ranging from N500 to N1,000 after each experience.

    She also said that at some point, she was accused by the pastor’s wife of snatching the husband from her.

    The girl noted  that what prompted her to leave was the beating she got by the suspect’s daughter at any slightest mistake.

    Speaking, the mother of the victim, a native of Awka, Destiny Nwabueze, stated that she handed the daughter over to the Ogwu family due to their cordial relationship over time.

    Nwabueze said that she was shocked  when her daughter returned and told her of the development.

    She revealed that she quickly called the suspect, who upon arrival denied the allegations, which prompted her to involve other people by raising alarm.

    Reacting to the ugly incident, Obinabo said she would ensure the seven-year-old got justice.

    The Commissioner advised women to always be vigilant over their husbands behaviours.

    She also advised women to stop starving their husbands of sex as that could lead to bad behavior for some men.

    Obinabo, who charged women to always protect their girl child at all cost, noted that defilement was no longer excusable in Anambra State.

    Ogwu was kept under police custody as the case would be charged to court. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    JOY/ACA/MNA

    ==≈=====

    Edited by Chidinma Agu/Maureen Atuonwu

  • NDLEA arrests 360 suspects, prosecutes 197 for drug abuse in Anambra 

    NDLEA arrests 360 suspects, prosecutes 197 for drug abuse in Anambra
    Drugs
    By Joy Mbachi
    Awka, June 27, 2024 (NAN) Mr Daniel Onyishi, the Commander of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Anambra, said the agency arrested 360 suspects in connection with drug related offences from June 2023 to June 2024.
    The commander also said that 197 persons were prosecuted for illicit drug trafficking in the state
    during the year under review.
    He made the disclosure during an event to mark the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking and 10th edition of Drug Quiz Competition for Secondary Schools in Anambra in Awka on Wednesday.

    Onyishi said that the events were sponsored by Alexander Onyido, the traditional ruler of Ogidi in Idemili North Local Government Area, a pharmacist by profession.

    According to him, the command also counselled and rehabilitated 258 former drug addicts and reconciled them with their families.
    He said that a total of 2.8557 tonnes of drugs, including cannabis and other dangerous substances were seized during the year.
    He explained that the command achieved the feat through collaborative efforts with sister security agencies and communities.
    He reiterated the agency’s determination to increase awareness campaign on dangers of drugs and substance abuse, especially among youths, in the state and beyond.
    Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion and traditional ruler of Awka, Obi Gibson Nwosu, represented by his Palace Secretary, Chief Pius Okonkwo, described the year’s international drug day as “apt.”
    He urged community leaders and families to sensitise their members on the inherent dangers and how to survive without drugs.
    On his part, the acting Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, represented by the Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Solomon Nwigbo, commended NDLEA’s efforts toward the drug fight.
    He unveiled the institution’s drug policy, which, among other things, prohibited drugs and substance abuse for serene environment, effective teaching and learning.
    The sponsor of the programme, Onyido, represented by his son, Ikenna Onyido, pledged to
    continue the fight to achieve drug-free societies.
    He explained that the awareness campaign would be sustained to sanitise the society, including schools.
    (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    JOY/OIF/HA
    ===========
    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

     

  • Anglican women conference urges FG to evolve policies to tackle hardship

    Hardship

    By Joy Mbachi

    Awka, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Anglican Women Conference, Diocese of Awka, Anambra, has urged the Federal Government to implement policies that will tackle the current economic challenges in the country.

    The call is contained in a communique issued at the end of the 38th Diocesan Women’s Conference, Awka, held between June 20 and 24.

    The theme of the conference, held at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Nibo, is: “I Will Not Let Go Unless You Bless Me”

    The conference said it had become expedient for the Federal Government to review policies that had no direct positive impact on the welfare of the citizenry.

    The anglican women said that the rise in fuel price, electricity tariff, and the resultant devaluation of the naira had hugely affected the living standard of Nigerians.

    “The conference is dissatisfied with government’s attitude towards the plight of the poor masses, and urges the government to spend public fund in tackling the needs of the people.

    “Taxpayers’ money is not meant to fund frivolous lifestyles, especially when extreme hunger is ravaging the people.

    “The conference urges the government to ensure food security by promoting farming activities and providing adequate security for farmers,” the communique read in parts.

    The anglican women conference commended the Nigerian Labour Congress for standing up in support of the Nigerian workers.

    “We urge both the government and the organised labour to shift their respective grounds in keeping with the principles of conflict resolution in the ongoing minimum wage negotiation.

    “We commend the Governor of Anambra, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for his administration’s massive reforms in infrastructure and the education sector,” the communique further read.

    The conference however, expressed worries that insecurity had heightened in different parts of the state, and urged the governor to take urgent steps towards reversing the trend.

    They urged women in the country to play crucial role in the upbringing of children and the general upkeep of the family in the interest of a better society. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    JOY/OIF/AZU

    ==========
    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo and Azubuike Okeh

     

  • Raise your children to be transformational leaders, Archbishop charges women 

    Raise your children to be transformational leaders, Archbishop charges women

    Leadership

    By Joy Mbachi

    Nibo (Anambra) June 23, 2024 (NAN) The Most Revd. Alexander Ibezim, Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger, on Sunday urged women to raise their children in a manner that would prepare them to become transformative leaders.

    Ibezim, Bishop, Diocese of Awka, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) made the call in a Homily entitled: “Prepare Your Children to be Servants” at the 38th Diocesan Women’s Conference and 2nd Mothers Union conference.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference was held at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Nibo, Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra.

    The theme of the conference which started on Thursday and ended on Sunday was: “I Will Not Let You Go Unless You Bless Me,” a text taken from Genesis 32 verse 26.

    He urged them train their children to see themselves as servants and not bosses, an attribute he said, would help them to make positive impact when they occupy positions of authority in the future.

    Ibezim urged the women to raise godly children who would live according to the God’s injunctions.

    He urged women to ensure that their children were grounded in family traditions where morals, social values and fear of God are held in high esteem.

    “Prayerful children, dutiful and consistency in characters are what we need to build a healthy society,” Ibezim said.  (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    JOY/ISHO/KUA

    ============

    Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Uche Anunne

  • Chairman wants Church to preach against GBV

    Chairman wants Church to preach against GBV

    GBV
    By Joy Mbachi
    Nibo (Anambra State), June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Church has been called upon to dwell more on teaching and talking to followers on the need to shun any form of Gender-Based Violence against women and girls.

    Prof. Nkechi Ikediugwu, the Chairman, Post Primary Schools Service Commission in Anambra,
    made the call while delivering a paper at the 38th Awka Diocesan Women’s Conference (ADWOC) holding at Holy Trinity Anglican Church Nibo, Awka South Local Government Area.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ikediugwu spoke on “Gender-Based Violence Against Women: The Role of the Church” at the conference which opened on Friday.

    Describing violence as any act that injures the emotional or physical wellbeing of a woman or girl-child, she listed some of the acts to include early marriage, battering, abusive words, undue control, among others.

    Ikediugwu, a professor in Education Management and Policy Department, Faculty of Education,  Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, said “such acts inhibit women freedom of choice either in marriage, friendship or right to spend her own money.

    “Some husbands forcefully take over their wives’ salaries and spend at will, while some parents force their daughters to marry men they do not love, either to cement old-time friendship or for material gains.”

    She said such acts must be discouraged to enable women and girls to exercise their rights and achieve their goals.

    She also listed the use of internet, peer group and cultural beliefs as some factors that contribute to certain types of violence in the society.

    Earlier in a homily, Vicar of the hosting Church, Emmanuel Ajakor, urged women to pay attention to presentations during the conference “so that you can learn new things that will enable you become good builders of the family as a unit of societal development.”

    Dr Chioma Ibezim, the Conference President, Mother’s Union, Women’s Guild, Girls Guild, Province of the Niger and Diocese of Awka, urged the women to listen to the teachings of the conference for great development of the church and society at large.

    NAN reports that the conference was declared open by Rev. Alexander Ibezim, the Archbishop of  Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger.

    The conference will feature motivational talks and thanksgiving on Sunday, June 23.(NAN)(www.nannews,ng)

    JOY/HA
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    Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

     

  • Police dislodge secessionist group, arrest 4 suspects in Anambra

    Security

    By Joy Mbachi

    Awka, June 18, 2024 (NAN) Police Command in Anambra has raided and dislodged the secessionist group in the state following credible intelligence report.

    The Command’s Spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this on Tuesday in a statement in Awka.

    Ikenga said a Police-led Joint Security Force intercepted four members of the military wing of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN), at Ufuma, Orumba North Local Government Area of the State.

    He said that the ESN operatives were arrested based on information received over time of planned attacks on security agents and innocent citizens by the dreaded group.

    Ikenga said that one Maduabuchi Nwafor, alias Omenkpo, aged 32 and a native of Ufuma, was one of the four suspects arrested.

    “Nwafor has been identified as one of the herbalists who prepare charms for the group and uses his shrine for initiation ceremonies and a meeting venue for the criminals.

    “Also, another suspect, unnamed, who is already assisting the police with vital information, confessed to be one of the gunmen dispatched by the group to enforce the illegal sit-at-home order on May 30.

    The Commissioner of Police in Anambra, Mr Nnaghe Itam, said that it has ordered investigations to identify hideouts of the insurgents in the state.

    Itam assured members of the public in Anambra that the Police Command, would continue to serve the people selflessly and would protect the sources of its information from harm. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    JOY/OIF/MNA
    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Maureen Atuonwu

     

     

  • I will secure your lives, property, Anambra CP assures residents

    I will secure your lives, property, Anambra CP assures residents

    Security

    By Joy Mbachi

    Awka, June 17, 2024 (NAN) Mr Nnaghe Itam, Commissioner of  Police (CP), The Police Command on Anambra, has assured residents of Anambra of safety of lives and property during his tenure as police chief in the state.

    Itam, therefore, called on the people of the state to partner with the Command for a peaceful and safe Anambra.

    The CP made the call during the celebration of his 57th birthday in Awka on Sunday.

    Itam said reliable information from the people of the state to the police would help the command in meeting its policing responsibilities to them.

    Itam called on traditional rulers and town union President-Generals always to promote peaceful co-existence in the state.

    He advised police officers to discharge their duties professionally, urging them
    to be committed and diligent in their work.

    “All I ask from every single person in the state is patriotism and prayers for the common good of all.

    “We will not lose hope in Nigeria; the country belongs to us so everyone needs to contribute his or her quota towards the development and growth of the nation, ” he said.

    Mr Okechukwu Chijioke, Chairman, Association of Heads of Federal Establishments (AHFE), Anambra State Chapter, urged every resident of Anambra to key into the CP’s appeal for cooperation.

    “We should all be good citizens and have confidence in the Police to move Anambra State more forward’’, he said.

    Mr Chuba Akobi, a retired senior police Officer urged Anambra public to give their maximum support to the new CP.

    Akobi, who hails from Ogidi Idemili North Local Government Area, described Itam as a fine police officer with seasoned knowledge about security and its management, adding that “Itam will selflessly serve Anambra people“.

     

    Mr Maduaburochukwu Attah, an Awka indigene, urged wealthy Anambra indigenes to partner with the police for optimum security services.

    He called on residents to sustain the peaceful environment being experienced in the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Itam assumed duty as the 34th Commissioner of Police in Anambra on May 14. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    JOY/KUA

    ======

    Edited by Uche Anunne

  • Cholera: Expert cautions Nigerians on vended local foods

    Cholera: Expert cautions Nigerians on vended local foods

    Mrs Assumpta Ilodibe 

    Cholera
    By Joy Mbachi
    Awka,June 16, 2024 (NAN) Mrs Assumpta Ilodibe, a Chief Nursing Officer at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Awka, says Nigerians to be mindful of how they patronise food vendors to avoid contracting cholera.
    Ilodibe made the call following reports of cholera breakout in some parts of the country.
    In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)in Awka on Sunday, Ilodibe
    said the cholera could be fatal if medical intervention was delayed or not properly handled.
    She said the bacteria responsible for cholera produced a toxin in the small intestines which made the body to secrete too much water leading to diarrhea and rapid loss of fluid and salt.
    She said it was important to prevention contracting cholera through dedicated hygiene, safe drinking water.
    Ilodibe advised that foodstuff bought from the markets needed to be washed well with salt before consumption.
    The medical expert advised people to ensure they washed their toilets in and out with alcohol based detergents at least three times a week.
    Ilodibe said that parents should ensure their children were trained to imbibe healthy living principles of proper hand washing after contacts with people and public places.
    She said that hand washing under running water with soap after visiting the toilets or after returning from school or public places would prevent lots of communicable diseases.
    Ilodibe advised against eating raw meat or fish and urged people to always wash their nuts, fruits, vegetables with clean water and salt before eating.
    “Water for cooking should be very clean and upgraded personal hygiene should always be sustained,” she advised.
    NAN reports that on June 9, the Lagos State Government declared a cholera outbreak as reported by the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) on June 12.
    According to the EOC, 324 suspected cholera cases have been reported in the state, including 15 people who died. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    JOY/CHOM/KUA
    ==========
    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Uche Anunne

  • Anglican Archbishop charges fathers to be nation builders

     

    Cross session of Fathers at the Church of the pentecost Awka

    Fathers

    Joy Mbachi

    Awka, June 16, 2024 (NAN) The Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province on the Niger, Most Revd Alexander Ibezim, has charged fathers to take total responsibility for their families against the hot chase for materialism.

    Ibezim, also Bishop of the Diocese of Awka, Anglican Communion, charged Fathers to live their lives in the fear of God in order to achieve their full potentials and grow their families in the path of God.

    Ibezim gave the charge during a special service in Awka on Sunday to mark the 2024 Fathers’ Day celebration in the Anglican church.

    Ibezim, whose message centred on the theme of the year “Christian Fathers are living testimony of God’s glory”, was delivered by the Vicar of the church, Venerable Ekenedilichukwu Nwafor.

    Ibezim thanked God for the gift of Fathers to humanity and described them as the glory of every home, without whose sacrifices and unwavering assistance to their wives, the home may not be a safe place to live in.

    The archbishop noted that fathers were the image of God that carried  His glory and could only manifest God’s glory by fearing him and seeking to keep His commandments always.

    Ibezim urged fathers to love their families by making a significant sacrifice for their salvation and well being and appreciated all Fathers in the Awka Anglican Diocese for their sacrifices towards the progress of the church.

    He also advised fathers to ensure they raised godly family units that would translate to a safer society and a better Nigeria.

    Dr Chukwudi Okoli, the Accountant General of Anambra State, commended the founders of the day, saying they created room for families to share special day with their fathers.

    Okoli said that the celebration also gave room for closer bonding amongst the nuclear family members and quality relationships in the family.

    Chief Tim Egboka, a former legislator in the Anambra State House of Assembly, explained that Father’s Sunday was a day designed to honour fathers whom God had bequeathed the responsibilities of moulding, guiding and providing for the family.

    He also urged them to always pray for their families and live exemplary lives for their wives and children to emulate.

    Chief Chido Obidiegwu, the Managing Director of the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), thanked God for keeping fathers alive to celebrate their day.

    Mr Tim Nwabunwanne, leader of the Fathers fellowship in the church, said that Fathers are pillars of homes and will not relent in building healthy families.

    Mrs Ada Okafor, a parishioner, thanked God for the gift of Fathers and described them as wonderful beings.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the special service featured cutting of cake by fathers to mark their day and special prayers for fathers and their families. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    JOY/MNA

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu