LGA News

News from Anambra State Local Government Areas

GOVERNOR SOLUDO NOT AGAINST TRADITIONAL INSTITUTION

By Uche Kalu :

Few days now, the social media have been awash by the news of some traditional rulers from Anambra State being suspended for ignoring due process in the conferment of chieftaincy titles on individuals without getting clearance from the State’s Ministry of Local Government, Community and Chieftaincy Affairs.

The two Monarchs cut in the web of abeyance were HRH Igwe Onwuamaeze Ezeani (Igwe Ugonabo, Neni) Neni in Anaocha Local Government Area of the state who conferred a chieftaincy title on the senator representing Anambra South, Chief Ifeanyi Ubah on December 29th, 2023 as part of his 20th Ofala Festival and Chief Daniel Obelle of Nawfia in Njikoka Local Government Area who On January 4th, 2024, conferred Chieftaincy titles on no fewer than 40 persons in Nawfia during the Igu Aro festival of Nawfia Community.

The traditional institution is sacred and ordained by God ( Chi na emeze) as the custodians of culture and traditions of the land and needs to be carried out with utmost sense of wisdom and carefulness. In addition Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration respects and hold traditional rulers in esteem and acknowledges their good works and efforts in facilitating achievement of his vision for the state, especially at the grassroots. The monarchs play pivotal roles in Anambra State in facilitating community development.

However, there is a Code of Conduct for Anambra State Traditional Rulers which states that any monarch who wants to confer chieftaincy title on any individual must first notify and get approval from the state government through the Ministry of Local Government, Community and Chieftaincy Affairs, explaining what the person has done for the community to deserve such honour and chieftaincy title. This law is not hidden to any of the traditional rulers.

The essence of getting the clearance wasn’t meant to witch-hunt anyone rather the process will help to ensure that chieftaincy titles are conferred on deserving individuals and also motivate others to do good works. It will equally help to prevent duplication of chieftaincy titles (giving the same chieftaincy titles to two or more different people), as well as guard against potential abuse of the traditional stool.

Further more, the traditional ruler of the hometown of the person to be conferred with the chieftaincy title (if he is from another town other than that of the monarch giving him the chieftaincy title) must also be contacted to attest for the character and integrity of the person before he would be conferred with the chieftaincy title, to ensure chieftaincy titles are not given to people who have questionable characters and integrity problem.

The question is, was this law made today? Does Governor Chukwuma Soludo initiate this law? Is he witch-hunting the traditional rulers? Is he against conferment of chieftaincy titles on deserving individuals?

The monarchs were not suspended because they confer chieftaincy titles rather It was a clear case of violation of laws. There are other traditional rulers who gave chieftaincy titles to individuals in the state and were not suspended.

The truth remains that laws are meant to be obeyed and not to be violated. Traditional rulers being the custodians of culture and traditions are expected to lead by example in their various communities by working in harmonious relationship with the state government which would in turn be reciprocated by their subjects.

ANAMBRA COMMUNITY VOWS TO REJIG SECURITY ARCHITECTURE, ESTABLISH FIRE BRIGADE

By Chukwuka Ugokwe :

Oba community in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State has disclosed its plans to review its security strategies and strengthen security architecture to address security challenges in the area.

The newly elected President General of the community. Engr. Uzochukwu Ejiofor who dropped the hint shortly after his victory following election of the Oba Patroitic Union (OPU) said restoration of peace and unity among members of the community would be top priority in his administration.

He also disclosed plans to set up a standard fire brigade centre to curb incessant challenges of fire outbreak in the community.

He said, “The expectations of the great people of Oba will be met because our tenure will be as transparent and focused as possible and focused.

“In the past, we have had serious security challenges but we are going to review our security strategies and strengthen the security architecture to ensure such challenges do not repeat again, even beyond our regime.

“We look forward to restore the peace, unity and dignity of our people, as a key agenda of our administration.

“We also plan to set up a standard fire brigade centre here because we have a lot of businesses, industries, and residential buildings due to the cosmopolitan nature of the town.

“This will help us curb the incessant challenges of fire outbreak we experience every now and then.

“I will, in my address to Ndi Oba soon, present a detailed development agenda for the community.”

Describing his victory as divine, Ejiofor commended the Interim Town Union Government (ITUG) and the electoral committee for delivering transparent and credible election to Oba people.

