President Bola Tinubu has said that Anambra State will be included in the National Rail Master Plan, following its initial exclusion from the country’s rail development blueprint.
Speaking in Awka during a civic reception held at Alex Ekwueme Square on Thursday, the President addressed the state’s omission, assuring residents that the Federal Ministry of Transportation would correct it.
The disclosure was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
President Tinubu addressed the state’s exclusion from the National Rail Master Plan, assuring residents that the Federal Ministry of Transportation would rectify the omission,” the statement read in part.
It further quoted the President as saying: “I am standing before you to say that the Ministry of Transportation is aware and will include the connection in the Master Plan and give it attention.”
Reaffirming his commitment to unity and inclusive development, President Tinubu said, “We are one family, a single family, diverse, living in the same house called Nigeria. Our diversity must lead to prosperity. We must work together to be a united Nigeria.”
Your Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I warmly welcome you to Anambra State — the heartbeat of the Southeast, a land renowned for its enterprise, intellect, and indomitable spirit. Anambra is home to some of Nigeria’s finest minds and boldest achievers — a people whose resilience and innovation have shaped our national story.
It is always a moment of pride when the Commander-in-Chief visits our beloved state, and we honour your presence as a sign of national unity and shared purpose.
Mr. President arrives Anambra State to commission what Governor Chukwuma Soludo has styled as “landmark” projects — a new Government House, an amusement park dubbed Solution FunCity, and an institute in Nnamdi Azikiwe University bearing the name of the revered Chief Emeka Anyaoku.
Unfortunately, what should have been an opportunity to showcase bold, transformative governance has instead become a glaring theatre of missed priorities, misplaced ambitions, and media optics masquerading as progress.
Let us be clear: Governance is not a film trick. Governance is not about cutting ribbons on facades while the foundation rots.
In over three years in office, Governor Soludo has delivered zero public housing, zero real investment inflow, and zero structural transformation of our economy.
Instead of addressing the escalating cost of living, the housing crisis in Awka, the crumbling infrastructure across LGAs, or the deepening insecurity that has made daily life a gamble, the Governor has chosen to showcase an amusement park. This facility should rightly have been left to private investors in a healthy economic climate.
Just to be clear, most civil servants in Awka — the same people whose taxes fund this carnival — cannot afford to live in the city. A two-bedroom flat goes for ₦1.3 million a year. Transportation is unreliable. Social services are patchy. And public trust in the APGA-led government is rapidly eroding.
If Governor Soludo had taken insecurity seriously from the start of his tenure, if he had matched his rhetoric with decisive action, there would be no need for state-funded distractions like a “funpark” to ease public frustration.
We don’t need distractions — we need direction. What critical social problem does this park solve? Hunger? Unemployment? Fear?
And now, in an act of political cowardice, he has reportedly ordered APGA members not to wear party-branded clothing to today’s event, fearing it may stain the party’s image before the President and the public. What a betrayal. If your policies are strong and your house is in order, why hide your colours?
Dear Gov. Soludo, let me say this, directly and without apology: Bringing the President to commission a handful of overhyped projects does not mask your failure. It doesn’t put food on the table. It doesn’t create jobs. And it certainly doesn’t fool Ndi Anambra.
We deserve better. We deserve a government that builds lives, not just lodges. A leadership that puts people before propaganda. A Governor whose work speaks louder than his PR.
The time for vanity is over. The stakes are too high.
As I have always said, Anambra is not short of talent or promise — we are short of leadership that puts the people first. I do not believe in politics as performance art. I believe in politics as service — rooted in compassion, driven by vision, and measured by real change in people’s lives.
As Anambra 2025 draws near, our message must be loud and clear: we do not want more ribbon-cutting distractions; we want a future worth living for. And that future must begin now.
The Senator Nenadi Usman-led Labour Party National Caretaker Committee (LP-NCC) has announced the suspension of former National Chairman and Secretary of the party, Barr. Julius Abure and Alhaji Farouk Umar, for a period of six months.
This was contained in a statement signed by Usman and the LP-NCC’s Secretary, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, in Abuja, late on Thursday.
The party leadership said the decision was a sequel to the findings of the Senator Ireti Kingibe-led six-member Disciplinary Committee, inaugurated on Wednesday.
