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By Madu Obi The abducted Anambra native doctor and social media influencer, Chidozie Nwangwu, aka Akwa okuko tiwara aki, has regained his freedom after six days in the kidnapper's den. It was gathered that the popular native doctor, considered one of the richest men in his Oba community in Idemili South local government area, was released on Saturday morning. An indigene of the town who confirmed the release said: "Akwa okuko was released very early this morning and he is still celebrating with his friends and well wishers in his house in Oba. “His friends rallied round and raised the money for the abductors."He said the kidnappers demanded N300million ransom before he could be released and later demanded additional N50 million, which was also delivered to them, before he was released. The Anambra State Police command has also confirmed the release of the native doctor. Police PPRO, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga said: “Yes, he was released this morning. We are waiting to debrief him with a view to getting his experience and clue of who the abductors were, so that we can go after them.” Meanwhile, the native doctor said he followed them to avert further bloodshed after the kidnappers had earlier killed his two aides. Entertaining those who came to celebrate with him, Nwangwu attributed his abduction to unnecessary envy by those who were not happy about his success in life. Recall that Akwa okuko tiwara aki was kidnapped in one of his hotels in Oba on Sunday. Two of his personal aides were killed before the abductors went to him and kidnapped him without any resistance.

By Iheanyi Chukwudi Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Friday officially declared an end to all sit-at-home, including the Mondays and any other proposed with the aim to force the Nigerian government to release him. The IPOB leader communicated the declaration in handwritten statement handed to his special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, authorizing him to read out same to newsmen at a world press conference held Friday evening in Enugu. Kanu in his statement made it unequivocally that anyone henceforth engaging in sit-at-home in the South East was no longer his disciple and should not claim membership of IPOB. Sit-at-home order was given in 2021 following Kanu's arrest and rendition to Nigeria by security agencies of Nigeria in collaboration with their Kenyan counterparts and detained at the custody of the Department of the State Services (DSS). Though IPOB had cancelled the order, Simon Ekpa-led faction insisted on it and even declared sit-at-home on other days of their choice, visiting the people with violence as they enforce it. In the handwritten declaration dated July 24, 2023, read by his special counsel, Ejimakor, Kanu frowned at the refusal of Simon Ekpa, the Prime Minister of Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), to announce the cancellation and further declaration through his media platforms. He therefore, warned Ekpa to desist from calling for any sit-at-home henceforth and to make a public announcement to the effect that he (Mazi Simon Ekpa) is in receipt of a direct order from him (Mazi Nnamdi Kanu) to cancel any pending sit-at-home in place at the moment.” Ejimakor’s full address reads: “This Public Announcement bears (as shall be reproduced below) the unedited, verbatim instructions containing a Direct Order personally issued by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in his own handwriting on 24th July, 2023 through me to Mazi Simon Ekpa, instructing him to ‘desist from calling for any sit-at-home henceforth’ and ‘to make a public announcement to the effect that he (Mazi Simon Ekpa) is in receipt of a direct order from him (Mazi Nnamdi Kanu) to cancel any pending sit-at-home in place at the moment;’ and also that he (Mazi Nnamdi Kanu) has, by the same order, ‘authorized me to issue a press statement if he (Mazi Simon Ekpa) fails to make this announcement on his platform.’ “For avoidance of doubt, this Direct Order was personally handed to me by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu when I visited him on the said 24th July, 2023 at the headquarters of the Department of State Security (DSS), Abuja. Later that day, I tried to contact Mazi Simon Ekpa via his WhatsApp number but could not reach him until 1:44am the following day (25th July, 2023), whereupon I snapped the Direct Order as written and sent to him. He thereafter acknowledged receipt and we spoke briefly on it and exchanged a couple of text messages thereof. “Since that early 25th July, 2023 (when I conveyed the Order to Mazi Ekpa and he duly acknowledged it, he has not implemented the Order or otherwise made such announcement on his media platform. Nonetheless, I made a conscious decision to give him the benefit of doubt and thereby accord him more time to do the needful. “Then, late yesterday, further written Instructions was issued by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to me, referring to the extant Direct Order to Mazi Ekpa and, in addition, instructing me that given that Mazi Ekpa has not carried out the Order, I must, as of today, being 28th July 2023, proceed to make the Order public through a Public Announcement/ Press Statement. In the said further Instructions, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu added more pertinent details and instructed that I must equally make them public. “Accordingly, and as of Counsel, bound by duty and the solemn oath of my noble profession to faithfully and zealously implement my Client’s clear Instructions without any fear or favor, I now therefore reproduce ver

