Obiano Xmass Soccer Fiesta

 

So much fun in this yuletide season. Thanks to the focused and people-oriented action governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano

The Obiano Xmas Soccer Fiesta is getting more interesting as the competition nears its final stage.

Ministry of Youth and Sports is hosting the Football Competition for all the 21 LGA teams (both Male and Female) as part of the Christmas celebrations.

There are 7 venues for the preliminary stage while the finals will hold at Rojenny Complex, Oba on the 29^th December 2014 by 2pm.


The head of the main organizing committee is Mr. Emmanuel Okala MON, SSA to the Governor on Sports and ex International and a renowned goalkeeper.

Don’t miss any bit of it… Join your team as matches are on at these venues: Rojenny Oba; Otuocha Stadium; Nnewi High School, Nnewi; Obosi Sports Complex, Obosi; Awka Township Stadium, Awka; Godwin Achebe Stadium, Onitsha and Neros Stadium, Nanka.

Euphoria as APGA Lays Foundation for Proposed Anambra Headquarters Building

 It was jubilation all the way for the leadership and members of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) as the party laid the foundation for its proposed office in Awka, the capital of Anambra State after unveiling an artist impression of the proposed project.

The proposed office building is a magnificent four-story complex that is designed to shore up the rising profile of the party as an ambitious political group that has been attracting prominent Nigerians to its fold since the appointment of Chief Willie Obiano, the Governor of Anambra State, as the new Board of Trustees Chairman and National Leader.

2015: Ifeanyichukwu Ibezi Congratulates Chief Victor Umeh

 

Ahead of the Saturday December 20, 2014 declaration of Chief Victor Umeh (Ohamadike) for the 2015 Anambra Central Senatorial Zone election, Hon. Ifeanyichukwu Ibezi has congratulated Chief Victor Umeh on his onerous declaration to aspire for the position of Anambra Central Senatorial Zone.

In his own words, Hon. Ifeanyichukwu Ibezi described Chief Victor Umeh as a quintessential and patriotic leader whose doggedness and good spirit had kept the Igbo and Nigeria course thriving”. He thanked Chief Umeh for fully coming out to save the zone from near collapse.

“Anambra Central Zone and Idemili North and South Federal Constituency need men like Chief Victor Umeh and I to reposition our dear land on the path to greatness; our zone and constituency have been marginalized and sold out for selfish reasons by those that claimed to represent our collective interest in Abuja’. I therefore salute Chief Umeh for accepting to contest for the position”, Hon. Ifeanyichukwu Ibezi stated.

A MUST READ: Victor Umeh – Owner of the Game

Straining against the leash of slavery and segregationist America, Fredrick Douglas, foremost African American abolitionist once thundered at his fellow blacks this way – “It is not light that we need, but fire; it is not the gentle wind, but thunder. We need the storm, the whirlwind, and the earthquake.” A fiery speaker, Douglas stood out in his day as a charismatic speaker with a blade for a tongue. Nothing in recent political memory invokes the fullness of Fredrick Douglas ’plangent plea as the personality of Chief Victor Umeh, the National Chairman of APGA.

Since emerging on the political landscape like a force of nature, Victor Umeh has established himself as the true owner of the political game, East of the Niger. This Agulu Uzigbo born lawyer reminds me of what the Father of African Literature, Chinua Achebe, said of the engaging novelist, Chimamanda Adichie on the blurb of her monumental novel, Half of a Yellow Sun. Impressed with the immense narrative skills that the young writer had shown in the novel, great Achebe had described her as being imbued with the gift of ancient storytellers and further enthused that “Adichie came almost fully made.” Similarly, in the political theater of South Eastern Nigeria, Chief Victor Umeh came almost fully made.

APGA Holds Colourful Special Convention, Lays Foundation for Anambra Headquarters

Aside the much applauded APGA Special National Convention held at Awka yesterday during which the party ratified Gov Willie Obiano as the BoT Chairman and adopted President Goodluck Jonathan as the party's candidate for the 2015 presidential election, history was made as the party laid the foundation stone for its State Headquarters.