He pledged to work with his co-contestants and critical stakeholders in the community to bring about the long expected peace, unity and development in the town.

“Once again I thank God Almighty and congratulate Ndi Oba whom this victory primarily belongs to and I extend my hand of fellowship to my colleagues in the executive to join me in this onerous task of uniting and rebuilding our dear town Oba ebo iteghete.”

Declaring Ejiofor winner in a keenly contested election, Electoral Committee Chairman, Mr Liberty Maduekwe said Ejiofor polled 370 votes to defeat his only opponent, Ogechukwu Obasoanya, who secured 179 votes.

Other positions, aside those of Secretary General and Chief Provost, were unopposed at the election duly supervised by Transition Committee Chairman of Idemili South LGA, Hon Amaka Obi and officials of Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Town Union Affairs, Awka.

Earlier, Idemili South TC Chairman, Obi described the election as critical in view of the community’s strategic position to the Council area and the state, stressing that government presence was to ensure peace and orderliness of the exercise.

“The state government is interested in promoting peace across all communities of the state, through the entrenchment of democratically-elected town union executives,” she said.

Obi charged the newly-elected town union executives to work in accordance with the community’s constitution as they carry everybody along in their developmental efforts.

Congratulating the new executives, Regent of the town, Prince Noel Ezenwa urged them to ensure Oba remained united while bond of brotherliness among them be nurtured at all times.

He said the community has through the election, demonstrated their preparadness to commence journey of rebuilding their homeland.

Chairman of the outgone Interim Government of the Community, Sir Osita Ubadi described the election as one of the most transparent conducted in the history of the community, urging the new leadership to work towards giving the community a befitting traditional ruler in the nearest future.

“I’m happy my leadership was able to accomplish the tasks assigned them by government, as well as other achievements for the community,” he said.

A stakeholder in the community, Prof Austen Azubogu commended the advisory role of the Idemili South Transition Committee Chairman, Hon Obi, in ensuring that the elections were successful and concluded in transparent manner.

It was gathered that absence of executives had contributed to delay in electing a new traditional ruler, as all forms of crimes, including youth restiveness, sales and encroachment of communally-owned lands, held sway in the community occasioned by lack of leadership.

State Government had through the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Town Union Affairs, created the Interim Town Union Government, ITUG to ensure conduct of election of new executives of the OPU before end of 2023.

ORUMBA NORTH TC CHAIRMAN LAUDS GOV. SOLUDO ON RICE DISTRIBUTION

By Chioma Ezeiru / Charity Okechukwu :

Orumba North Transition Committee Chairman, Sir Ogochukwu Ekwueme has lauded Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo for his impactful palliative measures to the people of Anambra State especially the vulnerable and less privileged.

Sir Ekwueme, who made the commendation in an interview with information officers at the local government secretariat, Ajalli, said that Gov. Charles Soludo is God sent to the people of Anambra State especially at this critical time.

The Orumba North TC Chairman noted that “It is worthy of emulation that at this difficult time across the country, the Anambra State governor, Professor Charles Soludo, in his kind and humane nature, has approved the distribution of about 200,000 bags of 10kg rice to the poorest of the poor across the length and breadth of the state to help cushion the effects of subsidy removal.

“We give kudos to the governor. In Orumba North, we have received about 7,500 bags of rice already and still expecting the remaining 2000 bags before we begin distribution to various wards and communities. And we will not distribute them until we have the list of recipients from the various wards, which we will vet and ensure that the rice gets to only those it is actually meant for,” he added.

Sir Ekwueme also stated that measures have been put in place by his leadership to avoid irregularities and ensure transparent and appropriate disbursement of the palliative.

“Due to our experience in the coconut and palm tree seedlings disbursement, we have sat and put together measures that will ensure fair selection of beneficiaries and equitable distribution of the palliative. We have formed supervisory committee at the local government level which I am a member and also supervisory committee at the ward levels which constitutes the councillors, presidents-general, clergy men, civil society organisations, etc for proper monitoring, supervision and distribution.

“Also in the beneficiary selection process, we are working through the umunnas. Each village already have their umunna in place. The umunnas know their people and know those members who are actually deserving of the palliative.

“This is how the list is generated. Every local government has its peculiarities but our job is to key into the solution mantra, ensure that it gets to the right beneficiaries and the local government is doing a good job. Each ward is expected to receive no fewer than 400-650 bags of rice and we have about 19 wards in Orumba North Local Government Area alone.