The statement read, “Following an in-depth investigation by a committee led by Senator Ireti Kingibe and High Chief Peter Ameh, the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Labour Party has ratified the committee’s recommendations concerning the anti-party activities and gross misappropriation of party funds by the former acting National Chairman, Barr. Julius Abure, and others. The investigative report revealed significant financial misconduct and prompted the following disciplinary actions:
“Barr. Julius Abure has been suspended for an initial period of six months and is prohibited from presenting himself as the National Chairman of the Labour Party.
“Mr Umar Farouk, the former National Secretary, was identified as a co-signer in most of the fraudulent bank withdrawals and transfers alongside Abure. Consequently, he has also been suspended for an initial six-month period, pending further investigation.
“All members of Abure’s National Working Committee (NWC) are directed to cease acting as representatives of the Labour Party’s NWC.
“The NEC emphasises that failure to adhere to these disciplinary measures will result in more severe consequences.
The Labour Party remains committed to upholding transparency, accountability, and discipline within its ranks.”
Recall, the Abure-led faction had on Wednesday announced the suspension of Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, Senator Ireti Kingibe and four others over alleged anti-party activities.
However, the Usman-led LP-NCC in response said Abure and his sacked executive committee members were in no position to take decisions for the party since the Supreme Court judgement ended Abure’s reign.
Lagos Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, launched a N10 billion matched funding jointly provided by the state government and the Bank of Industry (BOI), to empower Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and enable them to expand their businesses.
The governor led the state’s team at the formal signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and launch of the programme, LASG-BOI MSME Access to Finance Scheme (LASMECO), which took place at Alausa, Ikeja.
Speaking at the programme, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the launch as a fulfillment of dreams for many MSMEs who had skills but lacked the capital to run or scale their businesses, saying that the fund would bring a turnaround in their fortunes and expand the state’s economy.
The governor further described the initiative as not just a formal unveiling of a financing programme, but also “the unveiling of dreams, the lighting of thousands of small candles that together illuminates the path to a more prosperous and inclusive Lagos.”
Today, we proudly unveil a tri-partite partnership called ‘LASMECO,’ a first-of-its-kind public-private financing platform deliberately designed to break the barriers that have long stifled our small businesses.
It offers an affordable credit of up to 10 million naira at a low interest rate of nine percent per annum, single-digit interest to lift a huge weight off the shoulders of our business owners, giving them room to breathe, grow, and thrive.
“The loan is guaranteed by Sterling Bank Plc, the State Government, and the Cooperative Societies, it is non-combat realized and focuses on strategic sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, creative industries, manufacturing, and the circular economy – areas that align with our developmental priorities.
By empowering these specific sectors, we are hitting multiple targets – jobs, innovation, food security, better healthcare, environmental sustainability – all at once. This is aligned with our vision of inclusive and sustainable development. It is also based on a cooperative model, leveraging the power of cooperative societies,” the governor stated.
Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed his administration’s commitment to building an economy that leaves no one behind and one “where a great idea in Oshodi can get the same opportunity to flourish as one on Wall Street.”
“We envision a future Lagos – not too many years from now – as Africa’s model megacity and a true global economic hub, a city where prosperity is inclusive and every willing citizen can achieve their potential. To get there, we know that empowering our small businesses and enterprising citizens, 90 percent of whom are in the MSMES, is absolutely fundamental.
The foundation of our grand economic ambitions must be solid and broad through the broad base of entrepreneurs and small enterprises that sustain us. We are firmly committed to strengthening that foundation as this government is pulling resources together to alleviate poverty.”
Crucially, we recognize that the government alone cannot achieve these ambitions. Partnerships are the cornerstone of our strategy and we are fortunate in Lagos to have forward-thinking private sector partners and institutions that share our vision. When the public sector’s will and resources meet the private sector’s innovation and capital, the synergy can unlock tremendous value. Today’s launch is a living example of that synergy – public-private collaboration at its finest, aimed at one of our most important goals: empowering our MSMEs,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu further called on Lagosians to patronise locally made goods as it is the sure path to economic growth and prosperity.
The State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose, in her welcome address, described the signing of the MOU and launch as a new chapter and a landmark moment in the administration’s drive to build a 21st-century economy that not only empowers businesses to thrive, but places the home-grown enterprises at the centre of prosperity, innovation, and resilience.