Present at the occasion were the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano and his Deputy, Dr Nkem Okeke, the National Chairman of APGA, Sir Victor Umeh, Amb Bianca Ojukwu, the Secretary to the Government of Anambra State, Hon. Oseloka Obaze and the Chief of Staff, Prof Joe Asike, 

Also present were Capt Iheanacho (Imo State APGA Guber Candidate), Chief Okey Ezibe, Chief Dubem Obaze, Chief Law Chinwuba and many others.

Here are some pictures...

Count Down to the Literary Evening with Prof Okey Ndibe

 

Looking for where to wet your literary beaks this Christmas? Then join Prof. Okey Ndibe, author, teacher and columnist as he reads from his acclaimed new novel 'Foreign gods Inc' this Friday, November 19, 2014. Venue is Havila Suites, 9 Ekwulobia street, GRA, Awka, Anambra state by 4pm. Okey Ndibe is known for his fierce criticisms of corrupt Nigerian politicians and writes weekly syndicated columns in The Sun newspaper, saharareporters.com and on several other online websites.

In a statement, the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism in Anambra state, Chief Tony Onyima said that the literary event is part of the Anambra Heritage Festival 2014. "Ndi Anambra coming home this Christmas will be thrilled by the various activities planned during the festival such as cultural/masquerade displays and competition, music concert featuring Phyno, Chidinma and other top Nigerian acts holding at ABS on the 26th of Dec 2014, carol of 9 lessons and inter-local government football competition".

Have You Read Why 54 Soldiers are to Die by Firing Squad?

 

54 more soldiers to die by firing squad.

The soldiers comprising two Corporals, nine Lance Corporals and 49 Private soldiers attached to the 7 Division Nigerian Army in Maiduguri Borno state were sentenced to death by firing squad for mutiny by a court martial that sat in Abuja yesterday, Wednesday, December 17th.

The soldiers were convicted on a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy to commit mutiny.

According to the charge sheet as reported by the Premium Times, the soldiers conspired to commit mutiny against their superior at the 7 Division on August 4 at the Mulai Primary School camp, opposite AIT Maiduguri, Borno state.

See Faces of the 9- Men Arrested by EFCC for Illegal Dealing in Petroleum Products

 

These guys were paraded by EFCC with the Press Statement below...

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, today at a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State arraigned nine persons for offences bordering on illegally dealing in petroleum products. Clement Oguntuwase, Joseph Obie, Ifeoluwa Albert, Adams Amzat Akokhia, Isaac Ndidi Chima, Rafiu Momodu, Rasaq Mahmud, Godwin George, and Thomas Daniel were arraigned before Justice Lambo Akanbi on a 2-count charge of conspiracy and illegal dealing in petroleum products. 

The accused persons were intercepted aboard MB SKYE by men of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Pulo Shield on November 14, 2014 in Brass waters, close to Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC), Bayelsa State while transferring suspected crude oil from two vessels, MT CERGEN-D and MT ELIMINA, which were under investigation for alleged oil theft.

Car-Snatching Syndicate Smashed, Onovo Shot and Killed in Enugu

 

Operatives of the Awkunanaw Division of Enugu State Police Command have smashed a car snatching kingpin, identified as one Onovo, who had been on the wanted list of the Enugu State Police Command for heinous crimes perpetrated by his gang in recent times has been killed.

Onovo was the leader of a notorious armed robbery and car snatching syndicate, which had allegedly been terrorizing motorists and residents of Enugu metropolis and its environs.

Read comments by the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu…

You Need to Know Why These Guys Deal On Human Parts

 

Imagine when you kill a sane human to cure a madman. This story is just pathetic.

The police in Lagos have arrested two suspects on suspicion that they deal in human parts.

Daily Independent reports that the suspects were arrested over the weekend with a human skull by the Abba Kyari led operatives of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) of Lagos State Police Command.

