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Kaduna launches AI in Hausa, targets 5,000 women in data science, others

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Kaduna launches AI in Hausa, targets 5,000 women in data science, others

 

 

By Israel Bulus, Kaduna

 

The Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani, on Tuesday officially launched the Artificial intelligence (AI) learning content in Hausa language.

The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, while launching the AI at Umaru Yardu’a Hall in Kaduna, said he was filled with pride knowing that Kaduna State is at the forefront of democratizing AI education.
According to him, the initiative, delivered in Hausa, will not only make complex concepts accessible but will also ignite a passion for learning among the people, particularly women and youth.

” This commendable initiative complements our effort in Information Technology, training of women and girls in the acquisition of digital skills, and the preparation of our youths for the emerging digital economy in Nigeria.

“The Kaduna State Government agreed with Google. org to train 5,000 women and girls in data science, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurial application of digital technologies.

” I would like to seize this opportunity to extend my profound gratitude to our partner, Google.org, who incidentally are also supporting today’s program, for their unwavering support and commitment to our administration’s vision of using technology to unleash and harness the vast potential of our women for the socio-economic transformation of Kaduna State and Nigeria at large.

” This initiative, which is part of a broader skills development program supported by Google.org, aims to empower 20,000 more women and young people across Nigeria with 21st-century skills, positioning them for opportunities in the digital and creative industries.

He explained that the Arewa Tech4Ladies Program was created by Data Science Nigeria (DSN) to drive the process in Kaduna State. It shall therefore cover the three senatorial districts in Kaduna State, offering specialized women-focused learning, mentoring, and job placement support facilities.

He said the commitment of Data Science Nigeria (DSN) to the success of the ArewaLadies4Tech program in ensuring 5,000 women and girls in AI and digital technology is not only transforming lives but also laying the foundation for a vibrant and inclusive digital economy in our state.

” It is gratifying to note that so far, over 3,000 women and girls have been trained in AI and digital technology. At the pace at which you are moving, I am confident that we shall reach our 5,000 target very soon.” The Governor added.

In her remarks, the Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, Mrs. Patience Fakai, noted that the exercise aimed to enhance access to information and opportunities for the Hausa-speaking community, not just in Kaduna State and northern Nigeria, but across the entire African sub-region where Hausa is spoken.

” The Al for Beginners in Hausa and its sister, Arewa Ladies4Tech, was a dedication to breaking down barriers and fostering inclusion in the digital space, in ensuring that everyone has the chance to harness the transformative potential of
technology.

According to her, Kaduna State has consistently led the charge in harnessing ICT for socio-economic progress, as evidenced by the Arewa Ladies4Tech initiative.

The initiative aimed to empower 5000 women in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and related fields which is now in its second cohort. Its primary goal is to improve job creation in Data Science,
Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Technologies, with a focus on Kaduna
State and Northern Nigeria.

She added that Kaduna State has pioneered the adoption of the National
Startup Act at the sub-national level, establishing the Kaduna State
Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship through the signing
into law of the Tech-enabled Startup Law in July 2023 to oversee its
implementation.

” Additionally, a draft ICT Policy is in the works, signaling a commitment to fostering innovation in the state. These efforts have cultivated an innovation ecosystem across the northern sub-region, supported by hubs such as CoLab, Greysoft Technologies, KadaHive,
KADICT Hub and others.

” The initiative was possible with the
collaboration of Google.org, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Data Science Nigeria, and the Ahmadu Bello University.

She urged members of the public to embrace the spirit of innovation, empowerment, and unity to pave the way for a future where technology serves as the catalyst for progress and prosperity for all.

I’ll make civil service result oriented – Gov Mohammed assured

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I’ll make civil service result oriented – Gov Mohammed assured

 

From Mohammed Nasir Shuaibu BAUCHI

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State on Wednesday said his administration will do everything possible to make sure that Civil Service in the State remains vibrant and result oriented for seamless delivery of dividends of Democracy to the good people of the state.

In a keynote address at the celebration of this year’s International Workers Day held at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium Bauchi, the Governor reassured that no stone would be left unturned in the administration’s resolve to reposition the civil service and thereby restoring its lost glory.

Represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Auwal Jatau, Governor Mohammed bel7ieved that Bauchi is one of the best among the 36 States in the country in terms of support to civil service.

He pledged to continue to extend hands to the civil servants as he has been doing, and explained that the recent provision of Wage Award and restoration of the payment of Annual Leave Grant to Civil Servants is a deliberate attempt at providing succor to Civil Servants.

He noted that it is a commendable decision by the International Labour Organization to single out the workers day to celebrate workers’ contributions to world growth and development, saying that, as major stakeholders in the Nigerian Project, workers have the responsibility of striving to salvage the socio-economic and political fortune of the country.

“I am very pleased to be part of another annual celebration of the International Workers Day also known as “MAY DAY”. This day is specifically set aside to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of workers to the socio-economic development of the country.

“As the May Day is celebrated, workers in both the public and Private Sectors have the opportunity to reflect on their performances and see how much they have contributed to the development of their fatherland and how they would address the current challenges affecting our economic, social, security and other vital areas of human endeavors in order to move the country forward. By so doing, workers are living up to the legacy bestowed on us by our past leaders who led a life of selfless Service.”

The Governor told the workers, that since the inception of his Administration, measures have been put in place to stabilize salaries and pensions payment with a view to have credible nominal roll that will reliably drive the payroll, block leakages, improve cash flow management and cut unnecessary spending.

“We have in the last few months introduced Service Charter contract to be executed between the State Government on the one hand and the civil servant on the other hand. That informed our decision to promote the best hands within the service to the position of Permanent Secretaries in strict compliance with State Character, so that all can be carried on board.”

He said pursuit of his unconditional love for Bauchi state, his administration has been ensuring that meaningful projects that have direct impact on the lives of the majority of the people are being executed with the little resources at disposal.

Governor Mohammed therefore congratulated the State labour leadership and the entire workforce for their cooperation and understanding which have ensured industrial harmony in the State and assured that as an all-inclusive and progressive Government, the existing favorable Government/Labour relationship will be sustained and even improved upon.

On his part, the State Head of Civil Service, Yahuza Adamu appreciated Governor Bala Mohammed for his administration’s investment in the civil service and tasked workers to reciprocate the gesture by supporting the present administration in the state to succeed in the implementation of policies and programmes.

Earlier, the State NLC chairman, Comrade Dauda Shuaibu expressed gratitude to the governor for the payment of Ten thousand naira Wage Award to all workers in the state and urged him to sustain it so as to alleviate the current economic challenges being experienced by workers.

Bauchi re-affirmed commitment to quality, affordable health services to citizens

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Bauchi re-affirmed commitment to quality, affordable health services to citizens

 

:As he chairs STF meeting, PHC award

From Mohammed Nasir Shuaibu BAUCHI

The Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Auwal Jatau on Tuesday reaffirmed the unwavering commitment and readiness of the present administration in the state towards ensuring citizens have access to quality and affordable healthcare services.

Speaking at the quarterly meeting of the State Task Force on Primary Healthcare and annual PHC award ceremony held at Government House, Bauchi, Auwal Jatau said the administration has recorded significant progress in that regard.

The Deputy Governor who is the chairman of the State Task Force on Primary Healthcare, recalled that, on coming on board, Governor Bala Mohammed made it a top priority to strengthen primary healthcare system for the benefit of the citizenry.

According to him, the dedication and tireless efforts of members of the State Task Force coupled with their commitment towards supporting the present administration to deliver quality primary healthcare services to people is commendable.

“The major role of the Task Force is to ensure accountability and high-level oversight on Primary Health Care Service delivery in the State, through our partnership with development partners.

“Through the collaborative efforts of our administration, we were able to increase the number of functional primary health care centers across the state, training of our health workers on essential service delivery, distribution of essential medical equipment to our PHC facilities These achievements are a clear testament to the outstanding performance of members of this Task Force.”

Auwal Jatau reiterated the administration’s unwavering commitment to the development of the health sector through prompt payment of counterpart funds and financial arrangements with government and non- governmental organizations, assuring that the Primary Health Care Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) contributions for the year 2024 will soon be paid.

He used the medium to acknowledge the support of developmental partners to the administration of Governor Bala Mohammed and promised that the administration will continue to provide them with the enabling environment to achieve their organizational mandate.

The Deputy Governor then congratulated the awardees of the Primary Healthcare annual award, saying their excellent performance in the provision of health care services in the state have not gone unnoticed.

On his part, Mr Tushar Rane, the UNICEF Bauchi Chief, appreciated the state government for the transparency and accountability in the management of resources in the health sector, and observed that it has paved way for the state to achieved milestones in immunization and in the delivery of primary healthcare services.

Agbese explains appointment of opposition members, others as aides

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Agbese explains appointment of opposition members, others as aides

 

From Msurshima Andrew, Makurdi

The lawmaker representing Ado/ Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, Chief Philip Agbese, has given reasons he appointed new aides, some who are not members of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Recall that recently, Agbese announced the appointment of over 20 new aides to bolster his legislative mandate.

Among the aides are members of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) and some of his perceived antagonists.

But not long after he made the pronouncements, reactions have continued to trail the appointments into his Parliament of Local Unity (PLU).

Making clarifications while speaking to newsmen in Makurdi, Monday, Agbese said he has no enemy anywhere in the world and is out to represent his people irrespective of their political inclinations.

The lawmaker who spoke through his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Lawrence Oduh, said by these appointments, he considers everyone as a stakeholder in the Enone project.

According to Oduh, “The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives already forgave those who turned their backs on him after benefiting from his generosity.”

Describing Agbese as a man with a big heart, the media expert noted that for Okanga Agila, humanity supersedes personal interests, political affiliations, religion and tribe.

Oduh said while the lawmaker believes in loyalty, he places a premium on capacity, excellence and competence hence his recent decision.

He likened his principal to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator George Akume who has no enemy and can go to any home to eat and sleep.

“Humanity is not about maintaining a gracious relationship between one another in the society but it is about building a bond among the society with the help of sustainable values.

“Today’s world is full of greed, commotion, distress and distrust. But when peace and harmony become the main cause of every kind of service rendered, it becomes the service to God.

“When an orphan gets a cuddling hand to light their life, it becomes a Godly gesture. When a deprived lives blissfully along with the rest of humanity, it is the kingdom of God.

“Agbese believes the greatest pleasure is in bearing pain for others. He sees those considered adversaries as a fundamental companion in progress.”

According to Oduh, these have always been Agbese’s core principles, “we are one, regardless of caste, creed, religion, and race. Agbese represents the entire constituency.

“He was elected for the poor and rich, educated and uneducated, Christians and Muslims, farmers and herders, PDP, LP and other party faithful.”

Oduh urged those working tirelessly to bring down the Enone servant that he has already prayed for and forgiven them, and that Agbese loves them.

He asked every patriotic son and daughter of Enone to pray for and support their own, stating that in due course, the impacts of this trailblazer will be felt.

POCACOV: We’re Committed to Reducing Cultists to the Barest Minimum — Anambra Police Spokesman, SP Ikenga

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POCACOV: We’re Committed to Reducing Cultists to the Barest Minimum — Anambra Police Spokesman, SP Ikenga

 

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

The Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, has restated the Command’s unwavering commitment to reducing cultism to the barest minimum in the State.

SP Ikenga gave the assurance in a statement issued to newsmen over the weekend under the initiative of the Police Campaign Against Cultism & Other Vices (POCACOV).

The Police Spokesman, in the state statement, also highlighted and discussed some of what he believes make people join cultism; even as he also called on the members of the public to join hands with police in the ongoing campaign against cultism and other vices.

He wrote: “The Command is committed to making sure that cult menace is reduced to the barest minimum in the state. In this episode, we will discuss why people join cult groups.

“Parental and home background: participation in cult activities may be influenced by parents’ involvement in similar activities.

“Societal decay: There is a mad rush to acquire wealth and power.

“Emotional Sickness: Children who have emotional sickness tend to be depressed and frustrated with life. In an attempt to express their anger against neglect, they may join cult groups to unleash terror on the society that has caused them emotional pain.

“Peer Group Influence: Motivation for joining cults may come from peer group influence. Some students have become cultists because their friends lured them into joining.

“Support from highly placed individuals in the society: In some institutions, officials play the role of grand patron to some cult groups and also sponsor them. The student cultists are used against several members of the community for selfish reasons.

“Inadequate Religious and Moral Education: Some parents have abandoned their responsibilities in the area of moral upbringing of their children because of the craze for material wealth. They hardly show interest in the educational/academic progress of their children. Such parents do not attend parents’ fora and meetings.

“Join Police Campaign Against Cultism & Other Vices (POCACOV) in this advocacy.”

Immortalize Chukwuemeka Ike — Stakeholders Urge Soludo, As NBF Unveils New Book in His Honour in Awka

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Immortalize Chukwuemeka Ike — Stakeholders Urge Soludo, As NBF Unveils New Book in His Honour in Awka

 

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

Call has been made for the immortalization and preservation of the legacies of the legendary Nigerian writer, Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike, who was also the President of the Nigerian Book Foundation (NBF) and the Traditional Ruler of Ndikelionwu in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, until his death in 2020.

The call was part of the advocacy by stakeholders at an event tagged “Remembering Eze Professor Chukwuemeka Ike”, which held over the week in Awka, the State capital, as was organized by the Nigerian Book Foundation, in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Anambra State Council, and the State Ministry of Education.

Delivering a keynote lecture, titled “Like Clay in a Potter’s Wheel: Moulding Nigeria Back to Shape” at the event, the Traditional Ruler of Omor Community, H.R.H. Igwe Oranu Chris Chidume, gave an overview of Prof. Ike’s literary prowess and how he dedicated and utilized his God-given talents and potential to the service of the nation and humanity at large. He further harped on the need to mould Nigeria back to shape, to be able to realize her full potential as one of the most blessed nations of the world.

Dwelling on one of Prof. Ike’s outstanding novels — “The Potter’s Wheel”, Igwe Oranu, an industrialist, highlighted the various challenges bedeviling and retarding Nigeria’s development as a nation, among which he pinned insecurity as a top problem.

“…For any potter, if the potter is able to mould the clay in his wheel right, Nigeria will be well on its way back to shape. In other words, if we, as a country, are able to tackle our security challenges, I believe Nigeria will be repositioned to actualize its natural and true greatness,” he said.

The monarch further recommended true independence of all the three arms of government and the constitutional empowerment of states to legislate on and create State Police, as sure ways to mould the country back to shape, as, according to him, these will help improve the county’s security and also water the ground for investments and economic feat to boom again in the country.

Earlier in her address of welcome, the Co-President of the Nigerian Book Foundation (NBF) and first female professor of Mass Communication in West Africa, Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna, said the one-day annual event which marks the posthumous birthday of the pioneer writer and academic, Prof. Ike, also aims to commemorate and keep his beloved and cherished memory alive.

In their separate remarks, a Board of Trustees Member of the Nigerian Book Foundation and Traditional Ruler of Obosi, Igwe Chidubem Iweka; and the Anambra State Council Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, hailed late Prof. Ike as an outstanding intellectual and quintessential community leader, who left indelible marks and contributed immensely to the creative world and national development in general.

While recalling that Anambra State has given the world arrays of writers, whom Prof. Ike was one of; the duo also advised the youths to emulate such people of excellence, uphold their legacies and aspire to be greater than them. They further reiterated the call on the Anambra State Government to immortalize Prof. Ike, adding that doing so will not only keep his memory alive, but also serve as motivation to others, especially the young ones, while also adding value to the society.

Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Education representative, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh described late Prof. Ike as a totem of excellence and one of the greatest assets Anambra State ever had, adding that the late literary icon is already being so dearly missed by Nigeria and the world at large. She, however, solaced that the literary star still lives on, through his works; as, according to her, writers never die.

In their separate remarks, the Traditional Ruler of Umueri, Igwe Ben Emeka and that of Abacha counterpart, Igwe Godwin Odimegwu, commended the organizers of the event for such initiative, even as they stressed on the need for Nigerians to learn to admire and celebrate person for his knowledge, integrity and impact, rather than just for their money, as is common in the society today.

The event featured performances by Ajambele Kids and kids from FTC Performing Arts, as well as poetic performance of Igwe Chidubem Iweka’s poem, titled “Visible Virus”, which bewails corruption in the Nigeria system, as was delivered by Oma Iweka.

It also featured the unveiling and presentation of an Igbo book, titled “Nka na Akaọrụ Ndị Igbo” (published by the NBF and reviewed by Izunna Okafor) in honour and memory of Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike; as well as students’ quiz competition his novel, “The Potter’s Wheel”, as was judged by Prof. Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo and Prof. Ngozi Ezenwa-Ohaetoo.

This saw Igwebuike Grammar School, Awka emerge the champion, followed by the Capital City Secondary School, Awka, which came second, and Kenneth Dike Memorial Secondary School Awka, which came third; as well as St. John of God Secondary School, Awka and Girls Secondary School, Awka, which came fourth and fifth respectively and all went home with mouthwatering cash prizes and copies of “Visible Virus” and “Nka na Akaọrụ Ndị Igbo”.

Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike, born on April 28, 1931, was a prolific writer, scholar, lecturer, administrator, and quintessential community leader.

His works include The Potters Wheel, Toads for Supper, The Naked Gods, Sunset at Dawn, The Bottled Leopard, Expo 77, among others.

The Eze Ndikelionwu joined his ancestors on the 9th day of January 2020 at a prime age of 88.

More photos from the event:

Property Destroyed, As Fire Guts Popular Company in Anambra

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Property Destroyed, As Fire Guts Popular Company in Anambra

 

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

Fire has gutted a section of the E. A. Agro Oil Industries Ltd., Okpoko, in Anambra State.

The outbreak, which occurred on Thursday, May 2, was said to have badly affected some parts of the company before it was battled off by the officers of the Anambra State Fire Service.

Confirming the outbreak in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday, the Anambra State Fire Chief, Engr. Chukwudi Emmanuel Chiketa, said the agency received a call at about 0810hours on Thursday about the inferno.

“The Anambra gallant Firemen were immediately deployed to the scene of fire, and it was contained,” he said.

While noting that the firefighters left the scene at about 1115hours after putting off the fire, Engr. Chiketa, further explained that no life was lost in the incident, adding that the cause of the outbreak is also yet to be ascertained.

“Please, be safety conscious because fire kills,” he advised.

Although, the reporter, Izunna Okafor, could not reach the Management of the Company as at the time of filing this report to ascertain the extent of the damage caused by the fire; photos from the fire scene show that some property and parts of the company were badly affected by the inferno.

APGA Stalwart Sues Anambra Govt Over His Removal as Market Leader, Seeks Reinstatement

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APGA Stalwart Sues Anambra Govt Over His Removal as Market Leader, Seeks Reinstatement

 

By Polycarp Ifeanyi, Onitsha

A chieftain of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and duly elected President-General of the Bridge-Head Traders Association Onitsha, Anambra State, Mr. Sunday Obinze who was removed at the inception of Governor Soludo’s administration has dragged Anambra State Government to Court, for his removal as the Market’s Leader.

In the originating suit, with suit No. 0/250/2023 which came up for hearing Thursday May 2, 2024, Obinze, popularly called Ogwuego, prayed the Court to order for the dissolution of Hon. Chinedu Ezekwike-led Caretaker Committee who is the fifth defendant in the case.

Obinze also asked that he should be reinstated as the President-General of Bridgehead Market Traders Association Onitsha to serve out his tenure.

He also requested the court to make an order restraining the defendants, their heirs, assigns, privies, agents, and, or any person acting or taking instructions from them to disturb, harass or interefere in his duties and functions as the elected President -General of the Market.

In the originating summon filed by C.I. Okoye, of Iloegbune Okoye Chambers also has the State Attorney General, Barr. Samuel Ikeh, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Chief Evarist Ubah, Special Adviser to the Governor on Market as defendants.

In the suit No. 0/250/2023, Obinze’s lawyer wants the court  to determine whether the 1st to 4th defendants as non-members of Bridge-Head Market have the right to interfere in the internal affairs of the Market among other questions they want the Court to resolve.

When the case came up before Justice T.U. Oguji of the Anambra State High Court sitting in Onitsha Court 2,  it was adjourned till July 18, 2024 to allow the plaintiff counsel to study the defendants’ replies which he received in the same morning of the hearing.

Justice Oguji also directed that Ezekwike, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Bridge-Head Traders Association be served with the summons.

Recall that Obinze was removed as elected President-general of Bridge-Head Traders Association after 30 markets were unilaterally dissolved by Soludo’s former Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Dr. Obinna Ngonnadi even when the tenure of the Executives had not elapsed.

They traders followed all due process of conducting the election including approval for the election to be conducted by the Market from the Ministry of Trade and Commerce.

Equally, the date of the election and recognition of the elected executives  members of the Market held on August 26, 2021 for the second tenure of four years tenure was endorsed by the State Government.

Ndị Awka Pass Vote of Confidence on Soludo, Say Capital City Rapidly Developing under Him

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Ndị Awka Pass Vote of Confidence on Soludo, Say Capital City Rapidly Developing under Him

 

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

It was a moment of panegyrics and encomiums in Awka, the capital city of Anambra State, on Wednesday, as indigenes of the community expressed their happiness and heartfelt appreciation for what they described as the transformative efforts of the Governor Chukwuma Soludo-led administration in the capital city and other parts of the State.

The indigenes, comprising stakeholders and distinguished sons of the soil, showered the eulogies after inspecting some of the capital projects springing up in different parts of the city, including the Solution Fun City, the new Government House, Governor’s and Deputy Governor’s Lodges and the Judges Quarters, all being constructed at the same time by the Soludo Administration, among other capital-intensive projects.

The hours-long inspection began at the Solution Fun City, where the Contractor toured the team round the site to give an overview of the project and the various segments and facilities being constructed therein, including, cinema, utility building, fairy wheels, tower, swimming pools, administrative and ticketing building, gate house, among others.

The team, led by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Hon. Ossy Onuko, thereafter, landed at the project site of the new Government House, Governor’s Lodge and others, where they were received by the Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Pauly Onyeka, who also toured them round the site and provided explanations on the various parts and progress of the project.

In an interview with newsmen after touring the sites, a top stakeholder in Awka and former Senator representing the Anambra Central Senatorial Zone in the National Assembly, Senator Ben Obi, expressed his amazement on the quantity and quality of capital projects being executed by the Soludo Administration, especially in the capital city.

According to him, he had never requested or lobbied Governor Soludo to carry out one project or the other in the capital city, but he has turned out to be the Governor who has shown most concern and also invested most in the general development and transformation of Awka to a befitting status of capital city, much more than all his predecessors in the history of the State, whom he revealed that he severally wrote to during their tenures, requesting them to execute one developmental project or the other in the capital city, all to no avail.

The former Senator, however attested and expressed his gladness that Awka is now wearing a new look and rapidly developing further under the Soludo Administration. He also complained that Governor Soludo’s achievements are underreported by his Press Secretary, whom, he said, is not telling the people the story, wondering why it should be so.

His words: “Governor Charles Soludo is running the State rapidly. Everywhere you go, you will see the impacts of his government.

“Just this afternoon, we were saying to the Chief Press Secretary: Why are people not telling the story? Why is the story of Soludo not being told? I can say for sure that by the time he completes his four years, Awka will be the best-built capital city in the Southeast. And I keep asking myself, where is all this money coming from? We are indeed amazed at what we saw and I hope to see Mr. Governor to shake hands with him for the marvelous work he is doing.”

Contributing, another stakeholder from Awka, Prof. A.U. Nonyelu, while also expressing his delight with the performance of the Governor and his developmental efforts across the state, especially in the capital city, also attested that Ndị Awka and Ndị Anambra at large are beginning to witness and experience more transformation in different sectors under Governor Soludo, than they had ever seen before.

While commending the Governor on behalf of Ndị Awka, the university don also expressed his surprise that the Governor is carrying out these projects without borrowing a dime, while also assuring him of continuous support to his administration to achieve the Awka of his dream and realize his general vision for the state.

Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Onyeka; and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Hon. Onuko, also recounted other various developmental projects, social-oriented and empowerment programs the Governor has so far carried out in different sectors and those he is still currently executing, despite the economic situation of the country; even as they described him as a prudent resource manager and a man who walks his talks.

Further describing the Governor as a man who likes to take up challenging tasks for the betterment of Ndị Anambra, the duo also gave an overview of the Governor’s vision for Awka 2.0, and Onitsha 2.0, while equally urging Ndị Anambra to keep supporting the Governor, as more still lies ahead in wait for them under Soludo.

Also present during the inspection were the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra State Waste Management Agency (ASWAMA), Sir Mike Ozoemena; the Traditional Ruler of Ogbunka community, H.R.H., Igwe Johnmark Anyaoha, among other stakeholders from within and outside the capital city.

More photos from the inspection tour:

75-Year-Old Man Lures 8-Year-Old Girl with Mango in Awka, Defiles Her (Video)

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75-Year-Old Man Lures 8-Year-Old Girl with Mango in Awka, Defiles Her (Video)

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

Mr. Nwankwo Nweke, aged 75 years, has been arrested for allegedly an 8-year-old girl in Anambra State.

The incident happened in Awka, the capital city of the state where the suspect, a native of Isiagu in Awka South Local Government Area, was also arrested by security agents after committing the crime.

According to the parents of the child, Mr. and Mrs. Ugwuanyi, the little girl was sent on an errand by them in a nearby shop at about 7.pm, only for her to disappear, which made the mother to go out to search for her after having tarried beyond the expected time for her to return.

It was gathered that the mum also kept shouting her daughter’s name round the village after she had gone to the shop where she was sent on the errand and found out she wasn’t there, without knowing that she was cornered and taken into the room by Mr. Nweke, who also forcefully covered her mouth to prevent her from shouting or answering her mother when she was calling her; while he ‘digged deep’ on her to ‘calm his nerves’.

It was after Nweke had dug to his satisfaction and calmed his nerves that he freed the little girl to go, amidst pains.

Although, the victim first told her parents lies about her whereabouts when she returned home, a slight torture made her reveal the real truth about her whereabouts and what happened to her.

According to her, while on her way to the errands, the suspect, who use to be their neighbour, met and lured her into his house to come and carry some mangos, which she initially declined to, based on the reason that she was on an errand; only for her to later change her mind and go, after much luring persuasions by the suspect.

She said it was when she got there that he pushed her into the room, locked the door, blocked her mouth to prevent people from hearing her, and then forced himself on her; only to push him out of his house after everything, even without giving her the mangos again.

When arrested and interrogated, the suspect, Mr. Nweke, who is a barber, confessed to the crime and said it was temptation and the handiwork of the devil.

The little girl was also taken to the hospital, where it was also confirmed that the suspect truly had carnal knowledge of her.

Reacting to the incident, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Ify Obinabo, who expressed her anger over the sad incident, frowned that some bad eggs still go on to flout the law, despite all the efforts being made by the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo to stop and make such things intolerable in the State.

While noting that her Ministry would not relent in fighting such crimes and protecting the rights of masses; Commissioner Obinabo also assured of securing justice for the 8-year-old girl, even as she reiterated that anyone caught in such act in the state must faith the full weight of the law.

Watch the video below:

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