Alpha Times, Awka South LGA, Awka (2025)

05/09/2025

Val Ozigbo consoles Anambra NUJ Chairman, Odogwu Emeka Odogwu as he lays father to rest

By Ifeyinwa Ogwo

Valentine Ozigbo, a former governorship aspirant for the Labour Party in Anambra State, has extended his condolences to Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Chapter at the occasion of his late father's funeral.

While condoling with the family Ozigbo said that funerals serve as a reminder of our transient existence on earth and the inevitability of death.

"It doesn't matter how old we eventually become before we die, what matters is how we live our lives. What legacy do we leave behind? Are we making our way to heaven?

"It is crucial for us to evaluate our lives to ensure that we will be rewarded in the end and what will people remember us for? Are we being good to one another? This is a personal reminder for me."

Ozigbo acknowledged knowing the character of the late Chief Samuel Agunwa Odogwu through his son, Dr. Emeka Odogwu.

"I am here to join with his family, friends, and well-wishers to mourn and pray for the repose of his father's soul; with the testimonies about his father, it is clear that he is resting in the bosom of the Lord. Living to the age of 86 is significant, and it is something to be grateful for."

At the funeral service held at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Amaunke, Ven. Dr. Reuben Okafor, the Archdeacon of Urum Archdeaconry, urged those in attendance to live their lives according to God’s ordinances. He emphasized that everyone would have to answer for their lives before God on Judgment Day.

"Always examine your life and avoid malice, backbiting, deceit, quarrels, and gossip against one another. Everything that God created is good and perfect; it is humanity that brings destruction to the world. Go to God for all your needs and challenges because He cares for you."

Ven. Okafor commended the late Chief Samuel Agunwa Odogwu's children for their unity and for celebrating their father when he was alive. He encouraged them to emulate their father's dedication to serving God.

In response, Dr. Emeka Odogwu, noted that his father lived to the age of 86 despite suffering from illnesses for 20 years.

"My father suffered three strokes, each time managing to recover. His first stroke occurred in 1999, which threw him into a river, yet he survived. He also battled prostate cancer and faced death seven times before his final passing.

"I once told him that if he died at 70, no one would celebrate his life, but I thank God that he lived until the age of 86."

Among those present at the ceremony were Labour Party Presidential Aspirant Mr. Peter Obi, NUJ representatives from various chapters, members of the Anambra State Council of Pensioners, and members of the Correspondents' Chapel.

03/09/2025

Emmanuel Eze’s Courageous Rejection and the Lesson for Governance

Paul Nwosu PhD

In a country where political appointments are treated like prized trophies, positions people lobby, scheme, and even fight for, businessman Emmanuel Eze has done something unusual. He turned down his appointment into the Ebonyi State Economic Advisory Committee.

Eze, who leads the Immaculate Group of Companies and once contested for the House of Representatives, explained his decision clearly: the timing of the committee’s creation was not ideal. According to him, such teams are most effective when inaugurated at the onset of a government, not midway. He added that he would prefer to continue contributing to the state’s development through his existing role.

This is no small act. In a political culture where many chase appointments for influence, status, or the perks that come with public office, Eze’s rejection is a rare statement of principle. He has shown that not every Nigerian is desperate to “come and chop government money” or wear a new title. Rather, he has insisted that genuine service must be rooted in timing, purpose, and impact.

Instead of castigating him, as the governor’s aide Leo Oketa has done, the Ebonyi government should respect and reflect on his reasoning. His point is valid: economic planning committees should ideally be in place from day one, helping to shape policy direction, not as afterthoughts.

Nigeria has a history of respected figures who declined government honours or appointments for reasons of principle. The great writer Chinua Achebe, for example, twice rejected Nigeria’s national honours, in 2004 and 2011, citing poor governance and the failure of leadership. His refusal was not arrogance, it was integrity. In the same spirit, the late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa once rejected a national honour, arguing that true service to Nigeria required more than ceremonial awards.

Eze’s stance should therefore not be misrepresented. He is not rejecting Ebonyi; he is rejecting bad timing. He is not against governance; he is insisting on effectiveness. He is not seeking publicity; he is demonstrating integrity.

Nigeria needs more people like him, men and women who are not intoxicated by the glitter of political appointments but are guided by the question: Can I truly add value?

Governor Nwifuru should take Eze’s rejection seriously, not defensively. To dismiss his reasoning as “mistaken” is to miss an opportunity for sober reflection. Leadership grows stronger when it listens to dissent, not when it silences or trivializes it.

At a time when trust in public institutions is fragile, Emmanuel Eze has reminded us that saying “No” to power can sometimes be more patriotic than saying “Yes.” Ebonyi, and indeed Nigeria, should take note.

*Sir Paul Nwosu PhD is the Editor-in-Chief of Alpha Times (Beacon of the South-East)

03/09/2025

Routine Hospital Visit: Anambra Health Commissioner Tours Nnobi, Anaku General Hospital, Omasi-Agu, Ifite-Ogwari Primary Healthcare Centres

By Chris Chikelue

The Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, has undertaken an inspection tour of health facilities in the state, including Nnobi and Anaku General Hospitals as well as Omasi-Agu and Ifite-Ogwari Primary Healthcare Centres, to assess service delivery and the performance of health workers.

At Nnobi General Hospital, Idemili South LGA, Dr. Obidike commended the Chief Medical Director, Nurses, and other staff for their professionalism and dedication in attending to patients.

“This facility was once totally abandoned, with no health workers on ground. Through collaboration with the Nnobi diaspora in the United States of America, we were able to revive it,” he said.
“As government, we will continue to do our best to ensure our people receive quality healthcare. I am particularly impressed because I did not inform them about this visit, yet they were at their duty posts discharging their responsibilities.”

At Anaku General Hospital, Ayamelum LGA, which is currently under construction as the first new general hospital project of Governor Charles Soludo’s administration, the Commissioner said the contractor are finalising the external work and soon it will be ready for commissioning.

However, during visits to Omasi-Agu and Ifite-Ogwari Primary Healthcare Centres, also in Ayamelum. He charged the Officers-in-Charge of both facilities to demonstrate greater commitment and accountability while applauding them for being at their duty posts during his routine unannounced visit.

Reaffirming the government’s vision, Dr. Obidike noted that Governor Soludo’s administration has made significant investments in health infrastructure and human resources.

He appealed to healthcare professionals to reciprocate this gesture by remaining diligent and committed in service delivery for the benefit of humanity.

03/09/2025

Rishi Sunak, former British Prime Minister, sits humbly among his colleagues in Parliament, no airs, no distance. Just meaningful contributions to the well-being of his country. True leadership speaks in service, not titles.
I envy these people.

02/09/2025

Gozpoly Set To Host Maiden Matriculation, Announces Scholarship For First 40 Students

By Juliana Nwachukwu/Ngozi Iwunze

The Gozie Anyachebelu Polytechnic (GOZPOLY), Onitsha, Anambra State, one of the thriving and new educational institution in the South-East of Nigeria has announced September 5, 2025 for its maiden matriculation day.

The Institution, which formally commenced normal academic activities in 2024 will be using the matriculation to mark its one year anniversary.

According to the Proprietor, the Bishop on the Niger, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Nwokolo, the event will take place at the C.J. Patterson International Auditorium, All Saints' Cathedral, Onitsha.

Bishop Nwokolo also said that the details of the events during the solemn collation church service of canons and archdeacons of the diocese held at the All Saints' Cathedral, Onitsha, on August 31.

He explained that the polytechnic, with its current state of the art posture is conducive for learning of a profitable crafts and trades mechanism for the economic sustainability of young persons.

According to him "In this polytechnic, entrepreneurial studies are taught to empower our youths to acquire various useful skills which will help them in their existential struggles.

"Their education in the polytechnic will enable them to competitively go into diverse lines of production of basic daily needs like, soaps, textiles, leather wears, electrical wiring, solar energy supply, floor tiles making and phone repairs among other skills", Bishop Nwokolo emphasized.

He regretted a situation where according to him Nigeria hired middle manpower services from neighbouring countries when the country's equivalent manpower calibre wasted and loitered about.

"The polytechnic we have here is poised to change the status quo, ushering a new dawn in polytechnic education in the South-East in particular.

"An unprecedented rush recently rocked the Admissions Office of the institution following an announcement by the authorities of polytechnic to offer full scholarship to the first 40 students to register. Since the announcement, many students who had JAMB score of 100 and above, had since been offered admission.

"Among the courses for a two-year National Diploma (ND) Programme of the polytechnic include: Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Library and Information Science.

"Courses for the school's six months Techpreneurship Certificate Programme are: Solar Technology, Programming and Software Development, Electrical Wiring, Phone Repair and Maintenance, Website Designing, CCTV Installation and Graphic Design."

The scholarship offer came courtesy of the magnanimity of Bishop Nwokolo who recently flagged off the scheme.

Earlier in the collation service, a senior priest in the diocese, Ven. Chidi Onyetube, had in his sermon enjoined church ministers to see their calling as an opportunity to give service to God and humanity.

While expounding the theme of the sermon, 'Treasures in Earthen Vessels', Ven. Onyetube who also doubled as the retreatant to the collation candidates, encouraged them to see their elevation as a challenge which they must not take for granted.