One of the suspects Dipo Olorunto told said that he travelled from Nigeria to Cotonou, Benin Republic, to fetch the human skull which he said was bought for N12, 500.

Kidnapping: 54-Year-Old Native Doctor who Parades Himself as a Prophet Bags 10 Years Jail Term with Hard Labour

 

 A 54 year-old native doctor will spend the next 10 years in prison for kidnapping.

An Effurun High Court sentenced Philip Itoje , a native doctor to 10 years imprisonment with hard labour for kidnapping one Mrs. Christiana Eruotor, wife of a professor with Delta State University, DELSU, Abraka.

The court, having found him guilty of the one count charge, held that from the totality of the circumstantial evidence before it, there are irresistible facts that points that the accused person was guilty.

Phili who hails from Kokori town of Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State also masquerades himself as a “Prophet” of “God”.

He was arrested by Security Operatives after Mrs. Eruotor, a retired Chartered Accountant with the Delta State University, Abraka, went missing.

PICTURES: The Day Brande Aristotle Treated Emeka Ozumba to a Special Birthday Hang-Out

Birthdays come and go but only that of a good man is remarkably remembered by his friends.

It becomes even more special to see colleagues and friends gather to celebrate one of their own.

It was a fun filed evening at Udoka Estate when Brande Aristotle, a top PR Management Firm hosted their clienteles, Chief Executives and friends to a special birthday get-together in honour of Mr Emeka Ozumba whom they described as one of their outstanding clients.

Emeka, the Special Assistant to Gov Willie Obiano on Media felt the childlike love as the surprise merrymaking was also graced by his colleagues front the Government.

Here are the pictures from the dinner night…

State based admission disparity in Unity Schools – Court orders Federal Government and Education Minister to apply uniform cut-off marks to all states

 

The Federal High Court has declared unconstitutional the state based admission inequality in Federal Government Colleges also known as Unity Schools. The declaration was made in a landmark Judgment delivered in Lagos, by Honourable Justice John Tsoho on Wednesday 17th November 2014, in Suit FHC/L/CS/1358/2013 filed by Dr. Olisa Agbakoba SAN against the Federal Government and Education Minister, to challenge the admission disparity. The case is based on Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution which prohibits administrative or executive actions by government that discriminates between Nigerians on grounds of ethnicity, gender, religion and place of origin. The Originating Application was filed on September 30, 2013, for the following Orders:

(1)        A Declaration that the administrative acts of the Respondents, particularly the 2nd Respondent which prescribes and applies different requirements including cut-off marks for candidates seeking admission into Federal Government Colleges, based on gender, ethnicity, states of origin etc. is discriminatory against Applicant’s grandchildren and the group/class they represent, on grounds of ethnicity, states of origin, gender etc. and therefore violates Section 42(1) of 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria:

APGA ratifies Obiano’s Appointment as Leader, BOT Chairman

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has  ratified the appointment of the  governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano as the Leader and Board of Trustees Chairman of the Party at a Special National Convention of the Party, held Wednesday, at the Women Development Center, Awka.

The ratification of Obiano’s appointment followed a motion moved by the Oyo State Chairman of APGA, Deacon Samson Olaleye and seconded by his Anambra State counterpart, Chief Akunwata  Mike Kwentoh.

Article 25 of APGA Constitution which was amended and adopted at the Special National Convention approved that a person can hold two positions at the same time, thus paving the way for Obiano to assume the dual role of the governor and Leader/BOT Chairman.

1st Picture of General Buhari and his Running Mate, Pst Yemi Osibajo

 

A media aide of All Progressives Congress, APC shared this picture of General Buhari and his running mate, Pastor Yemi Osibajo on twitter.

What are your thoughts???

Live in Awka: A Literary Evening with Prof Okey Ndide Featuring Book Reading, Conversations and Music

This an event you shouldn't miss.

A literary evening with Prof Okey Ndibe, a novelist, political columnist, and essayist. The author of Arrows of Rain, Foreign Gods, Inc, among others.

