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25/12/2023

2023 CHRISTMAS MESSAGE TO NDI AGULUZIGBO

Umunne m ndi Aguluzigbo the Great, this is a special time of the year for Christians marking the birth of Jesus Christ.

I am commending all the good people of Aguluzigbo for their resilience in the face of the challenges facing our community especially in security and am urging all to embrace love and unity.

Le us imbibe the values of Christmas by promoting peace, and friendship, as that remains the fundamental message of the yuletide.

This Christmas, let us renew our dedication to fostering peaceful relations, respecting one another’s differences, and working collectively to address the challenges that affect us all.

During this period, let us remember to offer special prayers to God for all our fallen heroes who paid the supreme price to restore peace and security in our town and especially the souls of the faithful departed from our beloved town.

On this joyous occasion of the anniversary of the birth of Christ, I wish everyone a happy celebration and the best of the season.

Hon Mrs Ngozi Onu Asonibe(Oji-Ugo)
Councillor, Aguluzigbo Ward

24/08/2023

Peter Obi,Chekwas Okorie To Return To APGA- Ezeokenwa

Ngozi Asonibe reports from Awka

The National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA),Barr Sylvester Ezeokenwa has said that the former Governor of Anambra State,Mr Peter Obi, Chief Chekwas Okorie and others who were members of APGA before joining other political parties after serving as Governor and National Chairman respectively might rejoin APGA, describing Obi as a student of the APGA Institute of good governance, while he’s still a student of the same institute.

He said the fame Obi had today in Nigeria started as APGA Governor, adding that plans were on the way by the party to reconcile him and other leaders like Chief Chekwas Okorie among others.

He credited Obi’s national recognition to his time as an APGA Governor, stating that the party is working on reconciling him and other leaders like Chief Chekwas Okorie.

" Peter Obi is going to come back to APGA and that is his home and that is the only vehicle that will take him to his destination.

" I am going to visit Chief Chekwas Okorie,infact I have spoken with him to come back to APGA because it is his home and the house he built from the foundation.

He maintained that those ascribing the success of Mr Peter Obi of the Labour Party to the Labour Party is wrong, adding that Labour Party cannot take the glory of APGA.

23/08/2023

Soludo Rolls Out Palliatives For Anambra Residents Over Subsidy Removal- Slyvester Ezeokenwa

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Sylvester Ezeokenwa has commended the Governor of Anambra State, Prof Charles Soludo, on the comprehensive palliative measures rolled out for the people and residents of the state.

He made the remarks at the APGA South-East zonal Secretariat in Awka, saying that
the state government incentives will cushion the effect of the hardship caused by the removal of subsidy from petrol by the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to him, “I am delighted that the Anambra State Government will be distributing rice to over 300,000 households in the coming weeks, spanning across the 326 wards of our state. This significant gesture will provide much-needed support to families facing economic challenges during these uncertain times.

Additionally, Governor Soludo has enacted various measures to ease the financial burden on our people. Basic education, from primary school to JSS3, will remain tuition-free for all public schools, ensuring that our children have access to quality education without placing an additional burden on households.

“To further alleviate the financial strain, the IGR payments of all transporters, including keke and minibus operators, will be reduced by 20% starting from September 01, 2023. This reduction will bring substantial relief to our transporters who play a crucial role in our daily lives.

“Governor Soludo’s vision extends beyond immediate relief, as he lays the groundwork for a brighter future for Anambra State. The ambitious plan to build and modernize primary health centres across all 326 wards is a testament to his dedication to providing accessible and high-quality healthcare services to our communities.

“Furthermore, the government’s commitment to infrastructure development is evident through the construction of over 340km of roads across all 21 local governments. These road projects will improve connectivity, enhance transportation efficiency, and boost economic growth for the benefit of all citizens.

“In another remarkable move, civil servants will enjoy free transportation, thanks to the Federal Government’s assisted CNG transportation initiative. This step ensures ease of movement for our dedicated public servants, allowing them to fulfill their duties efficiently.

