“ECOWAS Commission now has a direct interface with projects they sponsor and also, they monitor progress closely” —Ebuka Onyekwelu In the last week of March 2024, the ECOWAS Commission team led by Mrs. Massandje Toure-Litse, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture at the Commission, visited Anambra State to witness the graduation of 150 Anambra youths sponsored for training on table fish production by the Commission. During this visit, the ECOWAS Commission’s team took the liberty...

“Catchphrases such as “solution is here” or “Soludo solution” have successfully replaced those of the past, such as “Odera, o de go” or “Willie is working” among many others.” —Ebuka Onyekwelu It is today exactly two years since Prof. Chukwuma Soludo assumed office as the executive governor of Anambra State, amidst exceedingly high expectations from the people. Halfway into his four-year tenure, what has stood out for the government? On the other hand, how has...

“Why are they not concerned that Chioma could raise such serious allegations against a brand and not able to substantiate her claims? “ —Ebuka Onyekwelu There is a growing trend in Nigeria’s social space where a minority armed with the internet, now wants to dictate what choices people make and how they must respond to any situation. As ridiculous as this may seem, the seriousness and dedication with which some of these Nigerians especially on...

“Is it the best leadership or management practice, to publicly threaten a subordinate with a sack? “ —Ebuka Onyekwelu Last weekend, the governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo was on the news again during an inspection of an ongoing road project in Okpoko, along Relief Market at Ogbaru Local Government Area. With him during the inspection was the Transition Chairman of Ogbaru local government, Pascal Aniegbunam, Commissioner for Works, Engr: Ifeanyi Okoma, and many...

On Monday evening, tragedy struck in Ochanja market Onitsha, the commercial nerve centre of Anambra state, when three segments of nearly completed market buildings collapsed. The tragedy was remarkable such that no fewer than six people were confirmed dead from the incident. Up till Tuesday afternoon when the governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo visited the scene of the tragedy, an unspecified number of people were said to still be trapped in the rubble....

“No matter how good and generous the dead may be, there are those very close who are eager to erase their memories.” —Ebuka Onyekwelu In a deep and sober conversation some time ago with my uncle, Benchuks Nwosu, after we had talked for over an hour, he paused. Then, after some two minutes, he said, “onwu wu mmeli,” in Nnewi dialect. This comment can be generally translated in English to mean that death is the...

“Ubah has largely lived up to his promise to stamp out insecurity from Nnewi and Anambra South zone, eventually.” —Ebuka Onyekwelu Election bids feel different for the incumbent and the opposition. Therefore, an early election bid feels different for a serving governor and a contender for the same office. This is because, although the same position is in the contest, what is at stake for both parties is different. More importantly, the path to the...

“Many people still complain that since his election, Soludo has reverted to his old self in which many allege that he claims to know everything” —Ebuka Onyekwelu Sworn in exactly one year and ten months ago, after his successful election on the strength of his predecessor’s political mobilization and his own pedigree as a public intellectual and former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo emerged easily as one with the...

“It is now left to see how the government intends to manage the situation given the flared nerves, ruffled feathers, and bruised egos.” —Ebuka Onyekwelu After weeks of unabated controversy over the suspension of Igwe Neni, the government of Anambra State has yet again responded, leading to another round of debate. The press release on what actually transpired between the government and the monarchs during their meeting on January 22nd has left many confused or...