Think of a special dinner event featuring Book Reading, Conversations and Music plus Networking, Cocktails and Finger Foods.

Live at Havila on Friday, December 19, 2014 @ 9 Ekwulobia Street, Awka with Chief Willie M. Obiano, the Governor of Anambra State as the Special Guest of Honour.

Hmmm... I can feel the fresh air from the new Anambra.

Time is 4pm - 4:30pm. RSVP: 08155570380, 08060983636, 07016715527

Special NOTE: STRICTLY BY INVITATION

Full Text of Obiano's Speech at the APGA Special National Convention

AN ADDRESS BY THE BoT, CHAIMAN OF APGA, GOVERNOR OF ANAMBRA STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY CHIEF WILLIE OBIANO AT THE SPECIAL CONVENTION HELD BY THE ALL PROGRESSIVE GRAND ALLIANCE (APGA) AT THE WOMEN DEVELOPMENT CENTER, AWKA ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2014.

PROTOCOL

With great humility, I thank you for the challenge you have handed to me to serve this great party as your National Leader and Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Most men live out their lives without ever knowing what it takes to provide leadership beyond the narrow confines of the family. I count myself lucky for all the opportunities you have given to me in the past 12 months. I have made rapid progress on the ladder of leadership and climbed several steps through ordinary membership of this great party to become a gubernatorial candidate, a governor and finally a Leader and BOT Chairman. 

I am eternally grateful to you all for this and I say thank you for giving me this moment.

PICTURES: Happening Now... APGA Holds Special National Convention

The All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA is currently holding its Special National Convention at the Women Development Centre, Awka.

All statutory delegates from the 6 geo-political zones of Nigeria started arriving Awka for the event. This is a great development as APGA positions itself to take over more states in the South East with Chief Willie Obiano, the governor of Anambra State as the new Chairman, Board of Trustees.

Here are some early pictures...

Crisis in Ebonyi State House of Assembly as Members Mimic Colleagues in the Federal House of Reps

 

Ebonyi State is taking the lead as the state with most chaotic legislature in the South East as the crisis in the State’s House of Assembly appears unabated.

A splinter group of lawmakers on resumption from recess disrupted plenary on Moday.

The group alleged that its members were denied entrance into the chambers.

The fracas led to smashing of the louvers of chambers with stones and sticks.

The development threw up tension as some people, including officer of the house inside the chambers had to hide under their chairs for safety.

The speaker, Chukwuma Nwazunku, with his group had earlier gathered for the plenary by  12:33pm when another faction led by Blaise Orji came purportedly to be part of the plenary but some suspected thugs allegedly barred them from gaining access to the chambers, which resulted to the chaos.

SPMC: Ifeanyi Aniagoh Becomes the 3rd President of the Peace Ambassadors

 

The sky is the starting point for any focused and rightly aspiring youth.

On Sunday, December 14, 2014, Rtn Ifeanyi Aniagoh was declared the winner of the Presidential Election of Society for Peace and Mutual Coexistence (SPMC), an internationally recognized group of young volunteers who have vowed to feel, see and live peace.

The contest which held online for over 19 hours in a group of over 8,000 members (within and outside Nigeria) produced Ifeanyi Aniagoh as the 3rd President of the Peace Ambassadors of SPMC.

A young man who recently got recognized as the fastest growing blogger (www.ifeadinmesi.blogspot.com) from the South Eastern Nigeria. Ifeanyi Aniagoh is an engineering graduate of the prestigious Universty of Nigeria, a rotarian and a social media guru.

Here is his short but striking thank you message to his fellow Peace Ambassadors:

APGA Holds Special National Convention

 

As part of its strategy to build on recent gains in the form of increasing membership across the South East and parts of the country and the successful primaries in readiness for the next elections, ‎the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) is set to hold its Special National Convention on December 17, 2014 in Awka, Anambra State.