Very importantly, the provision of free antenatal services and delivery services to pregnant mothers in state primary health centers and general hospitals is a significant milestone towards ensuring the health and well-being of both mothers and children in our dear state.

“The rolled-out palliatives are numerous. Let us applaud Governor Soludo for his tireless efforts in implementing these impactful measures. His commitment to the welfare and well-being of Ndi Anambra sets a remarkable example for other State Governors to emulate.

“Together, let us support our exceptional National Leader in his quest to uplift the lives of every citizen and build a prosperous and livable homeland in Anambra State.”

13/08/2023

Soludo To Award More Roads In Anaocha LGA,Says Ozoh During Nzuko Odimma Anaocha Meeting

The TC Chairman of Anaocha Local Government Area, Hon Gerald Ikechukwu Ozoh (Mmili) has said that the Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo is set to approve the construction of Mama Nwa Agulu Road and other projects in Agulu, Anaocha LGA.

Speaking at the meeting of Nzuko Odimma Anaocha on Saturday, August 12,2023 at Agulu, the Anaocha Boss who was represented by Hon Cosmas Onwuasoanya,the Councillor for Agulu Ward 2 who doubles as the Chairman Security Committee of Anaocha LGA noted that many roads will be awarded for construction at Anaocha LGA.

He commended Governor Soludo as the best road construction and housing development governor in Nigeria.

Earlier, the Chairman of Nzuko Odimma Anaocha, Engr Sir Simeon Okafor said that the group was formed in 2009 with membership drawn from eminent men and women from the ten communities that make up the Anaocha LGA.

According to him, they have completed the process for the Registration of the Association with Corporate Affair Commission (CAC), thereby awaiting the certificate of Registration.

He said that the pioneer leaders of Nzuko Odimma Anaocha include Chief (Sir) Engr. Tony Akpulu, ex-Chairman of Anaocha Local Government Area as the Foundation Chairman; Prof. Pita Ejiofor, former Vice-Chancellor, Unizik, was Vice-Chairman, while the Secretary was Mr. A.U. Okpala who was replaced by Engr. S. O. Okafor, erstwhile elected Assistant Secretary.

Other members were, Prof Pita Ejiofor (Obeledu), Engr S.O. Okafor (Aguluzigbo), Hon Nworah Umensofor (Ichida), Hon Ofoma Ojua (Adazi Nnukwu); Sir Peter Chikeluba (Neni); Lady Obih Ijeabalum (Akwaeze); Nze Sam Ezeakudo (Adazi Ani); Lady Chinwe Nnedum (Nri) and Surv F.C. Eze (Adazi Enu),Hon Peter Anikwata,former Deputy Chairman, Anaocha LGA and among others.

In his own views, the founder of Nzuko Odimma Anaocha, Engr Sir Tony Akpulu who was the former Chairman of Anaocha LGA said that the group was formed for the Development of Anaocha LGA including to cater for the less privileged in Anaocha LGA .

In a vote of thanks, Lady Chinwe Nnedum,former Managing Director, Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) thanked the TC Chairman and the Councillors at Agulu Wards for advocating for clean and green environment in the local government.

She pleaded with the Governor Soludo through the TC Chairman,Hon Ozoh to reconstruct Mama Nwa Agulu Road and other dilapidated ones in Anaocha LGA.

09/12/2022

I won’t disappoint Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency if elected, says Ezeani

By Ngozi Asonibe

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, Hon Sir Joel Ndubueze Ezeani(Nwanayoeze) has assured the people of Nnewi North under the aegis of Nnewi Political Appointees/Stakeholders Forum of his commitment to the development of the Federal Constituency if elected to represent them in the Green Chamber on February 2023 general elections.

He promised to work and speed up the developments of the Federal Constituency, saying that his representation will bring about a new impetus and serve the people with dedication.

Ezeani disclosed this during his meeting with the Nnewi Political Appointees/Stakeholders Forum on Friday, November 9, 2022 at Nnewi.

He also said if elected,he will contribute in making legislations that will uplift the level of Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency and empower the youths to be more productive in any good endeavour they embark upon.

According to him, "I will use my wide network to engage the international organizations to eradicate the erosion menace ravaging my constituency.

