January 2, 2025
PHIL OKOSE, Onitsha
In the spirit of Christmas, the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, Wednesday, presented N500 to each of the inmates at Onitsha Correctional centre in commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
In the same vein, the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, also presented one live cow and slaughtered one for the inmates to celebrate Christmas like others who have their freedom.
Obi who lamented that a large number of inmates who are of productive age are wasting away in the prison, stated that, ‘I feel for young men who are of productive age being wasting away in prison”.
“We will continue to pray for these young men to regain their freedom. We are interested in human capital development and we want them to become reasonable persons in the society,” he disclosed.
In his homily, with the theme, ‘Divine Restoration’, the Archbishop who is the Grand Patron Nigerian Correctional Centre, lamented the spate of crime in the country stating that people who carry out these crimes are in darkness and need to have a change of heart.
“These people who commit these crimes are in darkness, they don’t receive Christ, they make our society ungovernable because of insecurity. Some take pride in crimes,”; he stated.
To the inmates, he told them to be of good behaviour when they come out of prison stating that his aim in celebrating the Christmas with them is for them to feel they belong during this commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Among the items he presented to them included, one live cow, one slaughtered cow, tissue papers, soap, toothpastes, ba rush, cooked rice, satchet water, among others.
Also, a former gubernatorial candidate in the state and Chief Executive Officer, of United Nigeria Airlines, Dr. Obiora Okonkwo, gave the inmates tubers of yam and bags of rice.
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An early morning fire on Wednesday gutted several shops near the General Post Office on Ibokwu Street, by Old Market Road, Onitsha, the commercial hub of Anambra State.
The inferno destroyed goods, property, and equipment worth millions of naira, according to reports by the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN.
Mrs Chidimma Ike, an eyewitness and a homeowner in one of the affected buildings, said the fire originated from one of the shops.
She recounted: “The fire started from one of the shops early this morning. We suddenly noticed thick smoke, and before we understood what was happening, the fire began to spread rapidly.
“Most of the traders and shop owners were not at their businesses today, as many were at home for Christmas.
“As the fire raged, several calls were made to the fire service, but it was residents and passersby who mobilised to rescue goods and battle the fire for several hours.”
One of the affected shop owners, Mr Chinedu Nnamdi, who also resides in the area, said he initially saw the smoke from a distance and assumed it was from someone burning waste, as the shops were closed for the Christmas holiday.
“I was not aware that the smoke was from a fire engulfing our shops until I received a call from my neighbours about the incident,” Nnamdi said.
Kayayyaki da kayan aiki da darajarsu ta haura Naira miliyan 200 sun kone kurmus a safiyar Laraba sakamakon tashin gobara a titin Ibokwu, kusa da Old Market Road, Onitsha, Jihar Anambra.
Wannan gobarar, wadda aka ce ta fara misalin karfe 9:15 na safe lokacin da masu shagunan suke gida don yin bikin Kirsimeti, an dakatar da ita daga yaduwa zuwa gidaje da shaguna makwabta ta hanyar kokarin wasu masu kishin kasa, amma babu jami’an kashe gobara da suka amsa kiran da aka yi musu.
Shagunan da gobarar ta lalata su ne gine-gine da ke kusa da tsohuwar ofishin gidan waya na Onitsha, wanda aka ce an sayar wa wani dan kasuwa daga jihar Anambra.
Rahotanni sun bayyana cewa sabbin masu ginin sun matsa lamba ga mutanen da ke gudanar da kasuwanci a ginin da ke kusa da su da su bar wurin. Wasu ma sun ce an hana su gudanar da harkokin kasuwancinsu ranar Talata daga masu ginin.
Lokacin da manema labarai suka isa gurin gobarar da misalin karfe 9:38 na safe, wasu suna kokarin ceto kayansu da aka dan taba da wuta, yayin da wasu da ba su sami komai ba suka shiga kuka sosai.