Information from the party office Awka, indicates that the Special Convention is expected to provide an opportunity to APGA and party faithful to fine-tune strategies for the elections‎ and assuage the feeling of some members who may have niggling complains on the outcome of some of the primaries, so as to enable APGA present a united front in the elections.

The Convention would also re-enforce the party's belief and promotion of internal democracy amongst it's fold and provide an opportunity to fine-tune it's strategies for ‎the elections.

Already, prominent members of the party have been arriving Awka for the ‎event.

PICTURES: It Is Christmas... Obiano Spends Time with the Physically Challenged as CAFE Gives Out Prosthetic Limbs

In the spirit of Christmas, Gov Willie Obiano of Anambra State spent sometime with persons living with disabilities today at the Women Development Centre, Awka during the flag-off of the distribution of prosthetic limbs fittings.

The event was organized by Caring Family Empowerment Initiative, the pet project of the wife of the Governor, Chief (Mrs) Ebelechukwu Obiano (Osodieme) in partnership with Tolaram Foundation and Rotary International.

Here are some pictures capturing every moment...

Full Text of Gov Obiano's Remarks at Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Plant

REMARKS BY THE GOVERNOR OF ANAMBRA STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, CHIEF WILLIE OBIANO AT THE SIGNING OF A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT, TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL COLLEGES, FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC OKO AND INNOSON VEHICLE MANUFACTURING COMPANY, ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2015

PROTOCOL

This is a remarkable event in the life of my administration. Today, we begin a new chapter in the powerful narrative of the New Anambra State. Today, we lay the foundation for the emergence of a generation that will fully demonstrate what we call the SPIRIT OF ANAMBRA to the rest of the world. With the MoU that we will sign here today, we begin a more organized quest for industrial excellence in Anambra State.

President Jonathan Rocks D'Banj's Beats by Dre Customized Headset

The picture above shows President Jonathan rocking D'banj's Beats By Dre customized headset at the launch of the Youth Employment In Agricultural Programme #YEAP that held in Abuja today.

See more pictures… President’s Swag

Man U Can Win the League - Louis van Gaal

 

Here comes the boast. Manchester United’s new manager, Louis van Gaal has insisted that his team win EPL title this season after Sunday’s 3-0 win over Liverpool – but says the team still need to make improvements.

The Red Devils secured a 3-0 win with goals from Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata and Robin van Persie.

But it was ‘keeper David De Gea who was man of the match with a number of brilliant saves to ensure his side got the three points after United was cut open on several occasions.

Here what Van Gaal said:

Impeachment Plot: PDP Loses 5 House of Reps Members to APC

 

Five members of the Federal House of Representatives have announced their defection from the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

They are Isiaka Mohammed‎, Ibrahim El-sudi, Taraba, Adams Jagaba, Kaduna, Hambe Herman, Benue, and Ahmed Aisha Dahiru, Adamawa.

The defection factually signifies no arithmetical progress for the APC, having lost five members and increased by another five. But it does decrease the chances of the PDP to effect Tambuwal’s removal as the Speaker of the House of Reps.

The defection dance in the lower chambers of the National Assembly seems not to be over.

Tambuwal: The Speakers Suit Adjourned Indefinitely... Here Are The Reasons

 

The Speaker of the House of Representatives won today as a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has adjourned indefinitely a suit that was filed him.

Reports have it that Justice Ahmed Mohammed on Tuesday adjourned the matter sine-die (indefinitely) to await the outcome of an appeal challenging the refusal of the high court to join a group of lawmakers from Sokoto State as interested parties to Tambuwal’s suit.

It was disclosed that those that sought to be joined in the substantive suit were ‎Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki who is representing Tambuwal East, Suleiman Hantsi (Tambuwal West) and Shuaibu Umar (Kebbe Constituency).

2015: President Jonathan Wins In Court

 

Nigeria’s highest court, The Supreme Court today quashed the suit against President Goodluck Jonathan that sought to disqualify him from participating in next year’s presidential election.

According to Vanguard Reports, the appeal was struck out by a five-man panel of Justices of the apex court presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed.