Responding, the Chairman of the association, Hon Arinze Nwosu said that the Forum is drawn from all the quarters of Nnewi North made up of the present and past political appointees and stakeholders confirmed of their numerical strength and contributions to economic and political growth of the State and local government.

He said, "The Forum is non-violent and non-political. It promotes peace, unity and the progress of Ndi Nnewi North.

"We want to play a key role in this election and we expect candidates to show us their agenda which we expect will favour every segment of society. We are a force to be reckoned with", he concluded.

In a vote of thanks, Engr Law Okeke, former Chairman of Nnewi North Local Government Area commended and reminded them that the forum is closer to the people and will do anything humanly possible to deliver their candidates.

03/10/2022

Breaking News!!!

Gov. Soludo Released New Tax Rate For Waste Management In Anambra State.

The new tax rates are classified as following:

1. Urban - Awka South, Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Aguata, Nnewi North, Idemili North and Ogbaru.

✓Duplex - N24,000
✓Detached Bungalows - N12,000
✓2/3 Bedroom Flat - N7,200
✓1 BedRoom Apartment - N4,800
✓ 1 Room - N2400
✓Restaurant/Beer Parlour-
*Large - N120,000 *Small - N48,000
✓Hotel With 200 Rooms And Above: N960k
✓Hotel With 100-199 Rooms: N600,000
✓Hotel With 50-99 Rooms: N480,000
✓Hotel With 40-49 Rooms: N360,000
✓Hotel With 30-39 Rooms: N320,000
✓Hotel With 20-29 Rooms: N288,000
✓Hotel With 10-19 Rooms: N240,000
✓Hotel With 1-9 Rooms: N120,000
✓Central Bank - N1.2Million
✓Comercial Bank - N480,000
✓Micro Fin Bank/Bureau De Change/ Insurance and Others - N120,000 -
✓Video Rental Shops- N7,200
✓Game Houses (bet 9ja)/ Pool - N9,600
✓Parks, Entertainment, Sports
*Big - N48,000 *Small - N24,000
✓Fast food - N360,000
✓Night Club - N120,000
✓Others - N48,000

Source: G14 Media

2. Semi-Urban - Njikoka, Idemili-South, Ihiala, Awka iNorth, Oyi, Orumba North, Orumba South, Anaocha, Nnewi South, Dunukofia, and Anambra East, while Rural local governments include

✓Duplex - N18,000
✓Detached Bungalows - N9,000
✓2/3 Bedroom Flat - N5,400
✓1 BedRoom Apartment - N3,600
✓1 Room - N1,800
✓Restaurant/ Beer Parlour-
*Large - N90,000 *Small - N36,000
✓Hotel With 200 Rooms And Above: N720k
✓Hotel With 100-199 Rooms: N450,000
✓Hotel With 50-99 Rooms: N360,000
✓Hotel With 40-49 Rooms: N270,000
✓Hotel With 30-39 Rooms: N240,000
✓Hotel With 20-29 Rooms: N216,000
✓Hotel With 10-19 Rooms: N180,000
✓Hotel With 1-9 Rooms: N90,000
✓Central Bank - N900,000
✓Comercial Bank - N360,000
✓Micro Fin Bank/Bureau De Change/ Insurance and Others - N90,000
✓Video Rental Shops- N5,400
✓Game Houses (bet 9ja) - N7,200
✓Parks, Entertainment, Sports
*Big - N36,000 *Small - N18,000
✓Fast food -N270,000
✓Night Club - N90,000
✓Others - N36,000

