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By Madu Obi The Anambra State ICT Agency has restated its commitment to creating a digitally inclusive environment where Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) can access and benefit from government services without hindrance. Speaking when the Anambra State Disability Rights Commission (ADRC), in partnership with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme, paid an advocacy visit to his office, the Managing Director/CEO of the ICT Agency, Fred Agbata, underscored the Soludo administration’s determination to make governance work for all, including PWDs. Agbata noted that intentional inclusion is a key part of the governor’s technology-driven vision for the state which is why the commission recently received a wide range of digital tools to enhance their productivity. “Technology is only truly impactful when it works for everyone, regardless of physical ability. We are committed to removing digital barriers and making our platforms accessible to all residents of Anambra State,” he said. He also disclosed that the Agency will take immediate steps to appoint a disability desk officer, work with the commission to ensure that all government ICT platforms are designed to meet accessibility standards, as well as incorporate PWD-friendly features into ongoing upgrades of the SolutionLens feedback platform. The visit also featured presentations from ADRC’s Head of ICT, Mr. Bonaventure Umeokwonna, who outlined the commission’s priorities, and RoLAC representatives, who pledged continued support for building capacity and strengthening the policy framework for inclusion. Mr. Valentine Nwachukwu, Head of Planning, Research and Statistics at the commission commended the ICT Agency’s openness to collaboration. "The Anambra State ICT Agency will continue to work closely with ministries, departments, and agencies to deepen digital transformation in the state to ensure that no segment of society is left behind", he said.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State Labour Party, LP, caucus in the National Assembly, has expressed grave reservations over alleged moves by the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, to deploy non-state security personnel in tomorrow's bye elections in the state. But the APGA national publicity secretary, Dr Ejimofor Opara retorted, insisting that LP lawmakers are the ones planning to cause mayhem in Onitsha during the election, even when the party has no candidate for the bye-election. The bye-elections are for the Onitsha North 1 State Assembly seat and the Anambra South senatorial zone. In a statement issued in Awka, the Anambra State capital, the LP caucus, which comprises two senators and six House of Representatives members, called on the nation's security chiefs to assist the Nigerian Police in providing a serene atmosphere for the citizenry to vote in the elections without fear of molestation. The statement read: "Information at our disposal indicates that Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), had concluded plans to deploy men of the state's security outfit, Udogachi, crude revenue enforcers, popularity known as ndi Aka odo and sundry non-state actors to take over the various voting points for the bye elections." The plan, the caucus said, is to use these state government-controlled agents to scare away prospective voters not aligned to APGA from the polling units. "In an election where candidates of APGA are major contenders, it would be foolhardy to allow the Governor to take charge of security arrangements, especially as that would confer undue advantage on his party. We, therefore, call on the nation's top security architecture, especially the National Security Adviser, NSA, the Chief of Army Staff, the General Officer Commanding(GOC), 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, and others to fully deploy their personnel, so as to restore voter confidence in the election, as well as protect the lives of those involved in the process. The whole essence of democratic governance revolves around freedom of choice, made possible by free and fair elections. Tomorrow's Anambra bye-elections, like several in some other states of the federation, is a litmus test on our country's readiness to ensure that the votes of Nigerians not only count, but are peacefully counted in order to arrive at an acceptable outcome. In order to achieve this goal, therefore, the process cannot be skewed to favour any particular individual, be him a governor, or not. For the case of Onitsha North Constituency 1, we are shocked to the bone marrow the level of desperation of Governor Soludo and APGA- led state government against a widow whose husband was kidnapped and killed as then sitting member representing the constituency. We also make haste to point out that, as an off-season election, the attention of all participants, including candidates, political parties, local and foreign observers, and of course, the media, would be focused on the process. As a people, we must therefore strive to ensure that everyone plays by the rules," the statement added. The statement was signed by Senator Victor Umeh, Senator Tony Nwoye, Hon. George Ozodinobi, Hon. Afam Ogene, Hon. Emeka Idu, Hon. (Prof) Lilian Orogbu, Hon. Peter Anekwe and Hon. Uchenna Okonkwo. However, reacting on LPs allegation, the APGA national publicity secretary, Opara, said the people of Anambra State know those who are planing to foment trouble during the bye-election. He say: "We don't have Labour Party in this state. These are opportunists who are just clutching on straws. We know those who are planing to cause mayhem in Onitsha. They are just crying wolves. It's actually what they are planning to do and we have a credible information that they are the ones planning to distort the will of the people. They know that they have an unpopular candidate and they know that APGA is on ground as far as Anambra is concerned. So they are only trying to whip up sentiment that would create the groundwork for them to unleash their mayhem in Onitsha. But we are ready for them. We are ready for a free, fair, credible election and we are mobilizing our people. As a matter of fact everyone who had seen our candidate knows that she is credible. We have been campaigning from ward to ward, while they only had a flag off. They are looking for who to blame for their imminent failure because they are not on ground. In fact that party does not exist anymore. Who is even their candidate in the bye-election?"