"Whatever your position is today, is not of your making therefore don't boast because without transcendental power you can do nothing, for every good thing comes to us by the special grace of God." Onyetube posited.

The four collated Archdeacons were: Ven. Izuchukwu Ndubuisi, Ven. Innocent Ọpara, Ven. Cornelius Ezeh and Ven. Ifeanyi Nsofo.

Six of the canons collated include, Canon Adolphus Onunkwo, Canon Christian Nwokolo, Canon Thomson Arinze, Canon Zebulun Ezeobieri, Canon Jonas Tanko and Emmanuel Anigbogu.

02/09/2025

_Opinion_

Nigeria’s Economy Cannot Improve Amid Insecurity and Structural Defects

By Polycarp Onwubiko

The claim that Nigeria’s economy is on a path of recovery has become a recurring refrain in official circles. Recent reports, such as the one published in The Nation on Sunday titled _“Half Year Economic Outlook: Analysts Urge Cautious Optimism”_ , offers glowing statistics couched in economic jargon. But beneath the figures and projections lies an undeniable truth: no economy can rebound in the face of pervasive insecurity and structural imbalance.

It is only those unfamiliar with the realities of governance and development who are dazzled by economic rhetoric. Nigerians who grapple daily with inflation, hunger, joblessness, and the menace of insecurity are not deceived by selective indicators of “improvement.”

Across the world, security is acknowledged as the foundation upon which any meaningful economic progress is built. Investors, both local and foreign, do not thrive in an atmosphere of fear, displacement, and violent attacks. Yet in Nigeria, murderous incursions by terrorists and armed groups, often referred to as Fulani herdsmen, remain largely unchecked.

In the Southeast, the economy has been equally crippled by the criminality of so-called “unknown gunmen” who continue to unleash violence, shut down communities, and kidnap innocent citizens for ransom. Businesses are forced to close on imposed “sit-at-home” days, farmers abandon their fields out of fear, and families are left devastated by the growing wave of abductions.

The refusal of successive governments to confront these criminal groups head-on, or to compel them to abandon lawlessness for structured alternatives like ranching or other gainful employments, continues to sabotage the country’s economic stability. President Bola Tinubu’s administration cannot sustain the illusion of economic recovery while millions are trapped in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in the North, or living under the shadow of kidnapping syndicates in the Southeast.

If Nigeria is truly at war with both foreign terrorist invaders from the Sahel and homegrown armed groups exploiting weak governance, then half-measures and rhetoric will not suffice. The government must explore all options, including the controversial step of engaging foreign mercenaries, to complement the seemingly overstretched security agencies. Without decisive action, talk of economic rebound remains hollow.

Beyond insecurity lies another fundamental obstacle: Nigeria’s lopsided federal structure. The illusion that the economy can be diversified without restructuring is both deceptive and dangerous. True diversification requires more than granting states permission to generate power or run railways. It requires a holistic redistribution of responsibilities, resources, and opportunities across the federation.

At the heart of Nigeria’s dysfunction is the mismanagement of its most strategic asset, the oil sector. For decades, successive administrations have paid lip service to reform while corruption, inefficiency, and sabotage drained the lifeblood of the economy. No president who avoids confronting the rot in this sector can claim to be sincere about economic transformation.

Restructuring also means freeing the states to harness their agricultural, mineral, and industrial potentials without the stranglehold of a unitary system, masquerading as federalism. Economic diversification must be rooted in structural reform, not piecemeal gestures.

It is not only economically misleading but morally indefensible to trumpet growth statistics while survivors of terrorist attacks and criminal violence languish in makeshift shelters or under the threat of kidnapping. For hundreds of thousands displaced from their homes, the talk of GDP growth and foreign reserves is an insult to their lived reality.

A government that ignores this human tragedy while celebrating economic numbers risks losing legitimacy. Development is not about figures alone, it is about human security, dignity, and opportunities for citizens to thrive.

Nigeria cannot continue with the brazen hypocrisy of claiming economic recovery while insecurity festers, from terrorist militias in the North to the criminality of unknown gunmen in the Southeast, and while the federation remains structurally defective.

For the Tinubu administration, the path to genuine recovery begins with two urgent steps: confronting insecurity decisively, even with foreign assistance if necessary, and embarking on meaningful restructuring to unlock the nation’s full economic potential.

Until these foundations are laid, talk of an “improving economy” will remain a dangerous illusion, an insult to the millions enduring hunger, displacement, kidnapping, and despair.

01/09/2025

Igwe Ben Emeka, Oke-Ebo II commends the transformational leadership of Governor Soludo.