Source: G14 Media

3. Rural - Ayamelum, Anambra West and Ekwusigo.

✓Duplex - N12,000
✓Detached Bungalows - N6,000
✓2/3 Bedroom Flat - N3,600
✓1 BedRoom Apartment - N2,400
✓1 Room - N1,200
✓Restaurant/ Beer Parlour -
*Large - N60,000 *Small - N24,000
✓Hotel With 200 Rooms And Above: N480k
✓Hotel With 100-199 Rooms: N300,000
✓Hotel With 50-99 Rooms: N240,000
✓Hotel With 40-49 Rooms: N180,000
✓Hotel With 30-39 Rooms: N160,000
✓Hotel With 20-29 Rooms: N144,000
✓Hotel With 10-19 Rooms: N120,000
✓Hotel With 1-9 Rooms: N60,000
✓Central Bank- N600,000
✓Comercial Bank - N240,000
✓Micro Fin Bank/Bureau De Change/ Insurance and Others - N60,000
✓Video Rental Shops- N3,600
✓Game Houses (bet 9ja) - N4800
✓Parks, Entertainment, Sports
*Big - N24,000 *Small - N12,000
✓Fast food - N180,000
✓Night Club - N60,000
✓Others - N24,000

Source: G14 Media

The new rate is annual and took effect October 1, 2022,

Obinna Tony Amaefuna

22/09/2022

Commuters Stranded As Awka Shuttle Drivers Begins Strike Action

22 Sept 2022

Commuters and residents within Awka, the capital city of Anambra State and it’s environs were today stranded in different bus stands as shuttle drivers allegedly begins strike action.

Stranded commuters were today spotted at different bus stands within Awka and it’s environs as shuttle drivers begins strike action allegedly caused by the Harmonized Tax by the Anambra State Government.

Recall that in her efforts to reduce the illegal tax collection and have an harmonized system of payment for commercial motorists in the State, the Anambra State Government issued an harmonized levy to commercial drivers. This is intended to reduce the level of illegal tax collection in the State.

Some weeks ago, the Shuttle drivers had earlier protested the amount issued by the state government and has today allegedly embarked on a strike action as commercial shuttles were not seen on the roads.

Our correspondent who spoke with one of the drivers was told that the action was intended for the state government to come to their aid and reduce the amount which he claimed was too much for them as most of them have “families and are driving their shuttles on hire purchase.” He noted that they expected the state government to make the amount very cheap and easy for them to pay.
Hushgist

19/09/2022

Be Responsible Stewards, Bishop Okoye Urges Christians During Pastoral Visit at St Michael's Parish Nnewi..Admits 294 into Sacrament of Confirmation ..Commends the Parishioners for their Support to Priests

Ngozi Asonibe reports from Nnewi

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, His Lordship Most Rev Dr Jonas Benson Okoye has reminded the people of God that they should be
accountable on how they discharged their duties or managed what has been entrusted to them.

He disclosed this on Sunday, September 18, 2022 during his pastoral visit at St Michael's Parish Nnewi.

He explained that the unjust steward had been so deceived by the power of his office that he forgot that he was still an employee accountable to his employer.

He advised Christians not to be deceived by the power and glamour of any office they occupy, forgetting that they are accountable to a higher authority.

To the about-to-be confirmed candidates, the prelate told them that grace would be given to them through the Sacrament of Confirmation, urging them to be soldiers of Christ and do whatever their parents told them,which is not sin.

Earlier, the parish priest, Rev Fr Joachim Umeigwilo welcomed Bishop Okoye to his parish and assured him that his parish was fulfilling all it's objectives in terms of spiritual and structural developments.

In a reception chaired by Ichie Sir Nnaeto Ojimba, who is the Vice Chairman of the parish council assured the bishop of their continued support to the diocese.

In a welcome address read by Mrs Esther Uju Ibeh, parish Secretary, the parish thanked Bishop Okoye for the pastoral visit and commended him for his wonderful works and efforts in the diocese within a short period of his administration as the bishop of Nnewi Diocese.

The parish thanked the bishop for giving them wonderful priests who work selflessly for the spiritual and physical developments of the parish.

The parish expressed appreciation to Fr Umeigwilo and the priests working with him at the parish. They mentioned some of their achievements to include renovation of the rectory, church compound, Chapel of Adoration and Grotto. They equally bought sacred vessels for the celebration of Mass, vestments for altar servers.

Highlight of the day's event was presentation of gifts to Bishop Okoye by the parish council, statutory bodies, pious societies and individuals.