“This is massive and first of its kind. It is a good and welcome development. We are really grateful to Gov. Soludo for putting smiles on the faces of our people in this festive season. At least, our people are assured of rice for this yuletide celebration. Ndi Anambra should give him their full support as he takes the state to enviable heights.”

Speaking further, Sir Ekwueme described the state government palliative measures as all encompassing and transformational.

According to him, the Soludo administration is determined to bring dividends of democracy to Ndi Anambra especially the grassroots through provision of free education from nursery to junior secondary school(J.S.S 3), permitting only N5000 school fees for Senior Secondary Schools; free ante natal care and delivery services for expectant mothers in the state, youth empowerment, massive road construction, employment of teachers and health workers.

The Orumba-North TC boss expressed gratitude to God Almighty and Gov. Soludo for the privilege to serve the people of Orumba North.

“I thank God and Gov. Soludo for this opportunity to serve my people. I am a man of service. I like to help and assist people, it is in my nature and background.

“We have been here for about 15 months. It has been a challenging and tough one because governance is not easy especially in Nigeria. But I believe that we have been able to make some positive impact in the lives of our people. They should keep on supporting us by paying their taxes and levies as at when due to enable us generate funds and carry out some necessary projects in the local government area,” he said.

_Chioma and Charity are of the Ministry of Information_

SOLUDO AMBASSADORS HOLDS MEGA RALLY IN NNEWI

By: Ukpa Ewa :

Good governance, development and cohesion between the government and Ndi Anambra, have been described as one of the hallmarks of the Soludo Administration.

Addressing Ndi Anambra at a one day rally organized by a group under the auspices of Soludo Ambassadors at Nkwo Triangle, Nnewi North, the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo said that the event was about making statement on his transformation Agenda.

The Governor who was represented by his Chief of Staff Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, noted that soludo has done remarkably well in areas of security, economic transformation, law and order.

Ezeajughi praised the Governor for making Anambra a liveable and prosperous homeland, maintaining that infrastructural and economic development was ongoing in all the 21 local government areas (LGAs) in the state.

” All the 21 LGAs can boast of road, street light installation. Communities neglected on assumption of Soludo in office within a period of one year and nine months have been given a touch. Soludo will change the history of Okpoko from being a slum to a regenerative city.”

In his remarks, the National Leader of Soludo Ambassadors and Managing Director, Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) Mr. Ossy Onuko who underscored the importance of Soludo Ambassadors Support Group, said the event was held to propagate the dynamics of Gov. Soludo’s good work to his citizens.

Describing Nnewi as All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) land, he further enumerated numerous projects done by Soludo to include youth empowerment, awarding of over 200 kilometers of road and mobilization paid, reviving urban water scheme and producing three new cities in Anambra known as Awka 2.0.

The National Coordinator of Soludo Ambassadors, High Chief Kenneth Nwachukwu, in his remark affirmed the staunch support of the Ambassadors in projecting, promoting and protecting the good works of Prof. Soludo, reassuring of the group’s support at all times.

Earlier in his welcome address, the coordinator of Soludo Ambassadors, Anambra South Zone, Prince Namsom Nwafor – Orizu, expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication of Soludo in fighting insecurity which was a major threat.

The large turnout of Ndi Anambra as witnessed at the rally had top government functionaries in attendance with installation of Patrons and Patroness, courtesy visit to HRM Igwe Kenneth Onyeneke Orizu III of Nnewi kingdom by the group and cultural display by each local government council areas of the zone.

*Ukpa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

FGN/IFAD-VCDP DISTRIBUTES POS MACHINES TO PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED PERSONS IN OGBARU LGA

By Henry Anagboso :

The Chairman Ogbaru Local Government Area, Mr. Pascal Aniegbuna has called on the people of Ogbaru to make judicious use of government intervention and supports through Agricultural Programmes like the Value Chain Development Programme, VCDP, to better their lives.

The Chairman made this call during the handing over of Point of Sale, POS, machines to the physically challenged persons today at the Local Government Secretary’s office, Atani.

The chairman in his speech enjoined them to accept the support with warm embrace as it is geared to make them become financially independent, he added that such gesture scarcely come and when it does, it is advised that one makes judicious use of such opportunity.