By Madu Obi Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi has expressed concern over Nigeria’s declining foreign direct investment (FDI), blaming it on ineffective leadership, poor governance, and uncoordinated reforms for the country’s economic stagnation. Speaking on the latest capital importation report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Obi noted that despite the frequent overseas trips by the President, Ministers, and other government officials in search of FDI, Nigeria’s poor performance in key governance indicators, such as rule of law, regulatory quality, government effectiveness, and voice and accountability, have continued to undermine investor confidence. The NBS had observed that FDI to Nigeria fell sharply by about 70% in the first quarter of 2025, dropping to $126.29 million from $421.8 million in the last quarter of 2024. Of the $5.64 billion total capital importation in Q1 2025, FDI accounted for just 2.24%, compared to 8.2% in Q4 2024. Obi described this as “disturbing,” noting that 90% of the imported capital went into speculative money market instruments, which offer little or no contribution to industrial growth or job creation and can easily exit the economy. He stressed that sustainable growth cannot be achieved without strong leadership and coordinated reforms. “Capital flows to the manufacturing sector declined by 32.1%, from $191.92 million in Q1 2023 to $129.92 million in Q1 2025. This is a clear sign of the lack of trust in a government whose reforms remain reactive and uncoordinated,” Obi said. Citing UNCTAD data, Obi observed that while global FDI flows fell in 2024, Africa experienced a significant 75% rise to $97 billion. He added: "Egypt led the continent with $46.58 billion, followed by Ethiopia ($3.98 billion), Côte d’Ivoire ($3.80 billion), and several others. Nigeria, however, received just $1.08 billion—about 1% of Africa’s total—marking a 42% drop from 2023. This was followed by a further 75% decline between Q4 2024 and Q1 2025. The so-called ‘Giant of Africa’ cannot continue this way,. We must fix leadership and governance if we truly want to attract investment, create jobs, and achieve sustainable development", Obi stated.

Chekwas Orie By Iheanyi Chukwudi Igbo political leaders and elites will be converging in Abuja to deliberate on pressing Igbo matters including 2027 general election. Convener of the meeting coming up before the end of August and pioneer National Chairman and founder of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Chekwas Okorie, said the meeting is non-partisan. He said in his letter of invitation to some Igbọ leaders, Okorie stressed that Ndigbo have no excuse to lack relevance and well deserved respect in Nigeria. He said, "After a number of consultations, it became compelling that a select number of our leaders across political party lines and other critical stakeholders be invited to deliberate on what ought to be the agenda of Ndigbo in Nigerian politics irrespective of political party affiliation. God has blessed Ndigbo with a huge population and enviable geographical spread, which have remained largely untapped over the years. We have no excuse to lack relevance and well deserved respect in Nigeria." Suggesting that the meeting was not for 2027 alone, he said, "We owe ourselves and our younger generations the responsibility to provide the required guidance and chart a deliberate action-plan to reverse our present unacceptable situation in a sustainable manner. It is for this and other related matters, that this meeting has become compelling and crucial." According to him, the meeting which is under the auspices of Igbo Agenda Dialogue, though political is non-partisan. He further said, "I wish to emphasize that this meeting is non-partisan even as the subject matter is political." The Executive Secretary of Igbo Agenda Dialogue, Jonathan Elendu, in a statement disclosed that majority of the invitees have enthusiastically accepted the invitation to the meeting.

By Iheanyi Chukwudi Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, on Thursday said that the New Enugu Transport Management System will create not less than 20,000 jobs and boost the economy of both the state and the country. The Governor revealed this while inaugurating the New Enugu Transport Management System, five modern bus terminals at Holy Ghost, Gariki, Abakpa and Nsukka. Mbah also commossioned 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses for the use of the people of the state. Governor Mbah explained that the projects inaugurated would spur the Gross Domestic Products (GDP) of Enugu State and the country to grow to $30 billion and $1 trillion respectively within the next six years. He stressed that the projects delivered are fulfilment of part of the promises he made to the people to ensure world class infrastructure, which will not only uplift the economy but dignify their living standard. The projects, the State Chief Executive said would provide the people with cheaper, accessible and seamless movement as other infrastructure meant to support the projects and new system are already in place. He said, “I must commend President Bola Tinubu, whose vision and wisdom to remove fuel subsidy, have led to all the projects and change to a new transport system that is based on 21st century infrastructure and service for our people. I will also appreciate the state’s Commissioner for Transport for all efforts to make these projects reality as well as the contractors and other people that ensure their timely delivery. It is a reality that transport remains the central pillar of modernisation and measure of the people’s progress; thus, touching every aspect of human life and the way the people think as well." Informing that the state would roll out 2,000 hybrid vehicles to support the air conditioned and People with Disability friendly CNG buses, he said, “The CNG buses will shuttle routes leading to schools and higher institutions. The CNG will ensure over 40 per cent reduction in household expenses on transport and will also convey residents along markets and major places along the schools/institutions routes. We are remodeling all bus stops within Enugu metropolis, built/rebuilt most roads within the metropolis and other major cities in the state and placed a modern transport e-ticketing process that checks leakages and manipulations. Few weeks ago, we launched Enugu Air, plans have reached an advanced stage on putting rail services and waterways transport," he said, assuring that "all these projects have safety and dignity of our people as their priority." In his address earlier, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Obi Ozor, disclosed that the terminals would entertain over 10 million commuters each year; while providing a place of comfort after long journeys or interval break from long journeys. Each of the terminals according to him has a fully air conditioned hall and television screens, eateries, lodging accommodation, fuel station, sunscreen covered walkways, solar powered security lights/systems and surveillance cameras. Furthermore, he said, “These projects are a clear vision of His Excellency, Dr Peter Mbah, to make Enugu State a model and point of reference in any modern infrastructure. We thank your excellency for insisting on quality and taste." The Chairman of Enugu North Local Government, Dr Ibekaku Onoh, expressed gratitude to the Governor for bringing "order, aesthetic touch, employment and one-stop transport comfort with two terminals built in the Holy Ghost axis of Enugu."

By Madu Obi The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned the treatment of Ms. Comfort Emmanson in the incident aboard an Ibom Air flight on 10 August 2025 and the subsequent life flight ban imposed on her by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON). In a statement, the NBA described the ban as heavy-handed, unlawful, and a grave affront to the rule of law and human dignity. According to the NBA, it is deeply disturbing that Ms. Emmanson was forcibly removed from the aircraft, stripped of her clothing in public, and subjected to humiliation that was filmed and circulated online. Such conduct, to association noted, is degrading, violates her right to dignity and privacy, and falls far short of the standards of civility and professionalism expected in the aviation sector, noting that no person, regardless of the circumstances, should be treated in such a dehumanizing manner. The NBA statement read: "While ibom Air has issued its own account of events, other video footage has emerged showing an ibom Air hostess preventing Ms. Emmanson from alighting from the aircraft, a conduct that could constitute false imprisonment and a possible provocation that escalated the situation. "This makes it all the more critical that the matter be subjected to an independent, impartial investigation by the appropriate authorities before any disciplinary action is taken against her. The decision to impose a life ban without affording Ms. Emmanson a fair opportunity to be heard is equally troubling. Ibom Air has so far only presented tts own version of events without giving her the chance to respond. This one-sided process, culminating in a ban supported by AON, breaches the fundamental principle of fair hearing and renders the decision legally and morally indefensible. The power to suspend or restrict a passenger’s right to fly rests with the appropriate statutory regulator, not private associations or airline operators acting unilaterally." NBA also stressed that the photographing, dissemination, and online circulation of indecent images of Ms. Emmanson is also an egregious invasion of privacy and a criminal act, adding that even if the incident was to be reported, the footage should have been blurred or edited in such a way that it did not expose her nudity to the public. "Those responsible for capturing and distributing the unedited footage must be identified and prosecuted. Such acts erode public trust and undermine the rights of all citizens to be treated with dignity and respect. The NBA demands that Ibom Air immediately withdraw the lifetime ban, issue a public apology to Ms. Emmanson, and cooperate fully with an impartial investigation into this incident," the association said.

By Madu Obi Wife of Anambra State governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has urged the people of the state to support government's efforts to tackle pertinent issues like unemployment and building a stronger human capital population. Mrs Soludo spoke while flagging off an empowerment programme for over 700 people who were trained in various skills at Ojoto, Idemili South local government area of the state. The empowerment programme, which was organized by the chairman of the local government area, Mrs Amaka Obi, also had 250 petty traders selected across the seven communities of the LGA who were given financial support to help their businesses. She told the people that government has a great responsibility to its citizens, adding, however, that its functions could be limited by so many factors, which makes it imperative for stakeholders to support certain crucial responsibilities. She commended the local government chairman for placing emphasis on human capital development, noting that the 700 beneficiaries will have multiplier effects on the income of many homes and the economic growth of Anambra State. According to her, the Soludo administration is one that prioritizes human capital empowerment, with thousands of youths already trained and empowered under the famous “One Youth Two Skills” programme, with her NGO also set to train and empower ladies in different marketable skills. In her address, the chairman of the local government, Mrs Obi, said the programme was a bold step in a journey towards economic empowerment, self-reliance and social inclusion, explaining that the empowerment was to celebrate resilience, hard work and the power of opportunity. She said that those trained have been provided with the necessary equipment to start and sustain their businesses for the purpose of fighting poverty and dependency, as well as encourage productivity in the state.

By Madu Obi The member representing Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Chidi Obetta has said that he and his fellow lawmakers have been vindicated for defecting to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, following Gov. Peter Mbah’s excellent performance. Speaking during an interface between the state governor and leaders of political parties in Enugu North Senatorial zone, held at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Obetta cited the recent appointment of an indigene of Nsukka as the Vice-Chancellor of the UNN, the first since the founding of the university 65 years ago. Describing Governor Mbah as a jinx breaker, Hon. Obetta further observed that the 5000 shops capacity Nsukka International Market which he just flagged off its construction, was a clear testament that the governor has genuine plans, and committed to developing Nsukka zone. He recalled that when he and his colleagues, including the member representing Udenu/Igbo-Eze North federal constituency, Hon. Dennis Agbo, along with their other supporters decided to return to the PDP following the leadership crisis in their former political party, the Labour Party (PDP), he had made it clear that the decision was born out of their passion and commitment to advance the course of the development of their area. “It is on record that you (Gov Mbah) did not coerce us to return to the PDP, and to embrace the vision of your administration. It was rather the good works of your government and your good vision that convinced us. When we took that decision, we made it clear that our action was born of shared vision of your administration agenda for the transformation of our dear state. We stated that our zone stands to witness more impactful development activities when we are with you under a common political canopy, so that at our various levels, we can synergize in fostering critical development in all areas”, Obetta stated. Assuring the governor that the people of Nsukka greatly love him and are committed to supporting his administration, Obetta stated that participating at the interactive meeting were the real grassroots leaders cutting across the six local governments that constitute the zone, including Nsukka, Igbo-Eze South, Igbo-Eze North, Igbo-Etiti, Udenu and Uzo-Uwani. He noted that representatives of each of the local governments at the meeting, were strong political foot-soldiers who are the conscience of their people, and, as well, serve as effective feedback to the people on the government development activities and administration. In his response, Governor Mbah stated that his administration prioritized education and health within this first two years of his administration, adding, however, that though issues of roads were not totally abandoned within the period as he cited several roads awarded, and were under construction, he promised that greater attention would be given to their requests. The governor dismissed any fear among the people that his administration has hatred for Nsukka, promising that his government was committed to developing the zone on equal basis with other zones in the state.

By Madu Obi Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has declared his unalloyed support for President Bola Tinubu, saying the president has been his personal friend and political ally for 22 years Speaking to State House correspondents after a meeting with Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday, Soludo said friendship and shared progressive ideals, not political party labels, has guided his relationship with the president. “Tinubu has been my personal friend for over 22 years. You don’t hurt your friend and start quivering about who he is. I support him, and I’m impressed by the bold steps he has taken, particularly in the economy and structural reforms,” Soludo said. According to him, Nigeria is taking the right steps in economic restructuring under Tinubu, and what is needed now is consistency. He recalled that his call for progressives to work together dates back to Tinubu’s visit to Anambra during the last election season, stressing that political collaboration across party lines is key to national development. On security, the governor said his administration is executing a “holistic” strategy that blends military force with non-kinetic measures. He credited the enactment of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law in January with disrupting criminal syndicates and forcing many “deadly native doctors” who lured youths into crime, to flee the state. Soludo said that youth remains a core pillar of his non-kinetic approach, adding that 5,000 young people have been trained and empowered over the past one year, while another 8,700 are set to receive multi-billion-naira financial support soon. “We’re creating several thousand youth millionaires within our first three years and this is in addition to massive investments in infrastructure, schools, and healthcare", he added. He said that while opportunities are being expanded for the youths, security agencies — backed by intelligence gathering — will deal decisively with anyone who persists in criminal activities.

By Madu Obi The governorship candidate of the Young Progressive Party, YPP, Sir Paul Chukwuma, and the deputy governorship candidate, Uzu Okagbue, have stormed Onitsha North 1 constituency to campaign for Princess Njideka Ndiwe, the party's candidate for the August 16 bye-election The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has scheduled the date for all outstanding elections nationwide. In Anambra State, the Anambra South senatorial zone and Onitsha North State Constituency 1 are the two vacant constituencies where the bye-election would hold. The Onitsha North 1 State Constituency bye-election was necessitated by the murder of Hon. Justice Azuka after he was kidnapped last December. Speaking at the rally, which was held at Washington Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha, several community and party leaders, testified that the YPP candidate Princess Njideka Ndiwe, a lawyer, has an impeccable record of public service to the people of Onitsha North and beyond. They vowed to work assiduously to ensure that she is elected on Saturday, to replace the late Hon. Justice Azuka. Recalling some of her records of public service, Barr. Njideka Ndiwe noted that she has shown total commitment in the service of the people without any encumbrance. She said that she has often deployed her legal expertise towards the protection of rights when violated. She also outlined her empowerment schemes that spanned many years, purely out of her desire to serve her people. The state chairman of YPP, Prince Moses Obi, urged the people of Onitsha North to vote for Ndiwe who has been with them and truly cares about them. Similarly, the deputy governorship candidate of the YPP, Uzu Okagbue, charged voters to come out in large numbers and make a firm statement through their vote for Princess Ndiwe. In his speech, Chukwuma, the YPP governorship candidate, expressed sadness about the attitude of the present Anambra State government over the loss of lives. According to him, the bye-election would have been unnecessary if not for the unfortunate situation Anambra has found itself in. Chukwuma said that if the insecurity could affect a serving House member, how much more an ordinary Anambra residents. He called on the electorate in the area to vote for YPP candidate and reject the reelection bid of the current APGA-led government, by voting for YPP for a people-centric governance anchored on his three critical agenda of human capital, infrastructure and security.

By Iheanyi Chukwudi The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army on Tuesday said that it is currently investigating the clash between soldiers and civilians along Nsukka-Igbo Eze South Road, Enugu State. Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations of the Division, Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, made this known in statement he issued on Enugu. The Division he said had taken note of a recent social media video of an encounter between its personnel deployed in the Igbo-Eze South LGA and civilians along the Nsukka-Igbo Eze South Road. Ayeni also disclosed that the incident occurred during a routine security check. According to him, “While such checks are crucial to enhancing security, the Division takes all reports of misconduct by its personnel seriously. Accordingly, a thorough investigation has been instituted to establish the facts surrounding the incident and the outcome will be made public. It is pertinent to add that appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken in accordance with military regulations if the personnel are established guilty.” He reassured members of the public of the Division discharge of its constitutional mandate through professionalism as well as strict adherence to the existing Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct. He said, “Additionally, the Division remains committed to transparency and accountability in its operations for the fostering of positive civil-military relations. We, therefore, appreciate the public's vigilance and the media's role in bringing the issue to our attention."

By Iheanyi Chukwudi Determined to improve standard and enshrine latest educational innovations in classrooms in Enugu State the State government has commenced training of the teachers in their system. Already no fewer than 1000 science, technical and vocational teachers in the State are currently undergoing the training. This was disclosed by the Chairman of Science, Technical and Vocational Schools Management Board (STVSMB) in Enugu State, Dr Amaka Ngene, while officially declaring the training open on Monday. Tagged: “21st Century Pedagogy in Science, Technical and Vocational Education," the training started on August 1 and will be ending on September 12, 2025. The chairman explained that the training and other subsequent training would positively reposition learning and lead to better academic outcomes for students in science, technical and vocational schools. The training he said was being organised in partnership with the Enugu State College of Education (Technical), Enugu and designed for all teachers in science, technical and vocational schools employed under STVSMB Board. He saíd, “This training is one of the many ways His Excellency, Dr Peter Mbah, is preparing our educators (teachers) for 21 century professional growth and being attune to modern innovation and technology. It also reflects his unweaving commitment to sustaining professionalisation of the teaching profession in Enugu State." Dr. Ngene stressed that the board had streamlined the training to ensure that “no teacher who is willing to learn will be left behind." Noting that the training would lead to retooling of teachers’ knowledge with innovative and modern teaching skills, she said, “Over some years now, our teachers have not been trained. They are going to learn new approaches to teaching using the ICT, use of other technological devices and practical use of new equipment provided by Gov. Mbah to enhance learning in the state." She said that the training had been fully funded by the state government, adding that accommodation had been provided as well. The Provost, Enugu State College of Education (Technical), Enugu, Dr Stella Ekwueme, appreciated Gov. Mbah “for his uncommon stride and commitment to improve education at all levels” in the state. He said, “Gov. Mbah is building 260 Smart Schools; recently paid arrears owed to staff of this college; funded accreditation of our courses; constructing the Centre of Learning and Innovation; and increased our subvention among others." The Provost assured the STVSMB Board that the college would abide by all terms in the Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) signed with the board as it had set ready its lecturers to deliver on the MoU. She urged the teachers to take the training seriously and ask questions on whatever they do not fully understand, adding: “Practical (hands-on) aspect of the training will be more.”