10/09/2022

Anambra COMEN Holds Review Meeting with Her Relevant Stakeholders.. Says Government Should Participate In Funding COMEN's Campaign For Sustainability

Ngozi Asonibe reports from Awka

The Community Empowerement Network (COMEN), Anambra State with her Health Network of Partners coordinated by the Justice Development and Peace Caritas (JDPC) Nnewi on Friday, September 9,2022 held a review and reflection meeting at Awka, Anambra State.

The meeting was attended by the representatives from COMEN Anambra State ,Ward Development Committee (WDC), Chairmen, Officers in Charge (OIC), technical partners,Idikacho Women in Governance (I-WIG), Anambra State Associations of Town Unions (ASATU), Artisan Women Group, Small Scale Women Farmers Organisation of Nigeria (SWOFON) and among others on how COMEN's contribution to policy and implementation addressed the root cause of poor PHC service delivery and the way forward in Anambra.

While addressing the participants at the event, Mr Joshua Arogunyo, Consultant, International Budget Partnership(IBP) said that interviews, data collection procedures and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) were gathered from the Ministry of Health, Anambra State, adding that the review was to ascertain the outcome and results of COMEN Campaign.

From the findings, he said that the relationship between COMEN and her health partners in primary health care service delivery in Anambra should be commended,though will work harder for advancement and synergy.

He maintained that the review was not aimed at apportioning blame on anyone, rather to reflect on their strengths, weaknesses and the way forward to Strengthening COMEN's Campaign.

He said that the donor agencies have helped and funded COMEN all the years in building budget analysis skills, forging relationships with local officials and other capacity building.

He lauded the members of COMEN for demanding that Anambra government adequately prioritized the PHC sector, which the Anambra State Commissioner for Health,Dr Afam Obidike has fully keyed in to ensure the delivery of COMEN's mandate.

On systematic change, he lauded the Soludo administration for the adoption of Campaign and the oversight of BHCPH with regular supervision of the healthcare centres.

He noted that the influence of COMEN as a well-organized network was already significant in budgetary process, engagement with the budget office to follow up on the budget, participation in the legislative process and sensitization about the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund(BHCPF).

On effective delivery approach, he said that the social media has increased awareness, drived the conversation and capacity building of the campaign to the relevant stakeholders respectively.

Contributing, COMEN Consultant Anambra State who is also the Executive Director (ED),Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC), Mrs Ugochi Ehiahuruike noted that COMEN’s engagement with relevant government institutions has given them access to decision-making spaces previously closed to them", adding that COMEN is part of the annual budget bilateral forums in Anambra, where the executive presents budget proposals to civil society before they submit them to the legislature for appropriation.

During the group discussion, the participants noted some challenges with the state budget ex*****on and monitoring, which the meeting addressed.

They said that local PHC facilities have suffered from outdated procurement processes and delays in budget flows, which slow down repairs and investment in services; weak oversight and little opportunity for citizens to participate in decision-making about resourcing these facilities.

For COMEN's campaign to be sustained, they said that the government should deliberately participate in the funding, financed through government budgetary allocation which the communities and the people should be part of, adding that donor funding is limited for few years and the contract will be terminated.

They stated that public participatory mechanism, establishing of monitoring team and a dedicated budget line of Community Charter of Demand(CCD) should be reflected in the budget to address the issues in the primary health service delivery.

They frowned that the Monitoring and Evaluation unit under the ministry and agencies in the state have lamented the non-release of funds allocated to them to carry out projects, adding that the unit helps in identifying the most valuable and efficient ways of utilizing the resources as well as being critical for developing objective conclusions on how projects and programmes can be adjudged successful.

On capacity building, they agreed that COMEN's campaign should be updated and expanded in the remaing local governments in Anambra State for effective service delivery, growth and development.

They said that the issues with capacity building is mobility, hard to reach people in their remote areas , passion and orientation.

They stated that partnership coalition can be strengthened by having a defined goals and objectives, synergy, shared responsibilities, timeline and accountability.

On the group discussion, the participants reflected on collective agency and coalitions; participatory spaces; service delivery; fiscal goverance systems change and how to Strengthening Public Accountability For Results and Knowledge; and how has (SPARK) programme influenced changes in the fiscal goverance system.

07/09/2022

WACOL Engages Anambra Stakeholders To Change Practises That Promote Violence Against Women

Ngozi Asonibe reports from Awka

Prof Ogugua Ikpeze,the immediate past Chairperson of International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Anambra state chapter has said that the greatest form of violence against women and girls is discrimination.

She disclosed this during a town hall meeting organized by Women’s Aid Collective (WACOL) and 50/50 Action Women in collaboration with The First Ford Foundation on Tuesday September 6, 2022 at Awka.

She noted that the group is campaigning against degrading widowhood practices, denial of inheritance, forceful early marriage, harmful rituals such as ge***al mutilation, exploitation and trafficking of women and girls, among others.

She frowned on some traditional practises against women which is unconstitutional and should be emptied into the bin, adding that it is affecting them mentally, physically and emotionally.

She noted that sensitization and advocacy, town hall meeting, good reporting system, intermittent evaluation and strategy, development plan, language of the law, monitoring/continuing sensitization teams and among others would help to reduce practices against women and girls.

In their seperate speeches, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Paul University, Awka, Professor Stella Okunna; a representative of Customary Court presidents, Mrs Stella Nnebechukwu; and a representative of people living with disabilities, Ms Okeke Eucharia Odinaka noted some of the strategies towards ending harmful norms that promote violence against women and girls by ensuring massive awareness in communities to effect the needed change.

They said that the role of stakeholders cannot be overlooked and appealed to participants to take home ideas exchanged during the meeting.

Contributing, the Chairman of traditional rulers in Anaocha LGA and traditional ruler of Akwaeze town, HRM Igwe Christopher Okpala; Mr Christopher Ayiofu, representing the Association of Town Union's (ASATU);HRM Igwe Aloysius Moughalu of Isuofia, Aguata LGA, and the traditional ruler of Enugwu Umuonyia, HRM Igwe Peter Ezeamama, commended the initiator and founder of WACOL, Prof Joy Ezeilo, for the empowerment of Women and Girls in the state.

They lauded the group for their commitment to respecting the rights of women and girls as recognized in the state, national and international laws.

They said that the traditional harmful practices related to widowhood rite has reduced in the communities, saying that those remaining should be abolished.

Mrs Christiana Ezebuilo, the Secretary, Anambra Association of Traditional Rulers’ wives, said that the townhall meeting was resourceful and promised to diseminate the lessons learnt to other members of the association.

One of the religious leaders, Rev Fr Prof. Boniface Obiefuna, said that the Church and the society needed to work for the common good of the people.

Earlier, In her welcome address, founding Director of WACOL, Prof. Joy Ezeilo represented by Mrs Egodi Igwe, WACOL’s Programme Officer and Head of Communication, who addressed the participants said that the town hall meeting is aimed at changing norms and practices that promote violence against women and girls in Anambra.

She explained that the vision of WACOL is to create a democratic society free from violence and abuse where rights of women and young people are protected in law and practice.

She condemned all forms of violence against women and girls; harmful practices and social norms in Anambra.

She said the essence of the meeting is to ensure that solutions are reached and better life achieved for women and girls.

Ugochi Ehiahuruike, Anambra South Coordinator suggested that the participants should go down the grassroots to sensitize the women wings, Umu Ada Groups, age grades and among others to report cases on violence against women and girls.

The town hall meeting was attended by Anambra State traditional rulers, community President Generals, leadership of religious institutions, women leaders, youths, academia, the legal practitioners as well as the Civil Society Organisation's(CSOs) and media.

24/08/2022

We Have No Option Than To Go Into Farming, Fr Okoye Says..Exhibition of 2022 New Yam Tubers Weighing 131kg at Akpo.. Unveiling of the Chapel of Divine Providence Model..Debut of Ugochinyere Cultural Dance

Ngozi Asonibe reports from Akpo

The parish priest of Holy Family Catholic Church Akpo,Aguata in Catholic Diocese of Ekwuluobia(CADEK), Rev Fr Philip Uche Okoye who is fondly known as " Diji"due to his many feats in yam farming has said that agriculture is the biggest and fastest way of enriching the rural populace and stabilizing the polity.