Daya daga cikin masu shagon da abin ya shafa, Chinedu Nnamdi, wanda ke kusa da titin Ibokwu, ya ce ya ga hayaki daga nesa ya dauka wani ne ke kona shara, saboda shagunan a rufe suke saboda bikin Kirsimeti, sai daga baya aka kira shi don ya zo ya ceto kayansa.
Wasu daga cikin kayan da abin ya shafa sun hada da na’urori irin su D.I Machines da kudinsu ya kai sama da Naira miliyan 2 kowanne, firji da janareta, kwamfuta, na’urorin buga takardu, kayan ofis, da sauran kayan aikin masu sana’ar hannu.
Ba a san musabbabin gobarar ba a lokacin da ake hada wannan rahoton, amma wasu daga cikin wadanda suka yi kokarin kashe wutar sun ce tana iya kasancewa sakamakon wata matsalar lantarki ce.
COSMAS CHUKWU , Enugu
In a move to boost culture and tourism as well as dignify and uphold the Igbo tradition and culture, the Enugu State Government has unveiled an imposing Ijele masquerade metal sculpture at Onuasata Round About, Obiagu, Enugu.
Performing the unveiling at a ceremony, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, extolled the Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, for his massive infrastructural facelifts of Enugu, which he said was restoring the glory and place of the Coal City as the headquarters of Ndigbo and the entire former Eastern Region.
Achebe said that the sculpture represented the rich cultural heritage of the great people of Igbo land, who see the Ijele masquerade as a valuable and magnificent masquerade, noting that the Ijele, which enjoys the respect of every other masquerade in Igbo land, is embedded with everything pertaining to humanity.
“Unarguably, Enugu is the headquarters of Igbo land. It was God that destined it to be so. On that note, anything that will make Enugu to be great is of utmost importance to every Igbo man, and that is why I am here.
“Ijele masquerade is the biggest of all the masquerades, and it is peculiar to Anambra and Enugu State, and there is a reason we own the masquerade. Everything pertaining to humans is in Ijele, and the story surrounding it is endless. That was the reason it is regarded as the biggest.
“So, we thank Governor Peter Mbah, who is also an Ijele himself, for making this possible and for making the state and Igboland a beautiful place,” the highly respected royal father, Agbogidi, stated.
The Chairman of Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, who also doubles as the Chairman of the South East Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Samuel Asadu, said that the traditional rulers of the region were present at the event because of the dignity the sculpture accords to a culture of the people, describing the ceremony as an epoch-making event aimed at telling the world the richness of Igbo culture and the significance of the masquerade to the land.
“We, the traditional rulers in Enugu State and indeed the South East, are here to witness this epoch-making event that signifies our culture. We thank the governor for his good work in the state. This signifies our rich cultural heritage,” he said.
Speaking earlier, the Chairperson, Enugu State Tourism Board, Dame Rita Mbah, said that the Ijele sculpture was in line with an effort by the Mbah Administration to make Enugu State a place rich in arts and culture as well as a premier destination for tourism.
She explained that the choice of location of the Ijele sculpture was informed by the fact that it is a place where people converge to watch masquerades perform during festivities.
“The concept behind this work is that the Ogui people are known for their Ogene and masquerades. Enugu people are generally known for their culture. So, we decided to put this wonderful edifice here. Do not forget that this is a place where Enugu people and tourists alike converge during festive periods to watch masquerades. For that reason, we deemed it fit to put this wonderful Ijele masquerade here,” Mbah said.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Enugu East Traditional Rulers, and the traditional ruler of Ibagwa Nike Community, Igwe Emmanuel Ugwu, appreciated the governor and his team for upholding the culture of the people with the unveiling of the Ijele boldly erected in the land of the Nike people.
“This place we are standing is a centre where the Nike people gather to celebrate their masquerades. Every traditional ruler is Ijele; every leader is Ijele. This is a way of attracting tourists to know that Enugu is a cultural home where you can come and have fun.
