News
Anambra @30: The Light Shines Brighter
By Christian ABURIME
Another year, another anniversary. As Anambra State marks its 33rd anniversary today, it is a moment of reflection and celebration, a time to appreciate the monumental strides made and look forward to an even more promising future. Since its creation on August 27, 1991, Anambra State has evolved, overcoming numerous challenges to emerge as a model of progress and development in Nigeria. And under the leadership of the current administration, ably led by Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, the state has remained true to the dream of its founding fathers: a prosperous and livable homeland for all its citizens.
One of the hallmarks of the current government has been its untiring commitment to security and stability. Recognising that peace is the substratum of development, the administration has implemented comprehensive measures to combat crime and ensure the safety of every citizen. From reclaiming areas previously dominated by criminal elements to enhancing the capacity of law enforcement, Anambra has become a safer place, allowing businesses to thrive and communities to flourish.
Yet, the youth of Anambra are at the heart of the state’s development agenda. Through innovative programmes like “1 Youth, 2 Skills,” the government is equipping young people with the tools they need to succeed in a dynamic economy. With over 13,000 youths already trained in various skills, the initiative is fostering entrepreneurship and reducing unemployment, setting a foundation for sustainable economic growth.
Even more, Anambra’s infrastructural landscape is transforming at an unprecedented pace. Despite the challenges of the rainy season, the government has successfully completed 288 kilometers of roads and is pressing forward with multiple flyover projects. This infrastructure boom is not only enhancing connectivity within the state but is also crucial for the economic activities that drive growth and development.
Environmental sustainability remains a top priority, with the administration dedicating substantial resources to combat soil erosion, a long-standing issue in the state. Projects like the Urban Regeneration Council and community-driven initiatives aim to mitigate erosion, promote urban renewal, and ensure a cleaner, greener Anambra for future generations.
True to the Igbo philosophy of “onye aghana nwanne ya” (no one should be left behind), the state government has implemented several social welfare programmes to support the most vulnerable. Free education up to junior secondary school and complimentary antenatal and delivery services are just a few examples of the administration’s commitment to social equity and community well-being.
With initiatives such as the Anambra Industrial City and the Solution Innovation District, the state is also positioning itself as a hub of economic flourishing in Nigeria. These projects are designed to attract investment, spur innovation, and create jobs, reflecting the administration’s strategic vision for economic diversification and growth.
The litany of achievements is quite numerous, and goes on and on. Today, as we with grateful hearts celebrate Anambra’s 33 years of statehood, Governor Soludo calls on all citizens to participate in building a brighter future. The upcoming local government elections are a crucial step in deepening democracy and ensuring that development reaches every corner of the state. By embracing civic responsibilities and working together, Anambra can achieve the dream of its founders, a state that is not only a light of the nation but a model of progress and prosperity for all.
In all, Anambra at 33 is not just a celebration of years gone by but also a tribute to resilience, innovation, and spirit of greater things to come. The achievements of the current administration, underpinned by a vision of inclusive growth and sustainable development, continue to set the stage for an even more remarkable future. This milestone is a rededication to the ongoing task of making Anambra a place where every citizen can thrive. Long shall continue to shine the Light of the Nation.
Christian Aburime is the Press Secretary to Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State.
The legal team of suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, say they are ready with factil evidence to defend her in court.
The team received a formal summons in the case filed against her by the Federal Government at the Federal Capital Territory High Court last week.
On Friday, May 16, 2025, the Federal Government filed the suit, marked CR/297/25, over alleged defamatory remarks made during a live appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on April 3, 2025.
The government accused the senator of “making imputation knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm the reputation of a person”, citing Section 391 of the Penal Code, cap 89, Laws of the Federation, 1990.
Among the witnesses listed to testify during the trial were Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and a former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.
Others include Asuquo Ekpenyong, a senator; Sandra Duru; Maya Iliya, investigating police officers; and Abdulhafiz Garba, investigating police officers.
However, in a statement issued Friday night by Dr. Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN) on behalf of the legal team, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyers confirmed receipt of the formal summons and pledged to prepare all “factual and statutory defences” available to the lawmaker during trial.
“At about 2:30pm on Friday, May 23, 2025, within the premises of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, we received the information filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, containing three counts alleging that our client, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central, made imputations she had reason to believe would harm the reputation of Senator Godswill Akpabio, President of the 10th Senate,” the statement read.
“We received the said information on her behalf through a letter of authority duly issued and filed in the court’s registry.
“The legal team will fully prepare and present all factual and statutory defences available to our client during the trial.”
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will on Tuesday next week begin the take over of 4,794 properties in Abuja, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) headquarters, due to unpaid ground rent.
The PDP headquarters, currently under construction in Abuja’s Central Business District, is among the affected properties, having been revoked in March for several years of unpaid ground rent. The FCTA disclosed that 4,794 titles had been revoked for failure to pay ground rent, with some defaults dating back 43 years.
The affected properties are located in various districts, including Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape.
The defaulters owe over N6.96 billion in ground rent. The FCTA had given a 21-day grace period for owners with debts under 10 years, which has now expired.
The FCTA officials announced that the takeover would begin on Monday, May 26, 2025, with the sealing off and restriction of access to the affected properties.
The Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze emphasized that the revocations were carried out under Section 28(5)(a)(b) of the Land Use Act, which empowers the government to reclaim land when the terms of occupancy are violated.
Two people sustained serious injuries when a training aircraft crash-landed at the Ilorin International Airport on Friday.
Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, who disclosed this in a statement, said the incident occurred at 17:28 local time on May 23, 2025, during a simulated instrument approach on Runway 05 at Ilorin International Airport.
Oladeji said the aircraft veered off the runway and came to a stop on the grass verge, leaving the two occupants on board injured.
She stated: “Both sustained serious injuries and were swiftly evacuated to a medical facility, coordinated by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA.
“In response, the NSIB Go-Team is currently preparing to depart from Abuja to Ilorin to conduct on-site investigations. The team will secure the site, collect physical evidence, interview witnesses, and retrieve operational data to establish the cause and contributing factors of the incident.”
Quoting the Director General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., she said “Our thoughts are with the injured, and we commend the swift medical and emergency response. Now, our focus is on understanding exactly what went wrong. Every investigation is an opportunity to improve safety. We are deploying our team to Ilorin to ensure that no detail is overlooked.”
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