Search Results

By Iheanyi Chukwudi Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Wednesday, flagged off the state’s Sustainable Food Distribution Programme. The programme is an intervention aimed at providing locally produced food items to vulnerable households for 12 consecutive months. Speakinging at the flag-off held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, Mbah, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, explained that the programme, which is one of the bold initiatives of the Enugu State Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Office, will start with 500 households, and be expanded to fight hunger and improve nutrition among the poor in the state. Mbah, explained that his administration was aware that sustainable food security could not be achieved through seasonal interventions, hence the its "long-term systems through huge investments in agriculture, empowering small-scale farmers through training, provision of agro-inputs, agricultural grants, and investing in systems that mitigate the effects of climate change." Quoting the United Nations said that food insecurity was one of the most stubborn contemporary challenges, which affected over 735 million people worldwide in 2020. “But as a responsible and responsive government, we believe that no citizen of the state should go to bed hungry. This is not just a political obligation; it is a moral one. So, the Sustainable Food Distribution Programme is more than just a palliative measure. It is a structured, strategic, and sustainable response to food insecurity,” he said. “We are empowering rural farmers and food producers by integrating them into our supply chain, partnering with communities, community leaders, clergy, civil society organisations, and private sector actors to ensure transparency, equity, and efficiency in distribution. We are aligning this intervention with the SDGs, specifically Goal 2, which speaks to zero hunger; Goal 1, which speaks to no poverty; Goal 10, to reduced inequality; and finally Goal 17, which talks about partnership for these goals." He commended the Enugu State SDGs Office, led by the SDG Focal Person and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on SDGs, Engr. Onyinye Akubuilo-Okpalanma; private sector partners, Sapphire Ceramics Nigeria Limited, Jenew Homes Nig. Ltd., Enugu East LG Council, among others, for making the event a reality. Earlier in her address, Engr. Akubuilo-Okpalanma said the food distribution programme was “deeply symbolic of the collective commitment to ending hunger, promoting inclusive wellbeing, and improving nutrition among our vulnerable.” She thanked Governor Mbah for his support for the SDGs in policy and in practice. The event witness the distribution of rice, beans, potatoes, groundnut oil, salt, soap, and other condiments to the beneficiaries. The beneficiaries, who received the items, prayed that God would continue to guide the Governor to realise his vision of eradicating poverty and hunger from the the state in eight years. One of them, Mrs. Ngozi Uzo, said, “It is only somebody who goes to the market to buy food that will understand what the Governor has done for us. And we will be coming every month to collect free food items for another 11 months. It is not a small thing that he has done for us. I am happy, and God will bless him and the people that organised it.” Goodwill messages were presented by several dignitaries, including the Senior Special Assistant to the the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, who was represented by Dr. Mrs. Ify Nnamchi-Ukaegbu and Chairman of Enugu East Local Government, Hon. Beloved Anike.

By Madu Obi Awka - The first lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and the wife of the Anambra State governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, have empowered 1000 women drawn from all the 326 political wards of the state with N50,000 empowerment to enable them grow their businesses. While Mrs Tinubu sponsored 500 women through her Renewed Hope Initiative and Tony Elumelu Foundation Women Empowerment Programme, Mrs Soludo added another 500 women to support the first lady. "Usually when we organize things like this, we go to the grassroot. We work with the Presidents General, PGs, women leaders, stakeholders and wives of the local government chairmen, to identify those in dire need of assistance" Mrs Soludo said. In addition to the N50,000, each of the women received additional N7,000 for their transport, just as Mrs Soludo also used the occasion to empower some women living with disabilities by providing them wheelchairs. She commended Mrs Tinubu for always thinking about the welfare of Nigerian women and urged the women to continue praying for her and her family. She reminded the beneficio that it is not how much money available to someone that is important, but how judiciously the money is spent and urged them to see the seed money as their capital and endeavour to grow it. "I strongly believe that you can grow this N50,000 to hundreds of thousands of naira if you apply business acumen to it. Some people can have access to a million naira and misuse it within a short period and I pray that what you have been given won't be like that. My prayer is that this N50000 will make you rich" she said. She also urged them to live well by eating only natural food, adding that most of the diseases people suffer from were as a result of what they eat. "Don't eat anything you do not understand because some of the things we eat are not healthy " she further said. Asked if the empowerment programme will be a continuous exercise, Mrs Soludo added: "I have been encouraging women and I will continue to encourage them. This is something we love doing and will be doing it anytime we have the opportunity. When I see some of the women, I imagine the pain they go through everyday. Those with disabilities among them struggle to move from one place to the other on daily basis and this is where some of us need to come to. It is very pathetic seeing them and that is why I always intervene whenever the opportunity comes. The wheelchairs are expensive, but those who have the wherewithal can always assist, as these wheelchairs will help them in their daily lives."