01/09/2025

Igwe Umueri Hails Soludo’s Transformational Leadership, Sets Date for New Yam Festival

By Kanayonmuo Azaka

The Traditional Ruler of Umueri, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Sir Ben Emeka, JP, Oke-Ebo II, has commended the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, for what he described as remarkable transformational strides across the state. He emphasized that since the Governor has performed creditably in his first term, he deserves the mandate for a second term.

Speaking at a press briefing to herald the Umueri New Yam Festival (Iwa Ji) scheduled for Saturday, September 6, the monarch pointed to Governor Soludo’s intervention in the health sector as a shining example of people-oriented governance.

He recalled the deplorable state of the Umueri General Hospital, which had been abandoned for years, until Governor Soludo came on board. According to him, the Governor not only rebuilt and modernized the facility, but also equipped it with doctors, nurses, and other essential health personnel, thereby transforming it into a first-class healthcare delivery centre.

“Today, my people no longer need to travel far and wide in search of medical attention. Governor Soludo has brought health care closer to us, and we are deeply grateful,” Igwe Emeka remarked.

The monarch further noted that the Governor also tarred and beautified the road from the expressway to the airport, which he christened Willie Obiano Boulevard in honour of his predecessor.

Beyond infrastructure, Igwe Emeka disclosed that Governor Soludo extended political recognition to Ndi Umueri by appointing some of their indigenes into key positions, including the Commissioner for Transport and the Local Government Chairman, among others.

Fondly known as “Igwe nwelu Airport” due to his community’s proximity to the Chinua Achebe International Airport, His Majesty urged indigenes, friends, and well-wishers to mark their calendars for September 6, assuring that the festival would be a grand showcase of rich cultural heritage, traditional dances, masquerade displays, and other indigenous entertainment.

He emphasized that the event would not only celebrate the New Yam but also serve as an occasion for unity, thanksgiving, and reflection on the community’s progress under his leadership.

01/09/2025

🚨 After the massively successful launch of BLUNT Gadgets & Accessories a couple of months ago, the youngest tech boss in Nigeria, Linus Williams Ifejika (BLORD) just dropped a BIG hint… Something HUGE and super customer-friendly is loading! 👀🔥
Stay tuned… You don’t want to miss this! 💥

01/09/2025

Primary Healthcare Centres in Anambra West LGA gets a boost, receives Healthcare tools from Government

‎By Chris Chikelue

Anambra State Government has begun distribution of essential hospital equipment to the 22 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in Anambra West Local Government Area.

The initiative was aimed at enhancing the quality of healthcare service delivery and to instill the state government's commitment of addressing grassroots medical tools deficiency and improving the well-being of the people.

The distribution, which took place at the Local Government Area (LGA) Headquarters, Nzam, was conducted by the Chairman of the LGA, Hon. Fidelis Nnazor.

The equipment include, anti-shock garments, baby cots, stethoscope, pulse oximeters, delivery sets, suction machines and hospital beds.

Others were, drip stands, Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) tapes, ward screens, as well as other vital tools designed to improve diagnostic and treatment in the Centres.

Speaking during the distribution, Hon. Nnazor emphasized the significance of accessible and quality healthcare for the people of Anambra West.

He noted that the initiative reflected Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s commitment to ensuring that rural communities have access to quality healthcare.

“Our administration aligns with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision for a healthier Anambra by ensuring our primary healthcare centres are well-equipped to serve our communities."

The chairman explained that the distribution was part of efforts of the Gov. Soludo's Administration to revitalize the healthcare sector, which included providing free antenatal care and delivery services across public health facilities in the state.

01/09/2025

Transforming from manifesto to reality: ICT MD reaffirms Soludo’s Digital Promise for Anambra

By Angela Nwanodu

The MD/CEO, Anambra State ICT Agency and convener of the Geeks and Founders Alliance for Soludo (GEFAS), Mr. Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, has reaffirmed the commitment to Prof. Chukwuma Soludo's pledge to transform Anambra into Nigeria’s digital and creative capital.

Speaking to newsmen at the Agency, Mr. Agbata referenced the governor’s blueprint on page 19 of the manifesto, noting that the digital agenda is anchored on deliberate investments in infrastructure, digital skills, innovation, entrepreneurship, social development, and economic transformation through technology and the creative economy.

According to him, bold decisions such as the waiver of Right of Way fees have already unlocked broadband expansion, boosted digital capacity, and laid the foundation for a vibrant digital economy.

“With another four years, these gains will not only be deepened but will firmly position Anambra as Nigeria’s hub for digital innovation and the creative economy,” he said.

He further emphasized that as the convener of GEFAS, the group remains committed to the 4 + 4 mandate of the governor and consistently taking the message to the people and reinforcing belief in the state’s digital future.

“With Mr. Governor, the digital promise is real. Solution continues, and Anambra is rising,” affirmed.

Alpha Times

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