Mr. Aniegbuna commended the International Fund for Agricultural Development, IFAD, Programme, VCDP for their support while urging the beneficiaries to utilize the opportunity to encourage the donor to reach out to more vulnerable people in their community.

Earlier, the VCDP Rural Finance officer, Mr. Chukwujekwu Obianefo explained that the POS terminal was considered a vital tool for empowerment to support the vulnerable across the participating LGAs of the Programme, using the new LGAs of Ogbaru, Ihiala and Orumba South as pilot area which would be extended to other LGAs in due time.

Mr. Obianefo said the support was part of the VCDP mainstreaming initiative of financial inclusion and considering the Programme’s concern for the vulnerable and people living with disabilities, to help them come out of poverty.

In a vote of thanks, Mrs. Amaka Onyema, a primary healthcare worker and one of the physically challenged persons from Amaiyi community, applauded the IFAD-VCDP for the kind gesture and promised they would put it to use and achieve the objective of the support.

Mrs. Nkiru Okonkwo, a widow from great Umunankwo Cooperative Society and Mr. Ozoemena Okori from Destiny farmers, Umuezehobi expressed their gratitude over the support and pledged to make good use of the device, adding that the support would really impact their lives.

“I want to thank the VCDP for this support of POS machine given to me, I am grateful. I want to also thank the state government, as well as the Federal Government and I pray that God will bless them all.”

*Anagboso writes for the Ministry of Information, Anambra State*

ANAMBRA WEST COUNCIL CHAIRMAN RECEIVES INOMA ELECTED TRADITIONAL RULER

By Felix Igboanugo :

In a remarkable display of unity and respect for cultural institution, the Transition Committee Chairman of Anambra West Local Government Area, Mr. Felix Ikechi has received the newly elected Traditional Ruler of Inoma community, HRH Igwe Sylvanus Ndukwe Onyekwe.

Receiveing the Traditional ruler In a special ceremony at the Local Council’s sub office Umueze Anam, Mr. Ikechi reiterated Government’s commitment in partnering with traditional institutions geared towards entrusting peace and unity within the local council.

He congratulated the traditional ruler for being the choice of his people, having gone through the election process in accordance with the constitution, customs, and traditions of Inoma community, leading to his ascension on the throne.

The Anambra West chairman applauded Governor Chukuwma Soludo for creating the enabling environment for communities to choose their leaders, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration between the government and traditional institutions, recognizing their valuable roles in community development and preserving cultural heritage.

Mr. Ikechi appealed to the newly elected Inoma monarch to be father of all, as he expects peace, fairness, justice and love in his Community and Anambra West in general.

In his response, the Igwe elect expressed his gratitude to God, Inoma community and Government of Anambra State for the opportunity to serve in such capacity, and pledged his commitment towards the promotion of peace, progress, and cultural preservation in Inoma and Anambra West in particular.

He acknowledged the support of his people and promised to work closely with the local government to address the community’s needs and challenges.

The presentation of the newly elected traditional ruler of Inoma to the Anambra West LGA, signifies a new chapter in the community’s history. And symbolizes the unity between tradition and governance, highlighting the significance of working together to uplift the lives of the people and ensure the progress of the entire Anambra West.

Felix is a Staff Of The State Ministry Of Information.

Anambra West Council Boss Presents Certificates, Cheques to Anambra West Beneficiaries of 1 Youth 2 Skills Initiative Programme

By Felix Igboanugo :

The Transition Committee Chairman of Anambra West Local Government Area, Mr. Felix Ikechi has handed over cheques and certificates to the Anambra West beneficiaries of the just concluded first batch of the 1 youth 2 skills empowerment program of the Governor Chukwuma Soludo administration.

The program which was Initiated by the present administration of Governor Soludo was aimed at lifting thousands of Youths off the streets and engaging them meaningfully in different skills for them to be self reliant and sufficient.

Handing over the cheques and certificate to forty-seven beneficiaries from Anambra West at the local council sub office Umueze Anam, Mr. Ikechi noted that the programme which was aimed at empowering the youths with essential skills for self-sufficiency, would certainly make a significant impact on the lives of the young individuals.

He commended Governor Soludo administration for taking thousands of youths off the streets through the initiative, saying that investing in human capital development remains the greatest of all Investment.

The Anambra West TC Chairman commended the beneficiaries for their determination and commitment in acquiring new skills, which he believed are essential for the socio-economic growth of Anambra State.

He advised them to utilize the rare opportunity to develop their lives, noting that the Governor is poised in making Anambra youths self reliant through various skills, urging them to remain focused, committed and dedicated to become employers of labour in months to come.

Mr.Felix Igboanugo is a staff member of the Ministry Of Information.

Onitsha South Council Chairman Empowers 110 Skill Acquisition Graduates

By Juliana Nwachukwu/Patricia Osegbue :

No fewer than 110 skill acquisition graduates were empowered by the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Anambra State, Mr..Emeka Orji, with #200,000 and #500,000 each after graduating from their various skills’ training.

The benefitting youths who were trained for months, were empowered to commence their journey towards becoming self reliant and wealth creators.

Commending them for the completion of their training, Mr. Orji advised them to focus on the areas which they were trained, especially those of the apprenticeship who received higher sum, even as he stressed the need for judicious use of the money giving to them, stating that to whom much is given, much is expected.

“Small business is the engine room of the state economy and the state is willing to support those that did well by giving them more”.

“Empowering the youths is a critical aspect of sustainable economic development that requires the provision of resources such as funds and education to aid in the establishment of sustainable businesses.

Recall that last Friday the State Government empowered five thousand persons who graduated from the first batch of the “One youth, two skills” Solution Initiative with start-up grants to the tune of two billion naira to launch their businesses.

This is another commendable step in the right direction towards achieving this objective as entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for stimulating economic growth and it provides opportunities for job creation, wealth generation, innovation, and sustainable economic development.

However, starting up a new business requires resources, and access to funds is often a significant barrier faced by potential entrepreneurs and so, the decision by the Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration to help over five thousand youths in the state to acquire skills in different key areas and also empower them with grants as launch pads is not just timely but strategic.

The Governor’s initiative sheds light on the importance of providing financial support and training programme to entrepreneurs, particularly young entrepreneurs, to build and sustain their businesses.

The five thousand beneficiaries of the grant were chosen after a rigorous selection process, which involved a thorough assessment of the feasibility, and potential for growth of their proposed businesses and this process ensured that only those with viable, innovative, and sustainable business ideas were selected.

Juliana Nwachukwu and Patricia Osegbue are Staff members of the Ministry Of Information

Market Leaders Pledge to Partner with Soludo’s Anti-Touting Squad

By Uzo Ugwunze :

Sequel to the inauguration of the Special Anti-touting Squad in Anambra (SASA) last Monday by Gov. Chukwuma Soludo with the mandate to eradicate touts from Anambra markets and roads, the market leaders under the auspices of Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) has pledged to partner with SASA to actualize the task.

Speaking during the general Congress of all the major markets in Anambra State at the ASMATA Secretariat, Modebe Avenue, Onitsha, the President General, ASMATA , Chief Humphrey Anuna tasked market leaders to discontinue issuing any form of unauthorized tolls especially to hawkers, barrow pushers and customers.

“God knows I have been trying my best for the interests and welfare of the traders on one hand and on the other hand ensuring that government’s revenues are remitted as and when due and that peace is maintained in the markets.

“Let us all co-operate with Prof. Soludo’s fight against touting. He is well educated and knows what is best for Ndi Anambra because he has the interest of the masses at heart. This is a welcome development.

“Today, we have invited SASA and the various Revenue collection agents authorized by the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS) to educate us on how to identify touts or fake revenue collectors.

“As they drop their contacts do not fail to ensure the arrest of any tout operating within any market under your care. Before governor will indict me, I will indict any market leader found culpable,” Anuna warned.

Moreover, the Managing Director, Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra State (OCHA) brigade, Celestine Anere said that Gov. Soludo was very serious about removing any market leadership aiding or abetting touting by March 2024, adding that markets should also intensify environmental sanitation and desilting of the drainages around their markets or risk being closed down.

The Deputy Director SASA Operations, Mr Monday Nwokoye who spoke on behalf of the Commissioner for Homeland security, Mr Chukwudi Anara and Director of Operations Anambra Vigilante Services, Chief Chineye Ihenko said that anti-touting squad has arrested over 64 suspected touts within 24 hours of inauguration and was determined to fish out any single tout and smash their syndicates operating anywhere within the state.