The commissioner assured that the financing scheme would empower thousands of MSMEs with structured, low-interest, and accessible credit facilities, tailored to the unique realities of doing business in the state, saying that each of the sectors was chosen deliberately, representing areas where Lagos had both a competitive advantage and an urgent development need.
According to her, the vision of the administration, as captured in the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Development Agenda, is to transform Lagos into a modern megacity where innovation, productivity, and opportunity are accessible to all, describing the event as more than unveiling of a finance scheme, but a declaration that the state believed in the power of small businesses to transform the economy.
“It is a message that access to finance should be a right and support system for every bold dreamer and hard-working entrepreneur willing to take a risk and create value.
“It is also about equity and social justice. It is about ensuring that all MSMEs have a fair shot at success. And we are not working alone. This scheme is a demonstration of what is possible when the government listens, when institutions respond, and when partnerships are forged for impact,” she said.
Ambrose affirmed that the scheme is not just a fund but a system designed to be transparent, inclusive, and results-driven, as beneficiaries would not only access capital but would also be exposed to training, mentoring, and market linkage opportunities.
She, however, assured that the loan process had been simplified to remove bottlenecks and ensure that even the smallest business owner with a viable plan can access the support they need.
Earlier, the Managing Director/CEO, Bank of Industry (BOI), Olasupo Olusi, described the programme as not just a signing ceremony, but the beginning of a new chapter for MSMEs in Lagos, defined by access, opportunity, and inclusion.
The BOI boss declared it a strategic effort that would unlock the creativity, resilience, and potential of Lagos’ MSMEs by dismantling the structural barriers that had long constrained access to opportunity.
“Today, we take a bold step in that direction, together as the programme aims to create 10,000 jobs through enterprise development, unlock wealth in Lagos, expand MSME support, and reduce poverty. The 10 billion naira fund is the first part of a scalable, performance-based agreement. As goals are met, the fund can grow, fostering continuous growth and empowerment.
“Firstly, it is fully technology-driven, from application to disbursement, ensuring speed, transparency, and real-time impact tracking. Secondly, up to 50 percent of the fund is backed by a bank guarantee, therefore de-risking the lending process and building stakeholder confidence.
“Thirdly, access to the funds will be facilitated through certified cooperatives, which will ensure structure, trust, and accountability. And finally, there’s an accelerator programme, offering MSMEs mentorship, training, and digital tools to help them grow and compete. This is not just finance, it’s a full ecosystem built for success,” he assured.
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo over various projects completed by his administration in Anambra State.
The president, who is in the state to commission some projects executed by the Soludo administration said the governor has shown the people of the state that he is a solution provider.
Some of the projects assessed and commissioned by the president include the new Anambra State Government House, the Solution Fun City, the New Governor’s Lodge, built for the first time in 34 years, and the revamped House of Assembly, among others.
Speaking while commissioning the Government House, Tinubu said infrastructure is the backbone of development in every nation.
He also said that the legacy being built by the governor now will last even after Soludo’s time.
Further describing the action of the governor as “environmentally responsive governance”, Tinubu commended Soludo for delivering quality governance to the people of Anambra.
“Anambra is achieving great heights. Building our tomorrow, today. A leader like Governor Chukwuma Soludo is placing Anambra on the path of 21st-century development.
“You are a good thinker; you are a solution provider. We can go places together. Building Nigeria. Building the future. Using technology to build and reflect good governance among the people. Promote investment. We must encourage good governance,” Tinubu stated.
ADVANCE DOUG SIMPSON Jetson Youth Center resident Malcolm M. listens during the afternoon check-in Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2007 at the facility near Baker, La. Jetson Youth Center is one of three secure facilities operated by Louisiana where male juveniles charged with criminal offenses in juvenile court serve their sentences. Ever since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2005 that sentencing juveniles to death is unconstitutional, advocates have been nudging lawmakers, courts and the public to go one step further and re-examine the life sentences meted out to young people convicted of the most serious crimes. (AP Photo/Tim Mueller)
An 18-year-old randy boy has impregnated no fewer than 10 girls in Anambra State
The state Commissioner for Women’s Affairs and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, disclosed this in a social media video, saying that the matter was brought before her last Tuesday.
Two of the pregnant girls are his master’s daughter and salesgirl, while the eight others were impregnated just two months after staying in the village, after his boss sent him packing.