“Enugu is a very important city and an administrative headquarters, not only of the present-day South East, but the defunct Eastern Region, and at a point the entire South except Lagos. So, today, the governor did something unique by highlighting the place of Ijele and the place of Enugu in our history,” he added.
Also present at the event were senior government functionaries and other prominent traditional rulers, including the Chairman of the Culture and Tourism Committee of the House of Assembly, Hon. Chima Obieze, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke, HRH Igwe Abel Nwobodo, HRH Igwe Greg Ugwu, among others.
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PHIL OKOSE, Onitsha
The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Tochukwu Ikenga, (SP )disclosed Thursday that an investigation has commenced on the cause of the fire outbreak that occurred yesterday at Ogbosisi market, Bridge head approach, Onitsha South Local Government Area.
Ikenga who confirmed the story stated “The swift response of the police and fire service operatives to the fire outbreak at Ogbosisi brought the situation under control, police operatives have cordoned off the scene to prevent hoodlums from taking advantage of the situation to loot goods and properties.
“An investigation into the cause of the fire has begun, and while no lives were lost, the value of goods destroyed is yet to be fully ascertained,” he said.
It was gathered that the Mayor, of Onitsha South Local Government who prevented the inferno from spreading further by his prompt action on receiving the distress call, quickly mobilized the rescue teams, including the Department of Fire Service in Okpoko, whose efforts successfully contained the blaze.
Firefighters from Asaba, Delta State, also assisted in extinguishing the flames, preventing the fire from spreading to other parts of the market and nearby areas, including Okpoko and Asaba.
Chief Orji while speaking expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders.
He said “We thank the fire service department, the police, the Onitsha vigilante services(AVS) and our traders, led by the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Bridge Head Market, for their prompt interventions.
“We will continue to prioritize the safety of lives and property in our local government area. As this is the harmattan season, I urge everyone to exercise caution and avoid activities that could lead to fire outbreaks,” he said.
The Caretaker Chairman of Bridge Head Market, Hon.Chinedu Ezekweike commended Chief Orji for his leadership during the crisis. Narrating the events, Hon. Ezekwike said he was shocked when he received news of the fire but was relieved by the timely response of the local government chairman and nearby residents.
“The fire started around 9 pm but through the efforts of firefighters from Okpoko and Asaba,as well as the swift coordination by Hon. Emeka Orji, we were able to contain it, I am grateful to the chairman, traders and residents who played a role in averting a larger disaster, this incident demonstrates that Ndigbo still support one another in times of need, he said
He revealed that the fire, which affected the furniture section of the market, destroyed goods worth millions of naira, though the exact cause of the inferno is yet to be determined.
“I urge traders, particularly those operating machinery or using flammable materials, to take precautions. Ensure that all machines and electrical appliances are switched off after business hours, This is the harmattan season and even a spark could ignite a fire, let us work together to prevent future incidents, he cautioned
The incidents that affected 18 shops highlight the importance of vigilance, especially during the harmattan season, and underscore the critical role of leadership in managing emergencies.
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Mr.Onwuegbuchunam celebrating his victory after the election.
PHIL OKOSE, Onitsha
After about 16 years of crises, Chief Ifeanyi Onwuegbuchunam has emerged as the new President Genera, PG of Woliwo community, Onitsha South Local Government Area, Anambra state, having polled 53 votes to defeat his arch-rival, Mr. Emeka, who got 46 votes.
The keenly contested option A4 system of election was witnessed by the Onitsha South Council chairman, Hon. Emeka Orji, who commended Onwuegbuchunam for his victory and urged him to carry everybody along for rapid infrastructural development of their Woliwo community.
Reacting to his victory, Onwuegbuchunam said, ” My people go and enjoy my victory because for about 16 years we have been in darkness caused by those who refused to vacate office.