The suit was filed by a chieftain of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, from Adamawa State, Dr. Umar Ardo.

The CJN, while delivering the ruling

War Ships: Tompolo Denies Buying Any, Warns Against Tarnishing his Hard-earned Name

 

The rate at which rumours travel in this country is alarming.

Leader of the now rested Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, otherwise know as Tompolo has warned those who go about tarnishing his hard-earned name and reputation to desist.

Tompolo was reacting to media reports that he had acquired some gunboats from the Norwegian government with the assistance of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) ostensibly for the policing of the nation’s waterways.

Read what Tompolo said through his spokesman, Comrade Paul Bebenimibo:

Meet the new Miss World: Miss Rolene Strauss of South Africa

Did you see the Miss World show last night? Meet the new world queen here.

Miss South Africa Rolene Strauss won the Miss World 2014 pageant held in London.

Miss Hungary and Miss US were 2nd and third runners up respectively.

Nigeria was represented by MBGN 2014, Iheaoma Nnadi

2015: My Questions for Buhari - Femi Fani-Kayode

 

Femi Fani-Kayode (FFK) is not a new name in political and social criticism.

As a former Minister of Aviation, FFK has questioned APC flagbearer Major General Muhammadu Buhari’s credibility going into the 2015 General elections.

Fani-Kayode extensively looked through the actions of the former head of state and decided to shin some light to the former army man’s actions.

Excerpts:

Transfer News: Yobo Heading to South Africa

 

Yobo heading to South Africa… Hmmm, what am I thinking?

The Former Super Eagles skipper Joseph Yobo is believed to be considering a sensational move to one of the top clubs in South Africa in January, 2015.

Yobo, 34, who won a record 100th cap for Nigeria at the World Cup in Brazil earlier this year, is a free agent after he was released by Turkish champions Fenerbache.

A top source has informed that the highly experienced central defender is favourably disposed to rounding up a career that has spanned over 17 years and taken him to England, France, Belgium and Turkey.

Read his comments:

How I Killed My Boss to Save N150K for Dubai Trip

 

Innocent looking but a dangerous killer.

Read how and why 32 year-old Sani Saidu killed his boss for N150,000. I picked up this story from the Vanguard.

The Gombe state born suspect allegedly stabbed one Mr Shittu Aremu, driver of a truck to death while accompanying him to Port Harcourt, Rivers state, destination of the 40,000 litre of petroleum product .

The late Aremu whose age was put around 56 years, was a driver to S.K Transport Service Nigeria Limited . He reportedly loaded the truck with plate number AGL 368 XA with aviation fuel worth N5.5 million and consequently left Lagos for Port Harcourt on November 13, 2014, to discharge the product.

Fuel Scarcity Looms as NUPENG/PENGASSAN Begins Strike Today, Read their Grievances.

 

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, and its Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, has announced their readiness to begin an indefinite nationwide strike today.

They are protesting the inability of the government to carry out Turn Around Maintenance, TAM, of the refineries and reduce pump prices of petroleum products in line with the slump in global prices of crude oil.

Other grievances include

Revealed: Okorocha Frustrated Ndigbo's Chance - APC Spokesman

 

When I saw Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, on the television praising self for having contested and lost, I felt ashamed as “Onye Igbo”.

Now I feel better since more voices are coming out to correct such a wrong notion.

A chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-East, Osita Okechukwu, has accused governor Rochas of putting Ndigbo in a weak position to bargain for Vice President in the 2015 general elections.

Okorocha had stated: “By participating in the contest, I have been able to prove that the president can come from any part of the country. It is the understanding of APC that the president should come from the North ever since. I know about that, but I don’t like those facts, so I have come to distort those facts which are not the truth.”

But in a statement yesterday Sunday, December 14, 2014, Okechukwu, who is the spokesman of APC in the South-East, asked Okorocha if the distortion of facts was more important than the collective interest of the marginalized Ndigbo.

Here is what Sunday said: