NIGERIAN NOTCH

  In preparation for the resumption of Continuous Voters Registration exercise scheduled for June 2021, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Imo State, has upgraded a total of 1235 new polling units as a way of ensuring easy voter access to Polling Units. According to the Imo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Professor Emeka Ezeonu who disclosed this in Owerri while briefing the Press, the new Polling Units emerged from the already existing 3523 Polling Units in the state. He said the state now has a total of 4758 Polling Units which will make for proximity as well as curb human traffic during elections adding that the Commission would continue to improve the quality of access to electoral services provided to all Nigerian voters including persons with disability. On the allocation of the new Polling Units in the LGAs, the Imo REC announced that Aboh Mbaise got 79, Ahiazu Mbaise 52, Ehime Mbano 23, Ezinihitte Mbaise 39, Ideato North 23 and Ideato South 3...

It was a glamour yesterday 6th May, 2021 at the headquarters of the Nigerian Ombudsman, Abuja when a notable NGO, *Young Entrepreneurs Innovators Foundation* presented to Prince Ik. Samben Nwosu a meritorious *Role Model Award*. Prince Nwosu is the Honourable Federal Commissioner of Public Complaints Commission, Anambra State as presently constituted. The NGO during the award presentation extolled the leadership and quasi-judicial prowess of the OMBUDSMAN in quote  " YEI foundation followed up your activities in your Commission and discovered that you have resolved and settled complaints, sustained partnership with NGOs and increased synergy with other anti-corruption agencies in Anambra State".  The OMBUDSMAN, in His response appreciated the NGO for their recognition and assured them of His readiness to partner more with them so as to awaken and sustain the Entrepreneurial skills of Nigerian Youths by organizing empowerment programs and awarding grants to them. Reacting to t...

It was an atmosphere of celebration on Saturday, May 8, 2021 as the people of Akili Ozizor in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State trooped out in cheerful jubilation to mark the coronation and first Ofala of their new Igwe.  Valentine Ozigbo, the immediate past President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, was one of the prominent guests at the coronation and maiden Ofala festival of His Royal Highness, Igwe Lawrence Ogugua Oduah (Igwe Ogidiga Oduah III) of Akili Ozizor. Igwe Ogidiga Oduah III is the son of Late Igwe Johnny Oduah (Igwe Ogidiga II of Akili Ozizor), and the younger brother to Senator Stella Oduah, the senator representing Anambra North Senatorial Zone. While speaking during the ceremony, Mr Ozigbo described the newly crowned Igwe as an icon and custodian of the prestigious Igbo tradition. Therefore, it did not come as a surprise when he decided to walk the path of his late father.  "The throne of Akili Ozizor Kingdom has witnessed a harmonious celebration t...

- _Says all hands must be on deck to save Anambra._  The leading Gubernatorial aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming November 6, gubernatorial election Dr. Chidozie Nwankwo, today, May 8, 2021, met with the ANAMBRA ELDERS FORUM at Onitsha to seek support for his candidacy as the APC primary approaches. Speaking during the interactive session, Dr. Chidozie Nwankwo stated that it's time to get it right in Anambra state for the future of our children and everyone else in the state. " The time is fast running out to rescue our state Anambra and enthrone a God fearing and people oriented government in Anambra state. We must make use of this window of opportunity presented by the Anambra election scheduled to hold on November 6 to get our state back on the path of progress. Only a man who has the fear of God can have the mindset to create a just society where the rule of law, social justice and equity is guaranteed and once we get this, sanity will retur...

The frontline gubernatorial aspirant for the November 6th Anambra election under the umbrella of APC, Dr. Chidozie Nwankwo, CEO/Chairman Wichtech Group has sent his birthday felicitation to Anambra State APC Chairman, Chief Basil Ejidike, on the occasion of his 63rd birthday. In a statement released through his media office on Saturday, May 8, 2021, Dr. Chidozie Nwankwo described Chief Ejidike as an exceptional political figure whose approach and passion to achieve success for the party is remarkable. He noted that the leadership qualities of the APC State Chairman has immensely strengthened the internal democracy and made the party formidable in a bid to win the upcoming election. Dr. Chidozie Nwankwo further stated that Chief Ejidike is a reliable and committed party man whose contributions to the growth of the party is felt by all. Concluding, Dr. Chidozie Nwankwo wished Chief Ejidike a happy birthday and prayed to God to grant him a long life on earth.

By Prince MacDonald Enwere.  As a Pentecostal, I hardly jump into discussions which are at the circumference of the Catholic Church or meddle into   Ecclesiastical matters.  Ecclesiastical issues follow divine directions.  In the Catholic denomination, decisions are usually in comformity with doctrinal  principles and liturgical dogma of Catholicism. The recent melodrama between the Presidency, Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese and the spiritual director of Adoration Ministry Enugu, Rev Fr Camilius Anthony Ejikemeuwa Ebenezer Mbakaogu reminds me the proverbial story of  Mbe and Elephant. When animals wanted to get a new king to replace their late king, one early morning, Hen, their town crier announced that all animals should gather at their meeting point in the following morning. As early as 7am all animals have already gathered to elect their new King. On the spot, Lion was nominated as the chairman of the Ezeship selection committee. He called for no...

CP Adetokumbo Christopher Owolabi has resumed as the 30th commissioner of police in Anambra state after a slight shake up by the Force Headquarters. CP Owolabi was the former 2IC of the Anambra state police command and has worked in Anambra in the last three years, before he was posted out and returned to the command as the CP Anambra state police command. CP Adetokumbo Christopher Owolabi* was born 29th May, 1964 in London, United Kingdom; and hails from the small but renowned Ogiri-Magonog Community in Kogi State. He attended Ireti Primary School, Ikoyi, Lagos and proceeded to Mount Carmel College, Ilorin for his secondary school education. He obtained a bachelor of science (BSC) degree in Political science from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello university, Zaria in 1985 and masters degree in international police science from the university of Portsmouth, United Kingdom in 2004 He enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force as Cadet Assistant superintendent of police (ASP)on 15th March, 1988....

The governor of Imo state, Senator Hope Uzodinma has reinforced the security operations in Imo with the handing over of operational vehicles and security gadgets to security establishments in the state.  in a statement made available to newsmen and also published on his official facebook handle, the governor stated that "Today's event heralds the presentation of more vehicles and security gadgets to our Operation Search and Flush team. It is a bold statement on our iron-clad resolve to flush out criminals from our dear state. It is a signal to bandits, hoodlums and trigger-happy criminals that their time is up in Imo State".    He however stressed that the handing over of these security vehicles and gadgets has further underscored the fact that his government can never be intimidated by criminals and their sponsors,which also reaffirms his government's  commitment to the protection of lives and property of all citizens of the state including those on transit.   ...

His Excellency the governor of Imo State, Sen Hope Uzodimma, has approved the appointment of a new Acting Vice Chancellor for  Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University, Ogboko, Ideato South LGA of Imo State. He is Prof Ikechukwu Dozie. The appointment takes immediate effect.  In a press release made available to Nigerian Notch by the office of the Commissioner for Education Prof. Bernard Thompson O. Ikegwuoha, however stated thatt theformer Vice chancellor, Prof Tola Badejo , has been relieved of his duties with immediate effect. He said this is sequel to the former Vice Chancellor's unauthorised announcement, illegally suspending academic activities in the university for the 2020/2021 academic year.  The release however advised that all students and staff of the University are consequently advised to disregard the unauthorised announcement of the former Vice Chancellor and return to normal academic and administrative life without delay. Consqently, the release further stated t...

  ~ PROMISES RAPID INDUSTRIALISATION OF STATE* Valentine Ozigbo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) frontrunner for the Anambra governorship election, on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, reiterated his belief that Anambra can be the most significant industrial hub in Africa if the state elects a visionary and transformation leader come November.  Mr Ozigbo made the assertion when he took a tour of the Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) factory in Nnewi, Anambra State. He purchased an IVM pick-up truck during the visit, demonstrating his belief in the Innoson and made-in-Nigeria products.  He declared that purchasing an Innoson vehicle shows that he "walks his talk" and "puts his money where his mouth is".  While speaking during the visit, Ozigbo hailed the Founder and CEO of the Innoson Group, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, as a pioneer who is taking steps to actualise the great possibilities in Nigeria and Africa.  According to the respected business leader, Chief Chukwuma exe...

  ~ EXTOLS CHROME GROUP CHAIR FOR HIS OUTSTANDING  GENEROSITY    The Distinguished Senator representing Anambra South and National Leader of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah stated this earlier on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, while attending the commissioning of an Ultramodern Hall donated to Rotary Club International by the founder & CEO of Chrome Group, Sir. Dr. Emeka Offor at the Rotary International District 9125 Center, Abuja. Senator Ubah hailed Sir Offor for his laudable efforts towards the advancement of the human race.  While making a brief remark at the event, Dr. Ubah noted that Sir. Dr. Emeka Offor's benevolence is nothing short of utter kindness and love for humanity.  Senator Ubah recalled that Sir Emeka Offor had in the past  made generous contributions of over $3.5 million (USD) to numerous Rotary Club programmes; donated medical equipment and books worth over $30 million (USD) to hospitals and academic institut...

  ~ Redeploys CP Abutu Yaro to Imo Command, 5 other CPs affected The Inspector General of Police, Ag. IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc (+), NPM, fdc has ordered the posting of CP Abutu Yaro, fdc to Imo State as the new Commissioner of Police (CP) in charge of the State. The posting of the new CP is in furtherance of efforts by the Police leadership towards strengthening security, tackling violent crimes and enhancing optimal coordination of policing operations within the State. CP Abutu Yaro, a fellow of the National Defence College and the immediate-past Commissioner of Police, Zamfara State Command, is an operationally-minded Cop. By this new development, Abutu Yaro takes over from CP Nasiru Mohammed who has been redeployed to Western Port Authority, Lagos. In the same vein, Zamfara State Police Command now has a new Commissioner of Police. He is CP Hussaini Rabiu. Other Commissioners of Police affected by the new posting and redeployment are: CP John Amadi, mni who has been posted fro...

The former Chairman of Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Chief Rommy Okoli (The Messanger) has joined the November 6 governorship race under the platform of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA). Chief Okoli's declaration of interest and message of hope was released by his Goodness Campaign Office, an Initiative for Peace and Development of Anambra State. "Beloved, remember that the naked need to be clothed and the afflicted need comfort. Think of the sick, the poor, the hungry, the motherless babies, orphans, widows, the less privileged and the hopeless. Show them love, mercy and do something good today for a better society." The former council boss said that his governorship aspiration is hinged on the premise above. He said that never again shall the cry of the poor be forsaken under his watch as the governor of Anambra State. Chief Okoli promised to wipe away the tears of Ndi Anambra who have suffered for so long. "I promise and pledge in th...

By Reuben Abati Fr Ejike Mbaka, Spiritual Director of the Adoration Ministry, Enugu attracts controversy the way flies are attracted to dung. He is completely unfazed about it. He comes across as a priest who does not mind what Pope Francis once referred to as “the sin of scandal”. Last week, Fr. Mbaka stirred the hornet’s nest again when he announced to his congregation that he had changed his mind about President Muhammadu Buhari, or perhaps he had received another message from God to the effect that if Nigeria’s President Buhari does not resign for failing to find a solution to Nigeria’s problems, he should be impeached. Fidelity Leaderboard This came as a rude shock to many. Fr. Mbaka was a staunch supporter of President Buhari and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2015 and 2019 general elections. He used his pulpit to campaign for the APC. In 2015, he openly opposed then incumbent President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience Jonathan. He would later clai...

The chairman, Board of Trustees, Nnewi Professionals, Prof. Obi Bertrand Nwosu, has called on political parties to consider Old Nnewi in the political arithmeticn on who becomes the next governor of Anambra state.  In a press conference in Nnewi today, Nwosu noted that the best way for the zone to produce Anambra governor come 2022 was for the zone to be united and work as one united strong force, which has started in earnest and therefore called on the major political parties of APGA,PDP, APC, and YPP to consider Old Nnewi on whom they will give there ticket.   He however stated that “Anambra South must work as a team because; other zones and towns in Anambra are also eyeing the governorship seat. Power is not given; it is taken. Power is not given in platter of gold; therefore, this time around, we cannot afford to be outplayed this time around,” he said.   Nwosu further suggested that Nnewi, having contributed immensely to the socio-economic development of An...

Valentine Ozigbo, a Nigerian business mogul and philanthropist, has hailed the Nigerian press as critical in developing the country and Nigeria's democracy. In a statement marking World Press Day, issued from his office in Udoka Estate, Awka, the capital of Anambra State, on Monday, May 3, 2021, Mr Ozigbo called for total press freedom in the country while describing the media as "the defenders of our democracy". An international finance expert, Ozigbo, the immediate Past President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, called for strategic institutional investment in the media, stressing the importance of the media in nation-building.   "Today, I celebrate the Nigerian press for their resilience and commitment to the professional and the development of Nigeria," Ozigbo said. "Our journalists operate under some of the harshest work conditions in the world, yet they continue to play their role in building Nigeria and growing our democracy. "I commend t...

  … camp busted in Oguta  … 31-year-old arrested after killing policemen at Umutanze – Police source An investigation by Vanguard yesterday revealed that over twelve unknown gunmen have been arrested in Imo state, linked to the series of attacks on police formations and Owerri Correctional Center. Vanguard gathered in Owerri, that the arrests started with the bursting of one of their camps four days ago, in Oguta local government area of Imo State, by security operatives. This followed another of the unknown gunmen, arrested in Ihitte Uboma Local government area, whose name was given as Izuchukwu Ohaeri. Furthermore, Vanguard was told that arrests have been made in their different camps and meeting venue from where the unknown gunmen take off to carry out their operations of killings and burning of police stations. According to a police source, explained to Vanguard that, “On 17/04/2021 at Ihitte Uboma local government area at about 02:26 pm, operatives as a follow up of an at...

Valentine Ozigbo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) frontrunner in the 2021 governorship election, on Sunday, May 2, 2021, joined the Roman Catholic faithful worldwide to mark this year's Fathering Sunday.  While speaking to journalists at St. Jude's Catholic Church, Fegge, Onitsha, where he worshipped, Mr Ozigbo acknowledged the crucial role that father's play in the family and the society describing fathers as "indispensable providers and protectors of our communities." "Fathers play a significant role in the family and society. They are the pillars that shape our mindset, character, and intellect from the moment we are born," Ozigbo said.  "There's sufficient evidence to show that an active father figure positively impacts the development of children by way of increased intellectual capabilities, cognitive development, self-esteem, and emotional intelligence.  "One of the greatest blessings of my life is to be the son of a headmaster an...

Senator Dr Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah has commended workers for there commiment towards national development. He made this assertion during this year's Workers day celebration yesterday. He said that workers day is purely celebrated to pay tribute and honour to the contributions made by the workers towards the betterment of various institutions and consequently our society. Undoubtedly, the Nigerian workforce remains one of the most dedicated, resilient and hardworking in the world; they remain key drivers of our country’s economy. He stressed that May day is a day for sober reflection and review of our past activities with a view to fashioning a new path to progress for the emancipation of Nigerian workers. He said that this year's celebration provides an opportunity to assess current local and international issues important to workers and Nigeria’s trade unions movement. Our goal must be to build a cohesive workforce driven by professionalism, projects performance and zero toleranc...

The African Democratic Congress yesterday 1st May 2021, held it's state congress to elect party officers to run the affairs of the party for the next 4 years. While delivering his keynote address the state chairman of ADC, Comrade Patrick Obianyo(JP) stated that the congress of ADC is unique in many ways, because it is coming at a critical period in the political history of Anambra state and Nigeria in general.  He stressed that all over Nigeria, there are calls for serious leadership and how we have arrived at this sorry state in the history of Nigeria. He further lamented that our socio political and economic systems are crumbling at an alarming rate with no solution in sight. He however stated that with the congress of ADC done and dusted that the party is poised towards making Anambra state the ijele if Africa with an ADC governor steering the ship of leadership in the state. He stressed that with ADC in power, Anambra will witness rapid and massive industrialization, which wil...