By Madu Obi AN accused person in the case of alleged defrauding of an orphan, Miss Victoria Mbachu of her inherited N10 million property in Nnobi, Idemili South local government area of Anambra State, Mr. Olufemi Salako, said on Friday that the person accused with him, Chief Chijioke Okaa, who is a native doctor, gave him N10000 at the Correctional Center in Onitsha to testify in his favour at the court. Speaking while standing in the dock at the Chief Magistrate Court, Nnobi when the matter came up, Salako also told the court that Okaa has been threatening him since July 16 when the matter last came up and he was remanded in prison custody. “After the last sitting on July 16, I was granted bail by this court and as soon as the court rose, three persons including Okaa came to me that they were trying to perfect my bail condition." “They said that I should handover my phone to them, but I refused. And as if that was not enough, Okaa started threatening me." “Later, he visited me in the prison custody and gave me N10, 000, telling me to support him”, Salako said. Earlier, the complainant, Mr. Bonaventure Ezekwenna told the court how the native doctor destroyed his N10 million property which he bought from Miss Mbachu. Ezekwenna, who is based in New York City, USA, who opened his testimony in the criminal charge brought against Okaa and the Beninese bricklayer, Salako, at the Chief Magistrate Court presided by His Worship, Kenneth Nwoye, narrated how he paid Mbachu N10 million for her property. He said that after paying for the property, he deployed building materials including, iron rods, blocks and other materials for full construction after erecting the fence, adding that all the materials he assembled were either damaged or missing. He said: "It was when work began at the site that Okaa emerged with others, demolished the fence and destroyed building materials I kept there and it was this situation that prompted me to report the matter to police." “Regrettably, while policemen in Lagos were investigating the matter, a team of Police arrived from Force Headquarters, Abuja and arrested me on the allegation that Okaa had petitioned the Inspector General of Police”, he said. Ezekwenna added that after investigation of Okaa’s petition, the police decided to charge him, (Okaa) for false information. Ezekwenna, who tendered documents showing agreement with Mbachu and evidence of N10 million payment, regretted that Okaa refused all overtures made to him to settle the matter out of court. The presiding Chief Magistrate, Kenneth Nwoye adjourned the matter to August 4 for continuation of hearing. He also ordered that Salako should remain in prison custody until the matter was concluded. It will be recalled that the prosecutor had accused Okaa and Salako of sometime within the months of July 2020 and October, 2021 at Nnobi, did attempt to commit felony by inducing Miss Nzube Mbachu to change her property title document in favour of Okaa. They were also accused of promising to build a house for Mbachu which they never did, prompting her to sell the property to Ezekwenna.

Mbah submits From Iheanyi Chukwudi, Enugu Enugu state Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah has submitted a list of 15 Commissioner nominees to the State House of Assembly. Sending the list through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Mbah appealed to the House to give it a speedy consideration. The list which was read on the floor of the House by the Speaker, Uche Ugwu has in it Deacon Okey Ogbodo, Prince Lawrence Eze (Prince of Mburumbu), veteran broadcaster, Aka Eze Aka among others. Also in the list signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia are some former Commissioners. The list as presented has in it: "Professor Ndubueze Mbah, Mrs. Ngozi Eni, Prince Lawrence Eze (Prince of Mburumbu), Professor Sam Ugwu, Pharmacist Chika Ugwoke, Dr. Kingsley Ude, Professor Emmanuel I. Obi, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, Ben Ugochi Madueke, Barr. Lloyd I. Ekweremadu, Engr. Gerrald Otiji, Nathaniel Urama, Dr. Malachy Agbo, Mr. Aka Eze Aka and Ada Chukwu." The SSG, Onyia in the letter accompanying the list disclosed that it was not the complete list. He said, “While this may not be the exhaustive list, I’m optimistic that this request will receive your usual expeditious consideration."

By Madu Obi THE United Nations Children's Fund, UNICEF, has said that exclusive breastfeeding of at least six months of a child's birth is a powerful life saver, describing it as critical to long term health and wellbeing of both mother and child. Speaking at the zonal media dialogue on the forthcoming 2023 World Breastfeeding week and zero water campaign for the four states of Anambra, Benue, Cross River and Enugu, the nutrition specialist at the UNICEF Field office, Enugu, Mrs. Ngozi Onuora described as unfortunate, a situation whereby majority of nursing mothers do not optimally breastfeed their children. According to her, only 38% of infants are exclusively breastfed in the first six months, adding that the laxity contributes to about 800,000 child deaths annually. She said: "The practice of feeding babies extra water, in addition to breast milk, is common in Nigeria. This is harmful as extra water not only introduces illness- causing pathogens, but also reduces the child's thirst and effective suckling." Onuora observed that over the years, the exclusive breastfeeding rate had shown only marginal increase from very low rate of two percent in 1990 to 17% in 2019 as reported by the Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey. "The zero water campaign, therefore, promotes giving babies breast milk only on demand day and night and stopping the practice of giving water and other liquids and foods from the moment of birth through the first six months of life, so as to achieve the World Health Assembly global breastfeeding target of 50% by 2025", she added. The UNICEF Enugu Office Communications Officer, Dr. Ijeoma Onuora Ogwe urged the media to set agenda for zero water campaign on exclusive breastfeeding, arguing that every working nursing mother should enjoy six months of maternity leave with assurance of job security. "Practicing breastfeeding at work makes societies work, as it provides vital health and nutritional benefits for children with positive lifelong impacts, building healthier populations and workforces for the future. "Women should not have to choose between breastfeeding their children and their jobs because exclusive breastfeeding is possible regardless of workplace, sector or contract type. "Also, effective maternity protection improves children's and women's health and increases breastfeeding. "All women everywhere, no matter their work, should have at least six months paid maternity leave, paid time off for breastfeeding and flexible return to work options," she said.

By Madu Obi AFTER initial hiccups occasioned by the people's resistance to demolish their property to give way to the new flyover at Ekwulobia, the fourth largest city in Anambra State, the multi million naira project has finally taken off. Over 500 buildings affected by the project have been demolished and most of the owners have been paid compensation. However, the total amount paid by the state government to the owners could not be ascertained. Governor Chukwuma Soludo had said that the construction of the Ekwulobia flyover became necessary in view of the excruciating hardship faced by motorists and those doing business in that vicinity. A visit to the project site showed that work had begun in earnest, although with the expected inconveniences for those who use the road regularly. The site engineer of A. G. Vision Construction Company handling the project, Nawar Deeb said work began there two weeks ago, adding that the company will hopefully deliver the work in 18 months. According to him, work is progressing as government has been meeting its obligation to the project. "The host community is also cooperating as we have members of the community who are part of the construction," he said. The President General of Ekwulobia, Nze Azubuike Nzechukwu said despite the initial anger over the demolition of buildings, the people have embraced the project. He said: “Before now, the people were not happy because of the demolition of buildings, but Mr Governor came here twice and spoke to the people about his intentions." “Now, the people have accepted the projects and are very happy. Many of the people whose houses were affected have been paid compensation. It is only about 10 per cent of them that are yet to receive compensation”.

By Iheanyi Chukwudi Candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the March 18 governorship election in Enugu state, Frank Nweke Jr. has advised the Governor Peter Mbah-led government of the state to work to earn the trust of the citizens. The former Minister of Information and Culture also admonished Governor Mbah and his government not allow themselves to be lured into taking actions that will be counterproductive to the efforts at ending sit-at-home in the state. Nweke who apparently was reacting to the sealing of people’s shops and private business premises that were not opened on Monday by the state government, warned that “Government should not be baited by non state actors into coercive actions that may be counterproductive.” The APGA governorship candidate it can be recalled recently withdrew his election petition against Mbah at the Governorship election Petition Tribunal sitting in Enugu, on personal reasons. In statement he titled “Unraveling the Monday sit-at-home quagmire in Enugu State,” Nweke commended Mbah’s government for working to end the illegal sit-at-home but warned it be mindful of actions taking towards achievement of the goal. Nweke Jr. who ran an issue-based campaign in the. last election, expressed worry over government's action questioning how a government that was appealing to the people to come out on Mondays and go about their duties would at the same time seal their shops and offices forcing them to sit down at home. Nweke statement reads in parts, “Unraveling the ‘Monday sit-at-home' in Enugu is a classic leadership quagmire. It mimics the dilemma of the tsetse fly perched on the scrotum - swatting the fly without due care may crush the testicles. Doing nothing does not preserve the twin balls, either. Yet, something must be done. “The sit-at-home order by renegades is destructive. It undermines the rights of citizens to free movement and pursuit of their social and economic endeavours. No benefit can come out of this obnoxious imposition. Government is right in working to end it “Sealing businesses, however, for not opening to business further compels the shop owners to ‘sit at home’. Just, what you don’t want. “Our people sit at home on Mondays out of fear for dear life. Businesses are set up for profit. No benefit, therefore, accrues in the owners shutting their businesses. Each day that owners sit at home undermines their business and profit and survival. However, it is only someone who is alive that can open a business to make a profit. There are genuine reasons to be fearful. “The ongoing efforts by the government are commendable. In addition to mobilizing the security services, the government must work to earn the trust of citizens. Trust cannot be earned by force. It cannot be decreed. Overturning these two years of fear will require some level of patience. “I urge empathy, constructive engagement, and demonstrable efforts to protect citizens in a way that they can see and feel, in order to progressively restore normalcy to the state.”

By Madu Obi THE giant cement manufacturers, the BUA Group, has begun the construction of a students center estimated to cost N1 billion at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State as part of its social responsibility. UNIZIK is the South East beneficiary of the ASR Africa project, which is also being executed in selected universities in the other five geopolitical zones of the country. Other universities benefiting from the project include University of Maiduguri, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Ibadan and University of Benin. At the foundation laying ceremony of the project at the Awka campus of the university on Tuesday, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of ASR Africa, Dr Uboh Udoh commended UNIZIK for passing the rigorous screening process. He said: "We had a very tedious screening process that included consideration of the university's ranking and innovations in the university. After that, we did physical inspection of the project site and interacted with the staff and students before the choice was made." "We appointed a consultant who supervises the project and the university also appointed its consultant. Our consultant visits the project site and does the necessary checks." "We also created a system where we can score the projects in terms of their impact and accessibility, usage and the ripple effect it will have on the host communities." According to him, what the group is doing through ASR Africa is to contribute its quota in the area of social development. He explained that in addition to the N1billion grant to the six universities, the group also gives smaller grants starting from N250 million, adding that about 30 universities have benefited from the scheme. Vice Chancellor of UNIZIK, Professor Charles Esimone commended ASR Africa for selecting the institution as one of the beneficiaries, stating that he was aware that there was tedious and competitive process in selecting the beneficiaries. Describing it as an iconic project, the Vice Chancellor said the multipurpose students center would have many facilities, including an amphitheater, offices, sports facilities, internet facilities, among others. "It is an architectural masterpiece that will improve the skyline of UNIZIK and we are lucky that ASR Africa is executing one of the best structures in this university" Esimone said