According to Obinabo in a live video she shared on social media seeking advice, she said, “I want advice from the public because this one is beyond my capacity.
“This boy was sent to learn trade at the age of 18 and three months of apprenticeship, he impregnated his Oga (master’s) daughter and his salesgirl. He was sent packing. Two months after that, he impregnated eight others in the village.
“The mother reported the matter to my office, saying, anytime she sees a girl coming towards her house nowadays, her heart would jump, and that she needs help.
“This matter is beyond me, and that is the reason I want the public to help me come up with solution. Is it spiritual?
“I asked the boy the magic he uses in luring the girls to bed, but he told me he always tell them that he loves them and will like to marry them any time he acquires wealth.”
However, the commissioner did not disclose the community where the boy hails from, nor the name of the mother while narrating the issue.
Dr. Stella Chinyelu Okoli, founder and group managing director of Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, is set to unveil a N35 billion Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) manufacturing facility in Sagamu, Ogun State.
Dr. Okoli’s journey is one deeply rooted in the enterprising spirit of Nnewi, Anambra state, often referred to as the “Japan of Africa” for its robust manufacturing culture.
As a daughter of Anambra, she has not only upheld but also elevated the town’s proud tradition of innovation and industrial excellence. With over four decades of business leadership, she has transformed Emzor from a small wholesale pharmacy into a leading pharmaceutical giant with a continental footprint.
The upcoming Sagamu API plant – reportedly valued at N35 billion – is a testament to her belief in homegrown solutions and her refusal to be limited by systemic challenge.
Reacting to the development, Governor Charles Soludo congratulated Dr. Okoli for carving a niche for herself in the pharmaceutical industry, while also urging her to remember her roots while investing.
“Once again, our own daughter, proud daughter of Anambra state, has achieved another feat. She has once again proved her worth – the very entreprenual spirit for which Anambra, and Nnewi people in particular are known. We say congratulations to her.
Law Mefor, further told the Emzor boss that she still has opportunities to invest in Anambra state.
“This administration has what we call the Anambra Mixed-Use Industrial City (AMIC). Our daughter, the Emzor boss, has a space there to build a branch of what she is building in Ogun state.
“AMIC is a flagship infrastructure project in Anambra state, designed to accelerate economic development by creating a hub for both small and large industries. It focuses on developing critical infrastructure like access roads, gas pipelines, and power in a single location to attract and support various businesses. “The AMIC aims to transform Anambra state into an industrial powerhouse by fostering a conducive environment for businesses to thrive. The city extends from Ogboji, Akpu, and Ufuma to Ekwulobia, providing space for various businesses and investment proposals.
“The project prioritizes developing industrial infrastructure, including access roads, gas pipelines, and power, in a concentrated area. It is expected to generate jobs and drive economic growth within Anambra state. In essence, the AMIC is a strategic initiative to attract investment, support industrial growth, and create a more robust and competitive economic landscape in Anambra.
“What we’re saying in essence is that our daughter, Dr. Stella Okoli, has enough space there to build more than 20 times what she has currently built in Shagamu, Ogun state. Every enabler is there on ground for any industry to thrive. So, she should extend olive branch to her state; we deserve it.”
Ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s scheduled visit Today. Security measures have been intensified across Awka, the Anambra State capital,
We Observed that some roads were closed off with heavy presence of security personnel at various strategic points in the city.
Operatives from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and local vigilante groups have all been deployed to maintain law and order.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that security operatives were fully equipped and prepared to ensure peace and safety before, during, and after the president’s visit.
President Tinubu is expected to inaugurate several key projects including the Solution FunCity, Anambra Country Club, New Government House, New Government Lodge and New Presidential Lodge.
The President will also unveil the Emeka Anyaoku Centre at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and the ‘Iconic Light of the Nation Tower’ at the new Government House; a structure symbolising the state’s identity, constructed by Dutum Construction Ltd.
Meanwhile, there is light traffic on the roads as commuters were diverted to other areas to ease traffic congestion for the president’s visit.
Residents of Awka expressed optimism and enthusiasm ahead of the visit.
Kennedy Ikenna, a local businessman, said he was pleased that President Tinubu would be commissioning projects in Anambra for the first time.