“I knew that I would win the election because whoever has a vision God must be with him, I have a vision for Woliwo that is why I have hope that God will do it and He did it.
“Oppositions are too much, they planned badly to disrupt the election, we fixed it on 4th December and they protested against it because they know they were failing and we put it again on 9th December, they protested again and was shifted to today and as God may have it the election was done and God did it,
” I emerged victorious, I thank God so much. I have 53 votes against 46, we are two aspirants and the other person is Mr Emeka.
“My aims and objectives for Woliwo are that we will have transparency and accountability for the people of Woliwo, it is my number one aim. Secondly, we will combine with the government to make sure that the Woliwo community moves forward in terms of security, development and otherwise, I believe that with God all things are possible.
“We are planning massively that we will mount CCTV cameras in all nooks and crannies of Woliwo and all our members will have what we call tags and cards, whenever you come to this place in the evening, wherever you want to go, you have the card and submit it to the security post and go.
“All our members will have our logo/stickers on their vehicles, keke among others so that whenever you come our security at the post will know that you are our member. If the government supports us as we planned, with the CCTV cameras we will achieve anything concerning security very well.
“We plead with Governor Chukwuma Soludo and council chairman, Hon. Emeka Orji, to assist us to make sure that all our aims are actualised,” he pleaded.
In her reaction, a community woman leader and staunch member, Hon. Mrs Grace Anaekwe, (aka Madam Black), expressed satisfaction with the victory of Onwuegbuchunam stating that his victory has brought peace, development, love, security, among others to the residents.
She reiterated the resolve of the people to support him en mass for the rapid development of Woliwo community and thanked God for the victory.
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Marking its first one year after inauguration, the governing board members of the prestigious ‘The Delborough Lagos’ have attributed the landmark successes recorded by the brand since inception to the quality of the selected governing board members.
The highly profiled members who disclosed this in separate interviews with newsmen during its second board meeting in Lagos on Friday noted that ‘The Delborough Lagos’ was not a one man business hence the assurance on sustaining the high standard they gave during the commissioning ceremony on Saturday 2nd December 2023 and stressed that the hotel will continue to answer to its slogan, ‘Ultimate Sophistication’ in service delivery and redefining hospitality in Africa.
The highly placed and revered monarchs, legal authority, professionals and business leaders that constitute the governing board are headed by a first class Royal Majesty, the Obi of Onitsha (Agbogidi), Nnaemeka Alfred Uzochukwu Achebe CFIR, mni.
Also taking pride of place on the board is another Royal Father, and some others of international repute including: His Royal Majesty Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal (Abisogun II, Oniru of Iruland); Prof. Chief Mike A.A. Ozekhome SAN, OFR, FCIArb, PhD; Usman Alkali Baba CFR; Arc. Dns. Yemisi Suswam PhD, FNIA; Mrs Olajumoke Benson; H.E Dr. Valentine Ozigbo; Matt Aikhionbare, OON and Dr. Linus Idahosa.
During the meeting, the Chairman of the board, His Royal Majesty Achebe proudly announced that within the first year of operation, ‘The Delborough Lagos’ offering luxury services and redefining hospitality had historically hosted over 16 serving and former presidents from across Africa continent, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Princess Meghan and other diplomats from across the world.
Addressing the press, the Board chairman said, “The meeting was aimed at reviewing the business operations of the hotel and also to set targets for future operations. Our plan is to be the first choice of hospitality in Nigeria, Africa and the whole world at large.
“The security is top notch, the attention to details and the sophisticated state of the art facilities make the difference in The Delborough Lagos. We are out to do something different and try to beat global hospitality standards.
“We are proud to disclose that in less than a year, The Delborough had attracted 16 presidents, Prime Ministers, State governors, lawmakers from across the Africa continent, international characters, global icons, business leaders, diplomats, UN and AU executives.”
