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By Madu Obi The students and pupils of Western Academy, Umueze Anam, in Anambra West local government area, have expressed deep appreciation to the former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, for donating N10 million to improve facilities in their school. Addressing the students, Obi urged them to take their studies seriously, reminding them that education remains the most reliable path to personal and societal advancement. He told them that the mere fact that they are in school places them in a privileged position and that with dedication and hard work they would be able to compete favourably with students from any part of the world. He encouraged them to believe in their potential, noting that among them could emerge future presidents, governors, professors, entrepreneurs and leaders of major institutions, including banks and international organisations. Obi also shared a personal reflection with the students, recalling that part of his own primary education was undertaken at St. Augustine Primary School, Umuoba Anam, in present-day Anambra West Local Government Area, where he began the academic journey that eventually shaped his life. He further recalled visiting the Anam area while campaigning to become governor and having to access the community by boat, a situation that underscored the isolation of the riverine communities at the time. According to him, the experience strengthened his resolve to improve access to the area, which later led him to partner with the Federal Government to construct a bridge linking the riverine communities to other parts of the state. Obi also remembered initiating and constructing one of the first major road projects in the area, linking Umueze Anam to neighbouring communities, as part of efforts to open up the region and improve transportation and economic activities. The proprietor of the school and the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Niger East, Most Rev’d Dr. Obiora Uzochukwu, thanked Obi for his visit and generous donation, describing it as a huge encouragement to both the students and the school administration. He urged the students not to be discouraged by their rural environment but to remain focused on learning, discipline and hard work, assuring them that greatness can emerge from any place where determination and opportunity meet. Speaking on behalf of the students, the Senior Prefect, Miss Udenze Ifeyinwa, said the visit was both surprising and inspiring to the entire school community. She noted that it was difficult for many of them to believe that someone as highly placed and widely respected as Obi would take time to visit their school, located in one of the most rural parts of Anambra State. She said the visit had given the students renewed confidence and a sense of belonging, adding that it showed that people in leadership still care about children in remote communities. According to her, the students were particularly grateful for Obi’s encouragement and the support he extended to the school.

By Madu Obi Saturday's planned protest organized by the Electricity Consumers Rights Network against epileptic power supply in Anambra State has been called off due to suspected security challenges. The protest was meant to highlight growing frustration among residents over erratic electricity supply despite the introduction of Band A tariffs. Addressing reporters in Awka on Friday, the convener of the group, Comrade Osita Obi, however, said that the protest had only been suspended and not cancelled. According to Obi, the decision to suspend the protest followed concerns raised by security agencies, including the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Anambra State government ahead of Governor Chukwuma Soludo's second term inauguration on March 17. The agencies, he added, also expressed fears that the protest could be hijacked by hoodlums, disclosing that he had received more than 157 threatening calls urging him to call off the protest. Denying the allegation that he had been compromised, Obi said: “Having listened to these people, we decided to suspend the protest, but not cancel it." He said that he would not want to take any action that might not augur well for the state and urged electricity consumers in the state to rather attend a town hall meeting scheduled by the state government- sponsored FirstPower for March 18, where they would have the opportunity to ask questions about the power situation in the state. He, however, decried the quality of power supply in the state, noting that electricity supply has become inconsistent and unreliable.

By Madu Obi One hundred women selected from the 21 local government areas of Anambra State have begun a training programme on skills acquisition sponsored by the wife of the governor of Anambra State, Mrs Nonye Soludo. At an elaborate programme at the Government House, Awka, Mrs Soludo said the Anambra Skilled Ladies Programme is a well-designed entrepreneurial package that offers young women the opportunity to learn and prosper through high-demand lucrative skills. The training was designated across four areas of solar and CCTV Installation and repairs, Air Condition repair and maintenance, tricycle (Keke) repair, and painting. According to the governor's wife, the total course duration is two months, adding that one month is for practical classes, while the other month is for internship. She reminded the beneficiaries that classes are strictly in-person, stating that they are required to achieve at least 98% of class attendance to be certified. She said: "This event holds a distinct position in the heart of our history as a non-governmental crusade. This one celebrates women in the most practical way. Remarkably, we are in a month that has been globally dedicated to appreciating the uniqueness, beauty, and resilience of womanhood. So, consider this my own gift of love and support to all of you for being purposeful women. The idea of Anambra Skilled Ladies Programme struct like a divine providence, and I'm super grateful that we're finally here to kick off this amazing journey. Depending on your department, you will be directly monitored and supervised by your trainers, while an independent team will be set up to follow up on your day-to-day development." You are just a few steps away from a perfect milestone and I'm sincerely counting on you. Go out there and flourish". It would interest you to note that a few months ago, when the application portal for this programmme was opened, we received over ten thousand submissions in just one week. Our earlier plan was to start off with fifty trainees, but moved by your passion and keen interest, we had no choice but to double the figure. Note that any trainee who flouts the rules of the program will be automatically disqualified and replaced. What we are giving you is a platform to succeed. In these skills environment, evidently dominated by men, we want you to bring uniqueness and excellence to the field. We want you to become a beacon of hope and faith for your families, communities, and our dear state and beyond. We want you to be the best and nothing short of it. Whatever challenge you meet in the course of this program, don't lose the motivation. Let resilience drive your everyday tasks. "Show seriousness and dedication to your projects, and respect your trainers and fellow trainees. Most importantly, work like a family and avoid division and unhealthy competition. I have 100% trust and faith in all of you, and I want you to make me proud". Mrs Soludo noted that the screening process was strict and rigorous, noting that they were selected because they showed considerable passion and the right willingness to make a change. She commended the trainers for extending a hand of true partnership to her NGO in the life-changing quest, adding, "We are handing these ladies into your care, mentorship, and tutelage. Please, take good care of them."