Similarly, Kate Esione, a civil servant, welcomed the visit and urged the President to focus more on improving the welfare of people in the South-East region.
Aba Mega Mall, located at Osisioma LGA, has become full property of the Abia State Government, as the State Government, ably led by Governor Alex Otti, OFR, has paid off all those with vested interests in the strategically located complex that its purpose of establishment could not be realised.
Governor Otti disclosed the acquisition and full takeover of the mega-mall on Sunday, 4th May, during the grand finale of a 3-day Mega Crusade of the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries, which was held in Aba Mega Mall Complex in Osisioma LGA of the State.
The Governor, whose presence electrified the religious gathering, said, “I want to say that the place where you are, before now, there was a dispute. But just about three weeks ago, we resolved the dispute, paid off everybody that was being owed, and the place has reverted to the State Government.”
Speaking further, the Governor disclosed that no force was applied in the takeover of the mall, which has been lying fallow for many years after huge investments were made by the former investors who engaged with the previous administrations.
“We didn’t want to use force. We called all of them…how much are you being owed, we paid all, even paid their bankers. So this place has become full property of Abia State Government, the Governor declared amidst applause from the worshipers.
Governor Otti further disclosed that the long-abandoned property with a vast expanse of landmass would be put to effective use in the coming months.
“Those of you who know how Abia State Government works today; if you come back here in a few months, you would know that this place belongs to Abia State Government,” he asserted.
The Governor thanked Pastor Lazarus Muoka for choosing Aba for the 3-Day Mega Crusade, assuring him of the support of the State Government in future crusades for better organization.
In his words of admonition to the worshippers, Governor Otti said, “There is something about God, He works in mysterious ways and with time; He is not a God you can put under pressure,” he stated, urging them to patiently wait on God when what they are praying for is yet to happen, adding that God’s time is perfect.
He said that when it was time for the liberation prayers of Abians to God to happen, He brought Prof. Nnenna Oti, who vowed to do the right thing, even though she had never done election work before, and the rest is now history.
While acknowledging that 23 months down the line, the story of Abia has changed for the better, which the worshipers joyfully affirmed, he assured them that what had already happened is nothing compared to the things that would happen moving forward.
The Founder and General Overseer of the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministry, Pastor Lazarus Muoka, thanked Governor Otti for identifying with them and led the congregation into a fervent prayer for the Governor, his family, those working with him, and the Government. He prayed to God to grant Governor Otti everything he needed to complete the good works he had started across the State.
The Governor was joined in the worship service by Hon. Fyne Ahuama, the Legislator representing Osisioma South State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly and his colleague, Hon. Iheanacho Nwogu, representing Osisioma North State Constituency, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Hon. Chibueze Nwokocha, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Mayor of Osisioma LGA, Hon. Chidi Agu, and some other top Government functionaries.
Ctz. UKOHA NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
04-05-2025.
Mr Peter Obi , the Labour Party Presidential Candidate has reiterated the urgent need to take education sector serious . From the twitter page of Peter Obi ,Queen Madu- Ezeh of BVI Channel 1 online reported that the official results from JAMB have shown that a total of 1,955,069 candidates sat for the exam.
Shockingly, out of this number, only about 420,000 candidates scored above 200, while over 1.5 million scored below 200.
Below is the full report ”This means that over 78% of the total candidates failed to meet the 200-mark threshold — a reflection of the deep-rooted challenges in our educational system.
The latest JAMB results once again highlight the consequences of decades of underinvestment in education, a sector that should be central to our national development strategy.
Currently, Nigeria’s total university enrollment stands at approximately 2 million students. By comparison, the National University of Bangladesh — a single university — has over 3.4 million students enrolled, despite the country having only about 75% of Nigeria’s population. One university in Bangladesh surpasses the entire university enrollment in Nigeria.
Bangladesh, which once lagged behind Nigeria in virtually every measurable development index, now surpasses us in all key areas of development and in the Human Development Index (HDI).
Similarly, Turkey, with a population of about 87.7 million people, has over 7 million university students — more than three times Nigeria’s total university enrollment.
I have consistently said it: education is not just a social service; it is a strategic investment. It is the most critical driver of national development and the most powerful tool for lifting people out of poverty.
We must now invest aggressively in education — at all levels — if we are serious about building a prosperous, secure, and equitable Nigeria.