Dr Stanley Uzochukwu, the Managing Director of The Delborough Lagos speaking on plan to duplicate the brand elsewhere, disclosed that the management had received many requests from different African presidents asking for the replication of the luxury brand in their respective countries and said that the board is considering the requests.
He further revealed that the only one focus they have was to export hospitality to the world while confirming that the goal would be vigorously pursued to the latter.
Prof. Chief Mike A.A. Ozekhome SAN, OFR, FCIArb also speaking on The Delborough Lagos brand said, “We have successfully redefined the hospitality industry. We have made Nigeria to be “a go to” destination; a one-stop place to be in, by being hosted by The Delborough which is not just a hotel but a therapeutic center; a place you go to and if you were unwell before, you suddenly feel well by the ambience, special care that the staff give to you by the share comfort that is accorded you by the share hospitality giving to you as a home away from a home.
“It has made Nigeria look good before international circles. That is why we believe that we can even export the hospitality industry to the world which we are now poised to do.
“Because we have shown that a blackman can do it; we have shown that a Nigerian can do it; we have shown that youths being led by Dr Stanley Uzochukwu can do it. We have been able to demonstrate that hospitality can be home grown indigenously like we have done here.
“We tell the world to come to The Delborough and that is why you see presidents from the world, Prime Ministers, Kings and Queens like Prince Harry and Princess Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, diplomats, many governors, international figures, global icons have all been here and they all have one good story or the other to tell. So we believe that The Delborough Lagos is the place to come.”
Dr Linus Idahosa on his part said, “The Delborough is a brand that is heavily focused on the demonstration of excellence in everything that it represents at a time when most times we compromise on quality of service and a number of things that should help us compete with brands internationally.
“You will not find a board in this country that is as remarkable as the thought that has gone into the constitution of The Delborough board; the thought that has gone into the investment in the human capital of quality of staff that you see here; the ability to demonstrate excellence in the service; the use of technologies to provide personalized services and experiences for all the quests that are coming into this hotel. These are what have set this brand apart. And to note that all these are happening within one year, it’s a fit that is really worth celebrating.
“Being able to do that and at the same time attract the type of people – presidents, world leaders, global entrepreneurs and business moguls have made this place a first choice of leaving whenever they are in the country. It goes to tell you that all the things you see happening here are the products of a set heart towards redefining what hospitality should be not just on the continent of Africa but across the world.”
The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, has appealed to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to convene a national economic and security summit.
He made the call during the 2024 Ofala festival held on Friday at Ime Obi Onitsha, Anambra State.
He said, “The previous twelve months were marked by uncertainty occasioned by the aftermaths of the general elections, further exacerbated by the continuity of insecurity and the effects of the sudden removal of the fuel price subsidy.
“Unfortunately, the well-being of the polity has declined even more steeply in the last twelve months.”
The Obi of Onitsha identified the economy and security as the two most critical areas of concern, noting that their combined effects had resulted in rising costs of living, business closures, job losses, and a growing sense of hopelessness and mistrust in the government.
He noted that several individuals and organizations, including High Chief Gani Adams, The Patriots, League of Nigerian Columnists, Yoruba Council of Elders, Afenifere, and Arewa Consultative Forum, had urged the government to take constructive action to reverse the decline.
These stakeholders, the Onitsha Monarch said had proposed various solutions, including devolution and downsizing of governance, addressing the nexus between insecurity, agriculture, and high cost of living, mitigating the impact of fuel price on cost of living, and tackling bad governance driven by corruption and ostentatious lifestyle.
By convening a national economic and security summit, President Tinubu can bring together stakeholders to develop a comprehensive plan to address these challenges and chart a positive course for the country’s future, some analysts said
Igwe Achebe’s call for a national summit underscores the urgent need for collective action to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges and ensure a brighter future for its citizens.
Nigerian Tribune gathered that International Breweries PLC and Globacom are the major sponsors of the Onitsha Ofala Festival.
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