He stated this during the new yam exhibition termed, "Come See Yams" 2022 at Holy Family Catholic Church Akpo,Aguata in Ekwuluobia Diocese on Sunday, August 21,2022.

He said, “We have no choice than to help grow agriculture in all states of the federation, create wealth and jobs.

He frowned that the problem we have in Nigeria is that we produce nothing but consume everything.
"We import everything we use and eat and we cannot produce the food we eat, it's horrible," he said.

"It's only when we begin to produce what we eat and use in this country that we can think of stabilizing our economy, otherwise nothing.

On provision of financial assistance,he said that farming remains his hobby,adding that he is comfortable impacting positively to the sick and elderly. He maintained that he is satisfied teaching the younger ones on the need to be productive through yam farming and keep away from vices. He suggested that the government should provide financial assistance in the form of subsidies,loans and grants to farmers in order to boost agriculture in the state.

The Christian Outlook gathered that Fr Okoye harvested a yam that weighed 161kg at Obeledu, Anaocha LGA; a tuber of yam that weighed 140kg at Nanka, Orumba North LGA and the highest of his tuber of yams harvested at Akpo,Aguata LGA weighed 131kg.

Some other tuber of yams scaled weighed 131kg, 129kg,127kg 123.22kg, 118.00kg and 111.90kg down with each of the yam tubers carried by four men and has just harvested only about 40% of the planted yams,saying that he is expecting to harvest much bigger yams from his farms this year.

On what motivated the prirst to get into yam farming, Fr Okoye stated that his intention was to help in feeding the many hungry people, especially the aged and the sick, who could no longer fend for themselves, saying that this 2022 new yam exhibition is dedicated entirely for the building of the "Chapel of Divine Providence" at Holy Family Catholic Church.

He expressed appreciation that some of the boys who he had trained already had massive yam farms which could compete with his own.

According to him, "There is no magic at all. Before cultivation,I invite all to come and witness what am doing. Maybe,I give a lot of attention to my farms".
He said that the paw paw Akpo is produced at Akpo, adding that he did the nursery around November and December 2021; transplanted them in February 2022 and started harvesting them from June 2022 till date.

Earlier,the new yam exhibition started with the celebration of Mass presided over by Fr Okoye and concelebrated by Fr Marius Okoye, Fr Felix Ezeaka and Fr Kingsley Okpata.
In a homily, Fr Ezeaka called on Christians to follow the narrow path to heaven,which has to do with sacrifice,love, faith and forgiveness.

In their seperate speeches, Sir Joe Okpalaobi, High Chief Charles Obiekwe,Chief Eze Obiora and Ocheze Chika Oragwam commended the parish priest, Fr Okoye for his selfless efforts in the parish especially the rapid progress which the parish had recorded within a short period of his stay at the parish.

Some of the dignitaries that graced the occasion include; HRM Igwe Augustine Chijioke Oragwam(Eze Oranyelu 111 of Obeledu) represented by his wife,Ocheze Chika Oragwam; Catholic community of Obeledu and Nanka;religious; friends and well wishers.

The event featured presentation of yams to the parish elders- St Joseph elders- Emmanuel Mbanefo(93years); Clement Umeokanne(92years); Donald Mmuoka(86 years);Nkanlebe Mbanefo (90years);Christiana Ifefigbo(84years); St Michael elders- Virginia Akubuezi Okpalachukwu(94 years); Grace Ozue(93 years); Lucy Nwada Emeh(91years);Agatha Ogboeri Umenduka(90 years);Mercelina Ejinwanyi Ozue(89 years),the elderly members from All Saints zone were Josephat Ikediobi(98years); Vincent Uwanga Uzoetue(95 years);Onyekamma Okpalanwaka(95 years);Bennedeth Okpalaobi(93 years);Paulinus Okpalaejinkonye(85years), exhibition of yam species like Adaka Igboukwu, Adaka Obeledu, Mmumuya Adanawa,Adaka Agueri and paw paw Akpo.

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