By Madu Obi AS candidates of the various political parties for the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State intensify their campaigns, the flag bearer of Action Alliance, AA, Ozo Jeff Nweke, has warned his colleagues against making derogatory statements, stressing that loose talk diminishes one's integrity. Apparently worried by statements credited to some of the candidates, Nweke said it is imperative for people to abide by the dynamics and tendencies that promote genuine human relationship. While agreeing with Governor Chukwuma Soludo's assertion that politics provides a platform to make a positive change in the society, he also said that change is constant. :"Let it be known to all men, however, that, though, old patterns may as well be good, but we are still faced with the temptation of achieving perfection which always eludes us, thus, we crave for better. I don't see anything wrong in having multiple options in display of our intentions of attending to issues facing us as a people which has manifested in our diverse policies and strategies. So, let the political players, I mean my fellow candidates at this political campaign era, shun every temptation of contemplating this display of legendary misspeak by not using negative attributes which ultimately will diminish your integrity. Let us have a good spirit of sportsmanship", Nweke said. He urged the candidates to showcase their good intentions, noting that Anambra State has come of age and the people have unity of purpose that gears towards genuine problem solving. "Let us play fine politics by engaging on issue- based campaigns, rather than making some derogatory statements with attendant self dishonour", he advised.

Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha By Madu Obi The governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has confirmed the appointment of Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha as the substantive Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU). The formal appointment letter was presented to Professor Omenugha by Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, the Secretary to the State Government, at a ceremony held at the Government House in Awka. The governor said that Omenugha’s confirmation follows her exemplary performance during her tenure as Acting Vice Chancellor, a period characterized by positive institutional changes and visionary leadership that had positioned COOU for greater academic excellence and innovation. The appointment came after a rigorous interview process, demonstrating the governor’s commitment to merit-based appointments and ensuring the university continues to thrive under experienced and capable leadership. Speaking on the appointment, Governor Soludo emphasized his administration’s dedication to educational excellence and the strategic importance of strong leadership in Anambra State’s institutions of higher learning. He also expressed confidence that Professor Omenugha’s proven track record and innovative approach will drive COOU to new heights of academic achievement and institutional development. "Professor Omenugha brings extensive academic and administrative experience to her new role, having demonstrated exceptional leadership capabilities during her acting tenure. Her vision for the university aligns with the state government’s broader educational transformation agenda," the governor said. Soludo wished Professor Omenugha a successful tenure and assured her of full support by the state government, the university community and stakeholders.