In their respective speeches, the Chairman, Bigly Oil and Gas, Chief Ken Nwankwo, Unified Hybrid Enforcement Team(UHBET) AIRS Central Coordinator, Hon Obiora Offor and North Coordinator/SSA to Governor on Security, Hon Chiejina Obieze outlined the only approved IGR to be collected in the markets.

According to them, their staff are always on uniform with identity cards and POS as directed by the Governor, any of their staff who cannot identify himself properly or fights in the public should be treated as a tout.

ASMATA Patron, Chief Jude Nwankwo (Ochendo Umuawulu) the PG Building Materials International Market, Ogidi stressed that the state government was actually against extorting from the less privileged petty traders, barrow pushers, hawkers to further impoverish them and ripping off customers who come to patronize the traders from within and outside the state, thereby scaring them away.

He said, “the state government cannot be against any consensus resolution made by traders’ association for their upkeep, welfare or intra market road maintenance from fellow members urging Market leaders to synergize with SASA to identify touts operating outside the market soroundings which had been tarnishing the image of most markets.

Meanwhile, several market leaders including PG Relief Market, Chief Ndubuisi Ochiogu, Chairman Nkpor Main market, Mr Paul Okafor, PG Onitsha Main Market, chief Innocent Ikechukwu Ezeoha, and Mr Charles Ikeli, the chairman Amalgamated Tyre Dealers Association, ATDA, Nkpor, after commending the fight against touting revealed that those touts which engaged in illegal revenue collection oftentimes operate outside the markets where the market leaders lack powers to stop their activities but promised touting activities will soon be eradicated.

“In some cases market leaders are threatened for trying to stop them from enjoying revenue as market host communities,” Okafor noted.”

According to Ochiogu, truly touts are not inside the market but around the market. Before, market leaders had powers to arrest touts outside the market but when you accost some of them at Ogbaru, Upper Iweka or Nkpor flyover, they will tell you that they have authorization from their town union or traditional ruler to collect revenue.

“Empower market leaders and those touts will no longer come around to misbehave.”

The ASMATA Secretary, Mr. Macaulay Ekwe, Assistant Secretary, Chief Charles Okoye, ASMATA Idemili Zonal Chairman, Chief Emma Obiagwu and ASMATA Chairman Onitsha zone, Chief Eric Uwaoma said that ASMATA had earlier floated a 5-man MakeWay taskforce in each market to checkmate activities of touts assuring that they will synergize with SASA which includes providing every useful information that would help eradicate touting which is majorly perpetrated by indigenes with some non-indegenes. (Ministry of Information)

The information officer reports from Onitsha

Commercial Tricycle Operators Tasked to Obey Traffic Rules, Make Use of Parks

By Uzo Ugwunze :

In the bid to maintain road sanity and curb the incessant gridlock often experienced at Afor Nnobi Market roundabout and Eke Awkaetiti Market road axis, the Chairman, Idemili South Local Government Area (ISLGA), Anambra State, Mrs. Amaka Obi, has tasked commercial tricycle operators popularly called ‘keke riders’ to stop indiscriminate ‘lifting’ and ‘dropping’ of passengers outside designated bus stops or parks on the roads.

Speaking to the executive of the Keke Riders Association at Nnobi, Mrs Obi noted that the activities of the commercial tricycle operators plying Nnewi/ Nnobi/Agulu road and Nnobi/Awkaetiti/Ekwulobia roads have been constituting nuisance and causing traffic jam as they scamper for passengers.

According to her, in line with Prof. Charles Soludo, our Solution Governor’s vision to achieve a prosperous, livable, beautiful and smart homeland in Anambra State, the ISLGA embarked on barricading and beautification of the Nnobi market to ensure that traders who display their wares on the roadside are protected from road accident and the frequent traffic congestion checkmated.

“Also we want to ensure that commercial bus drivers and keke riders plying on these roads will start making use of the loading spot and motor parks and as well, adhere strictly to those designated bus stops/terminals marked by Anambra Transport Management Agency (ATMA) for passengers to get in or get off the commuter vehicles.

She warned that henceforth, defaulters of ATMA traffic rules would have themselves to blame.

However, the Spokesman of the Keke riders, Mr Ikenna Okeke said that the Keke riders in the council area are peace loving people and assured the Council boss of their maximum compliance and co-operation toward ensuring that their colleagues obey traffic rules and use the designated bus stops and parks. (Ministry of Information)

The information officer reports from Idemili South LGA