Iheanyi Chukwudi Experts in neurosurgery have called on both Federal and State governments to make the treatment of Hydrocephalus compulsory and free for all Nigerian children. The experts who participated in the 1st Enugu Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy + Choroid Plexus Coagulation (ETV/CPC) collaboration between the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) and NeuroKids, where no fewer than 17 children with Hydrocephalus had successful endoscopic neurosurgeries, noted that the cost of treatment of the said health challenge was beyond the reach of the poor masses. The beneficiaries of the endoscopic neurosurgery who are between the ages of four months and eight years are said to be recuperating effectively after the surgery. UNTH and the experts in neurosurgery further said that governments’ involvement in the treatment of Hydrocephalus was the only way the health condition would be tackled in Nigeria. The request to the governments came just as the UNTH broke another new ground through collaboration with United States of America (USA)-based NeuroKids Foundation on new method of treating children with Hydrocephalus. Children with Hydrocephalus have excessive brain fluids that make them experience abnormal growth in parts of their body. It could also be described as a neurological disorder caused by an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles (cavities) within the brain. Experts said excess fluid could cause ventricles to widen and put harmful pressure on brain tissues in children. In the process, enlarges their brain and head. UNTH Chief Medical Director (CMD), Dr. Obinna Onodugo, who expressed happiness over the partnership and the adaptation of the Endoscopic surgery (Dr. Warf Procedure) by the Neurosurgery Department of the hospital, said it had boosted the efforts of the institution in breaking new grounds. Onodugo commended the government for their efforts through the institution and urged it to see the need to support the hospital by subsidizing the cost of the surgery for the children or take it over entire for the sake of poor masses. A Consultant Neurosurgeon and Project Director of NeuroKids-UNTH Collaboration, Prof. Enoch Uche while requesting government to make the treatment of Hydrocephalus free, noted that NeuroKids donated  Neuroendoscopes  and many other equipment worth over $90,000 to make the project succeed. According to him, “UNTH working with NeuroKids is making this surgery and this treatment available in UNTH and surgeries are subsidized by the management of UNTH while NeuroKids has provided both the facilities. What you have here, these endoscope systems worth tens of millions of naira and NeuroKids has provided it free of charge, not only that, NeuroKids has mobilized a team to come and support us as we do this surgery. That team is led by Dr. Justin Onen, a Neurosurgeon who has a lot of experience in doing these surgeries at Mulago Hospital, Uganda, there is also Prof. Femi Bankole from Lagos who is also part of the team. “We want to implore the government to come to the aid of patients with Hydrocephalus. Because most of them are born by poor families, they are not usually brought for treatment, that’s why you are seeing a five-year-old being brought for treatment for the first time. “If government had made the treatment of Hydrocephalus compulsory and free for all Nigerian children, that will be acceptable and a very positive way of saying that we want our children to have the best form of health. “We want the government to partner with UNTH to provide other facilities that are required to make pediatric neurosurgery come to the standard that is acceptable in most of the developed world so that our children would not have to be taken out of Nigeria for treatment and so that the poor masses with this

By Madu Obi The small businesses support programme for the people of Anambra State initiated by the former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka has taken off at Obosi, Idemili North local government area of the state. It was in fulfilment of Chidoka's promise during the burial of his mother, Deaconess Victoria Chidoka, in May 2023 that he would set up a business support fund in her memory to assist women petty traders. No fewer than 100 petty traders have already received grants under the programme to enable them expand their businesses. The wife of the former minister, Mrs. Chidinma Chidoka went round the markets to make the presentation to the beneficiaries. Recall also that Chidoka had before his mother's burial, organized a free cervical cancer screening and medical care tagged Nneka Chidoka Outreach Program in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo local government area and Obosi in Idemili North local government area in which over 1000 patients received treatment for various illnesses, including malaria and diabetes. Prescription glasses were also given to over 300 patients. Some of the beneficiaries who spoke thanked the former Minister and former Corps Marshall of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) for his uncommon philanthropic gesture. A beneficiary, Mrs Alice Mbara while thanking Chidoka for the intervention, said it would help her to expand her watermelon business.

By Madu Obi After months of detention at the Correctional Center over alleged illegal possession of firearm, the chairman of the foremost aluminum roofing sheets company in Onitsha, Best Aluminium, Chief Pius Nweke on Monday regained his freedom. A Federal High Court sitting in Awka and presided over by Justice Nnamdi Dimgba had on 14th June 2023 sentenced Chief Nweke to 10 years imprisonment with an option of N30m fine for the offence of unlawful possession of a firearm and another three months imprisonment without option of fine for the offence of unlawful possession of ammunition. Nweke, whose ordeal was traceable to the protracted dispute between his community, Abba in Njikoka local government area and Ukpo in Dunukofia local government area, was released after meeting the bail conditions. In an emotion-laden statement after his release, Nweke urged his people of Abba not to lose hope. He said: "I have come to realize that in this world, God created different seasons for a reason. He allows us to pass through some trial situations even in our innocence for a reason. But in all things, God never in any circumstance fails to prove himself as the Lord of the universe." "He has never failed to protect the innocent and fight on the side of those who seek genuine justice and just course." Going down memory lane, Nweke added: "For some years now, I have been made to pass through the valley and shadows of tribulations, but God has remained my strength and anchor. " He has shown me that those who put all their trust in him can never be put to shame. "At my worst moments, he has been a source of hope and victory. Even when they gathered against me and the course of justice that I have stood for, the protective grace and mercy of God has remained with me." "As I reflect on the multiple challenging times I was made to undergo for standing as a defender to the just course of my beloved community, Abba, I wish to specially thank good spirited Anambarians who highly frown upon oppression and all those who came forward during my court trial and my period of incarceration to testify in my favour." "I recognize distinguished personalities such as His Royal Highness, Igwe L. N. Ezeh, Eze Abba, other traditional rulers in Anambra state and some illustrious sons and daughters of Abba Community, as well as Most Emmanuel Chukwuma, the Archbishop of Enugu Diocese; Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Chiedozie Nwokolo, Bishop on the Niger; Venerable Dr. Emmanuel Ezeugo, and other kind hearted clergymen and Knights of Saint Christopher, Diocese on the Niger, for all their prayers." He assured that despite his travails, he would never stop seeking​ the course of justice and the propagation of the genuine interest of his community, adding that he will continue to serve and worship God Almighty in whom​ he holds in great trust to reveal every atrocious antics and actions of those against him and his community, Abba. "I wish to encourage all sons and daughters of Abba community never to lose hope in their fervent prayers. I am very confident that at the end of this period of trial, truth will prevail over every form of injustice that has been meted against Abba community for many years now. "God will definitely prove himself as the God of justice, and all who stood for justice will smile and celebrate when the day of reckoning comes", he said.

By Madu Obi A popular native doctor based in Oba, Idemili North local government area of Anambra State was kidnapped on Sunday night in one of his hotels in the town. The native doctor, known as Akwa Okuko tiwara aki ( an egg that breaks palm nut), was believed to possess power of disappearance, but could not disappear when the kidnappers came for him. His two personal aides were said to have been killed in the vicinity of the hotel before the kidnappers effortlessly took him away. Regarded as one of the strongest native doctors in Anambra State, it was a surprise that he was kidnapped with so much ease in his hotel, Triple P Hotel, which is one of the three hotels he built in Oba. The Anambra State police command has confirmed his kidnap as the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Toochukwu Ikenga said the incident happened around 11:30pm last night. The state Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Adeoye has already ordered operatives go after his abductors and ensure his release. A source said: “Akwa Okuko Tiwara aki has been Kidnapped. Two of his security men were shot dead." In the he meantime, many people have been trouping to his house in Oba to find out if truly he was kidnapped in view of the enormous powers he was believed to possess. The kidnappers have also not made any contact with his family in terms of ransom to be paid.