By Madu Obi Awka- Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi has said South East geopolitical zone has been fully connected to the mainstream politics of Nigeria and has been given a sense of belonging by President Bola Tinubu. Umahi, who was reacting to a statement credited to one Linus Anagboso alleging that President Tinubu has left Ndigbo behind in the area of federal road infrastructure and appointments, described the allegation as false, insisting tha the Tinubu administration is taking time to ensure that Igbo are fairly treated. Umahi said : "My attention has been drawn to a wrong and misleading statement in the social media published by one Mr Linus Anagboso (D-Big Pen) captioned: “The Politics of Asphalt: Why is the South East missing from the map?” I understand that politics is now in the air and the chosen path by some persons is to deceive unsuspecting members of the public, look good before the people as one fighting for them and close both eyes pretentiously over the great and selfless infrastructure development Mr. President is doing all over the nation. I have directed all the regional directors of the Federal Ministry of Works back to sites in all the regions across the country to compile all inherited but ongoing projects and all new projects in all the regions so that Nigerians will appreciate the huge works that Mr. President is doing in all the regions irrespective of those who voted for him and those who did not. Mr. President is using fair distribution of infrastructure to reunite Nigerians and renew their hope, and only those who open their eyes will see the light of change in Nigeria." According to the Minister, the President has four legacy projects, which cover the six geo-political zones, with the South East region well captured within the third legacy project of Cross River-Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa-Abuja, totaling 465km x 2 with South East covering 231.64km x 2 and 231.64km x 1 for ₦445.8 billion already awarded and work is going on. He added: "Mr. President has already paid ₦108 billion. What happened in the Federal Executive Council (FEC) of 31/7/2025 was a review of that corridor from 118kmx 1 to 231.64km x1 for ₦445.8 billion. This misleading writer chose to change the narrative of my press briefing after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) of Tran Sahara Section 1 (Ebonyi State to Benue border – 123.64km at ₦445.8 billion, but deliberately chose to call it Oyo-Benue border road to deceive and incite unsuspecting members of the public. I demand that he corrects the information immediately even if he fails to apologize. Where was the writer when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu decided to treat South East fairly in road infrastructure like other regions. Under his administration, 90% of abandoned projects, some awarded as far back as 2013, were all revived, and all are now ongoing. It is noteworthy to mention that there is huge ongoing works on the 2nd Niger Bridge access road 2A in Delta State which is valued at ₦146 Billion and 2B in Anambra State which is valued at ₦176 billion; the Enugu-Onitsha road -208km ( MTN Tax Credit which is valued at ₦ 202 billion and CBC completing the remaining section at ₦150 billion of which ₦45 billion was released last week). Also ongoing are the Enugu – Port Harcourt road in four sections, the Enugu-Abakaliki, the Afikpo(Ebonyi) -Abia-Imo road, the Onitsha-Owerri-Aba road, the Aba-Ikot Ekpene road and the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene road."

By Madu Obi Only five out of 16 political parties presenting candidates for the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State have paid the mandatory N50 million imposed on them by the Anambra State Signage and Advertising Agency, ANSAA, according to the Managing Director of the organization, Mr Tony Ujubuonu. The five parties that paid were Young Progressives Party (YPP), which paid on June 24, 2025, African Democratic Congress (ADC) - June 26, 2025, Labour Party (LP) - June 27, 2025, Action Alliance (AA) - June 27, 2025 and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) - July 2, 2025 The agency had on June 11, 2025, unveiled the official out-of-home advertising guidelines, including the stipulated campaign fee, which he said, were designed to ensure orderliness, fairness, and aesthetic responsibility throughout the electioneering period. Ujubuonu acknowledged that some of the political parties have opted for alternative campaign platforms such as social media, Radio or Television to avoid breaching the established regulations. He said that the approach by the affected political parties is acceptable to the Agency, provided it does not violate the out-of-home advertising laws in Anambra State. He, however, lamented an incident at Nri in Anaocha local government area where some members of All Progressives Congress, APC, allegedly attacked the enforcement team of ANSAA for pulling down the party's billboards in the community, which is the hometown of the deputy governorship candidate of APC. Head of the enforcement team, Chika Ngobili, who narrated their experience at Nri said: "On 1st of August, we went on enforcement and at Nri, we saw some APC campaign materials on unauthorized billboards even when they have not paid their campaign fee. We had no choice than to legally remove them. As we were doing our work , they descended on us, asking us all manner of questions. I personally told them that we came from ANSAA and that the reason we went for the enforcement was because APC has not paid the signage fee. The police officers present supported them and even said that every party has the right to mount their billboards in any part of the state unmolested. I told them that the reason we were carrying out the enforcement was because they have not paid for their campaign permit. They also collected our phones, beat us up and attempted to collect the car key from us, which I refused. They threatened to burn us and the vehicle down. In other to save our lives, we had no choice than to hang back the campaign materials.so that we can live." Reacting further on the incident, Ujubuonu added: "APC is a highly respected political party that has given our country a highly respected president who is both progressive and law-abiding. We are surprised that in Anambra State, the party has fallen into the hands of brigands and deviants who think that civility is a culture for the weak and opt to employ violence and disregard for the law in carrying out their politicking."

By Madu Obi The Anambra State House of Assembly has called for immediate staff recruitment into the local government system to save the third- tier grassroot administration from total collapse. The Public Accounts committee of the house, which made the call during a review of the 2024 audited account of the local governments, observed that those currently running the system have become too old. According to the Committee chairman, Hon. Noble Igwe, “You can hardly find anyone in the local government system with 20 years of service left", warning that "If we don’t bring in young people fast, our councils could collapse!” The lawmaker said the assessment highlights the risk facing the state’s 21 local government areas, where an ageing workforce is dominating the system, leaving little room for fresh ideas or energy. Hon. Igwe called for urgent recruitment of vibrant young professionals to fill looming manpower gaps and inject innovation into grassroots governance. He also recommended regular training, workshops and seminars for existing staff to boost skills and productivity. “Continuous training is vital to improving productivity and aligning our local government system with global best practices,” he added. The Public Accounts review session also examined the financial performance of local councils, with the committee stressing transparency, fiscal discipline and accountability in the use of public funds. The committee’s full report is expected to be presented to the House in the coming weeks, paving the way for possible legislative action aimed at revitalizing local government administration across the state.

By Madu Obi Awka - Flood occasioned by heavy rain and the rising level of the River Niger, is ravaging most of the communities in the riverine Ogbaru local government area of Anambra State, with farmlands and houses being submerged. As a result, residents have been forced to embark on emergency harvesting of crops and relocating to the upland. Most houses in Ossomala, Obeagwe, Akili Ogidi, Ogwuikpele, Ogwuaniocha and many farm camps in the area, have literarily been swallowed by the menacing flood. A visit to Ogbaru showed that the flood has left behind a trail of anguish, suffering, and hardship, in the agrarian communities that make up the local government. Hon Chinedu Uwollor, Chief of staff to the member representing Ogbaru federal constituency, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, led a team of other constituency staff members to visit the affected communities on Monday. Farmers in the area lamented that the premature harvesting has resulted in significant losses, pain, and distress as they complained that they would no longer be able to repay loans obtained from banks, which they invested in the farming. Narrating his ordeal, Mr. Adimali Nwachukwu, a yam and cassava farmer in Ogwuikpele, expressed deep pain and anguish, wondering how his family would survive under the situation. He said: "The flood has destroyed me. It has ruined my hopes and wasted my labour. I don't know where to start from. I borrowed money at a high interest rate to invest in large-scale farming this year. I spent a lot on yam seedlings and cassava stems, hoping for a bountiful harvest to recoup my investment and pay back my loan. But look at me now. With this flood and premature harvesting, I'm not sure I will even get up to 25 percent of what I invested in this year's farming. I'm finished. Where do I start again?" A widow, Nwakaego Nwafili, who is a cassava and maize farmer, shared her heart-wrenching tale amidst sobs thus: "This year's flood is suffocating me. Since the heavy rains started in July, I've been apprehensive, knowing what was to come. I haven't been sleeping at night as my mind is constantly preoccupied with my farm. I'm heartbroken as I speak to you now. All my crops were submerged by the flood. I don't have the funds to hire labourers to help with the harvesting and that is why I'm doing the premature harvesting myself. "As a widow, I rely on farming to feed and care for my three children after my husband passed away five years ago. Please, tell the government to help us. We're in dire need of assistance in Ogbaru." Also speaking, Madam Oluchi Nzekwe, revealed that her husband's blood pressure had risen since the floods began, adding that her family sorely depends on farming. "Three of our children, including a set of twins, are currently in the university and the effect of this flood might disrupt their education. My husband's health is deteriorating due to the stress, and we're helpless to save our farm or crops. We can no longer access our land, and harvesting what is left seems impossible, at the moment. I can only pray for the rains to stop and for government intervention, as we're currently overwhelmed," she said. They called on government to come to their rescue in order to alleviate their sufferings and save their livelihoods. Recall that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, had earlier this year predicted that some local government areas of Anambra State, including Ogbaru, Anambra West, Anambra East, Ayamelum and parts of Ihiala, Ekwusigo and Awka North, would be affected by flood and called for measures to prepare the residents for the impending disaster. Officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), had also in June, visited Ogbaru for flood simulation and sensitization exercise. The exercise was aimed to test Nigeria’s preparedness for anticipated flooding, enhance multi-agency coordination, and raise awareness among vulnerable communities. During that visit, NEMA Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, said the simulation was a demonstration of the agency’s proactive approach to disaster management, particularly in high-risk flood-prone states, as identified in the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction by NiMet and the Annual Flood Outlook. Umar said the exercise helped expose operational gaps, strengthened collaboration between agencies, and refined Nigeria’s disaster response strategies. However, the flood situation in the area seemed as if there was not adequate preparation for the disaster.

By Madu Obi Like the other two senatorial zones of Anambra North and Anambra Central, supporters of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in Anambra South senatorial zone have also endorsed Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his Deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim as their candidates for the November 8 election. The endorsement was made during their gathering at the Ekwulobia Township Stadium, Aguata local government area, where representatives from the seven local government areas that make up the zone organized a rally in support for their re-election. At the gathering, Chief Emmanuel Nwachukwu was also presented as the flag bearer for APGA in the bye-election scheduled for August 16, 2025. Delivering a speech, Governor Soludo expressed his gratitude to the people of South senatorial zone and the entire people of Anambra State for their proactive involvement in his re-election campaign, remarking that the support came even before the official launch of his campaign council. The governor also expressed confidence that voting for Chief Nwachukwu would ensure the emergence of a Senator who will collaborate closely with him and join the APGA caucus in the national assembly to implement the party's policy of working hand-in-hand with the government at the center. He accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of plotting to manipulate the forthcoming elections, warning aspirants from Anambra South who are eyeing the governorship seat against destabilizing the state’s political balance. He also described as deceitful the promises by some candidates to run for only one term, alleging that some of them were merely using their campaigns to extort unsuspecting members of the public. According to Soludo, his administration’s achievements over the past four years justified his second-term bid. He offered amnesty to armed groups still hiding in the forests, urging them to surrender and embrace rehabilitation or face the full weight of the law. In a display of solidarity, APGA stakeholders in Anambra South presented a donation of ₦100 million to support Soludo’s campaign. Traditional rulers in the senatorial district also honoured him with the chieftaincy title of"Oluatuegwu", a title already conferred on him in Anambra North and Central. A former aspirant for the senatorial ticket, Mr Akai Egwuonwu declared his total support for both Soludo’s re-election and Nwachukwu’s senatorial bid. “Governor Soludo deserves a second term for his remarkable performance. We must all rally behind Emma Nwachukwu for the Senate. APGA must win on all fronts,” he said.

By Madu Obi The deputy governorship candidate of Young Progressives Party, YPP, for the November 8 Anambra election, Mr. Uzu Okagbue, has accused the state government of not doing enough to fight insecurity in the state, alleging that kidnappers are gradually taking over.. Speaking on the heels of the recent gunmen attacks in his hometown of Umunnachi in Dunukofia local government area of the state, Okagbue lamented that the once peaceful community has been reduced to a trembling hamlet. “For the past seven weeks, I have dwelt in what used to be a haven of peace – my once-quiet community of Umunnachi. Today, it is a trembling hamlet under weekly siege by audacious kidnappers who now operate with chilling boldness and regularity. What haunts me most is not just the criminality, it is the silence, the inertia, the shameful detachment of a government that has either chosen to abandon its people or is so steeped in mediocrity that it no longer recognizes its core responsibility – the security and welfare of its citizens,” he said. According to him, the latest attack led to another abduction, describing the incidents as no longer isolated, but a terrifying routine. He observed that fear now hangs like a thick cloud over Umunnachi and other parts of the state, as gunshots and cries of victims have become part of daily life. "A leadership that cannot guarantee the safety of its people has forfeited the moral right to govern them. The time to speak up is now. Anambra deserves better,” he stated.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State government has vowed to find killers of an Awka- based businessman, Martin Onyekesi, and ensure that justice is served. The only son of the state Women Leader of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Martin was abducted from his home at Ezinifite village, Okpuno, Awka by gunmen and after killing him, dumped his dead body at Amawbia, despite payment of ransom by his family. Worried by the incident, the state government has promised to ensure justice is served on those behind the dastardly act, assuring that security operatives have already swung into action to find the killers. The state Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, during a condolence visit to the mother of the businessman, Mrs. Esther Onyekesi, said government would stop at nothing to get to the root of the matter. Mefor, who described the fish dealer's death as dastardly and heart-wrenching, sympathized with the deceased's mother, assuring her that the state government is with her in search of justice, while sustaining and strengthening security in Anambra State. He said: "This incident is an affront to the state government's new security architecture. Police are already on the heels of the perpetrators and have issued a statement on the matter after recovering the vehicle in which they drove him away. Nobody can commit such a dastardly act in Anambra State and get away with it. We'll fight and get him justice. The mother will get justice; the family will get justice, and Anambra will get justice. It's a very painful loss for all of us, and the government is always challenged when things like this happen because it's an affront to the new security architecture put in place by the Solution Government led by Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo. The new security architecture has been remarkably trying to deal with all manner of criminality, and whoever lives in Anambra will attest to the fact that security has tremendously improved since the new security architecture was put in place and launched by Governor Soludo on February 18, 2025. Between then and now, security has dramatically improved to the point that all the areas that are challenged have been receiving the needed attention. And whoever is constituting a security challenge in Anambra now knows that they have the government's new security outfits—Agunechemba and Operation Udo Ga-Achi—to contend with". In the meantime, the state joint security operatives have recovered the victim’s navy blue Toyota Corolla, along Ukwulu/Igbariam road, which the assailants used to escape the scene after shooting him. According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has directed all tactical and intelligence units to redouble their efforts in tracking down those responsible for the abduction and subsequent killing of Onyekere. "Preliminary investigations revealed that the assailants had trailed the victim before launching the violent attack, during which the deceased was shot on the leg and forcibly taken away. He was later found lifeless, sparking public outrage and deep concern among residents of Awka. While condemning the killing, the CP has assured that the criminal elements behind this cowardly act will be brought to book. He further stated that the Police owe it to the family, the people of Anambra, and the memory of the deceased to ensure that those responsible face the full weight of the law", the PPRO said.

By Iheanyi Chukwudi The Nigerian Army has gifted an industrial water borehole built to check chronic lack of water in Ohodo community, Igbo-Etiti Local Government of Enugu State, to the community. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, while inaugurating the industrial borehole on Saturday, said it is a high-impact project meant to “give back to the society." The COAS, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division Enugu, Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, said the project was meant to honour the former Commandant of Nigerian Army Ordnance School, Maj.-Gen. Patrick Eze (rtd), a native of the community. He explained that the COAS Special Intervention Civil-Military-Cooperation Projects were meant to support retired Army Senior Officers’ communities and appreciate their communities for their illustrious son's sacrificial service to the Nigerian Army and the nation. “The idea of Chief of Army's Staff Special Intervention Civil-Military-Cooperation Projects was conceived as part of efforts to support the communities of Nigerian Army senior officers, who through years of service and dedication attain the rank of Major General. The concept of the COAS Special Intervention Projects is to give back to the people as essential partners in progress and we have over 200 projects scattered all over the country done with consultation with the communities. The top notch basic amenities are provided to complement rural development efforts of the state government and communities as they serve to bring solutions to pressing needs, ameliorate hardship and enhance the people’s quality of life," Oluyede said. In his address earlier, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi, said the industrial water borehole was meant to provide clean drinking and domestic water for the people of Ohodo community. He described Maj. Gen. Eze as a professional officer with an indelible and enviable service record to the nation spanning over three decades as well as being instrumental to successes recorded during his service. He said, “This project was executed by Maj.-Gen. P.I. Eze (retired), has a 30 KVA sound-proof generator, electricity supply, solar-powered security lighting, solar-powered digitalised security surveillance cameras, overhead tankers and multiple dispensers among others." Responding, elated Maj. Gen. Eze commended the COAS for approving and funding the project and using him to bring the solution to the long time challenge of lack of potable water to his community and “making Ohodo people happy." The situation he said was “so bad that during the dry season my community people buy 1,000 litres of tanker water for N50,000." Also thanking the COAS and the GOC for the “high-impact project,” the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Hycient Eze, assured 100 per cent community protection for the facility. The monarch said, “We appreciate the Nigerian Army coming to bring a solution to the age long challenge of our community, as we bear great financial burden to get water. One of the indigenes, Mr Nicholas Agbo, thanked the Nigerian Army for reducing the hardship the community people face daily in getting water, adding: “The Nigerian Army is the only messiah we know." The event witnessed the handing over of keys of the facility to the community’s traditional ruler and presentation of gift items by the wife of Maj.-Gen. Eze, Mrs Regina Eze, to widows in the community.