…Stretching to a New Height of Excellence: A NEW YEAR MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR OF ANAMBRA STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY CHIEF WILLIE OBIANO, JANUARY 1, 2015

My dear Ndi Anambra, I bring you warm greetings as we enter into a new year.  We should be grateful, individually and collectively that God saw us through 2014 and ask for Divine guidance in 2015. Fellow citizens, the New Year presents us a chance to look inwards to re-appraise ourselves and look outwards and renew our faith in God. Indeed, it is a time to make resolutions and rededicate ourselves to the values that define us and the challenges and struggles that shape our evolving society. Above all, the New Year is a time to freshen up our convictions on the ties that bind us together as one people who must break through the limitations of time and resources to lay a solid foundation for hope. The future of any society lies in its capacity to look beyond the darkness and doubts of today and see a glimmer of hope in the shadows of tomorrow.

Ndi Anambra, we look back at where we are coming from to where we are today and where we are heading to in the future, we can all see that our tomorrow will be greater than our yesterday. Our state is now in its 23rd year.  Although this great state may not have started out strong, it has over the last couple of years picked up momentum.  We are committed to taking the state to greater heights with our articulated Blue Print.

Obiano Lends Helping Hand to Accident Victims

 

 The compassionate Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano once again showed his humane side today when he stopped his convoy to commiserate with some victims of an auto crash along the Awka Etiti - Iseke, Express way.

 

The accident ‎which involved a Mercedes Benz 230 salon and a Toyota Corolla with the sign of a learner was somewhat miraculous as no one was hurt in spite of the terrible shape of the vehicles after the collision.

 

In a move reminiscent of his recent rescue of an accident victim in Onitsha, Governor Obiano ordered his convoy to pull over and quickly moved to the crash scene to lend a hand.

 

On discovering that no one was hurt, the Governor heaved a sigh of relief ‎and ordered his men to take them to a nearby hospital for basic checks after saying some soothing words to them.

 

Here are the pictures...

 

Anambra Attracts $1.65B Investment, as Oduah heads Anambra Airport Project

 

In keeping with his avowed commitment to achieve increased investment in flow into the State, Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano has said that the State has so far attracted about one billion, sixty-five million US Dollars investment from investors since March 17th, 2014 when the new administration was inaugurated.

These investments he said, were attracted to key areas‎ covering agriculture, hospitality and tourism industry, power generation, trade and commerce, among others.

Obiano who addressed journalists on the various programmes and achievements as well as challenges facing his government, also disclosed that he had appointed former Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Oduah as head of Anambra State Airport Development Agency based on her wealth of experience and track record of turning around the country’s aviation industry.

Phyno, Patoranking, Slow Dog, others, Light up Anambra Heritage Festival

 

The maiden edition of the Anambra Heritage Festival recorded a huge success in terms of turnout of Christmas returnees and fans who poured encomiums on the State governor, Chief Willie Obiano for the manifest freedom and return of nightlife in the State which enabled them to socialize and catch fun with friends and relatives.

The event, organized by the Ministry of Information, Tourism and Culture came to a magical end with an amazing night of music, comedy and fun with an electrifying performance by Igbo hip-hop sensation, Phyno who brought down the roof with his trademark styles that sent the audience reeling in ecstasy and asking for more.

 

Since Governor Obiano took over the reins of leadership in Anambra State, the hitherto nonexistent social circuit has come alive with memorable nights like the hugely successful Miss Independent Beauty Pageant in October and a recent Literary Evening with novelist Okey Ndibe which saw residents and visitors to Awka, the state capital thronging Emmaus House and Havilah suites respectively  for the enthralling outings.

Recalling Obiano’s Colourful Ascension to the APGA Throne

  

Wednesday December 17 2014 was a special day in the life of the All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA).

 The occasion was the special national convention of the APGA held at the Women Development Centre Awka, Anambra State.

Delegates numbering hundreds had converged at the convention venue for the event slated to start at 10am.

They came from all over Nigeria, North, South, West and East, comprising the country's six geo-political zones, without exception.

As early as 9.45am, the massive hall was filled to the brim, and over-flowed to the expansive lawn of the centre.

The party's captivating montage mixed with tunes in Nigeria's major dialects blared to high pitch, to the gyration of the mammoth gathering of party faithfuls, waiting patiently for the commencement of the "fiesta".

Anxiety rose when at about 2pm the host, Governor Willie Maduabuchi Obiano, APGA National Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh and other party stalwarts had not turned up.

EXCLUSIVE PICTURES: Anambra Breaks into New Day as Phyno Brings Cultural Festival to Glorious End.

For many residents of Awka, the forcefully emerging capital city of Anambra State, this year’s Christmas will go down in history as the Open Sesame for a glorious future. 

Following the resolve of the Willie Obiano administration to lead the state to a bright new day, a special festival tagged the Anambra Heritage Festival was organised to shake up the social circuit in the state. 

The Festival which began with a cultural display by masquerades from the 21 Local Government Areas on Tuesday December 23 came to a dazzling end on Boxing Day with special Jamblast at the Alex Ekweme Square, headlined by the iconic hip-hop and Igbo rap sensation, Phyno. 

It was a night of colour and razzmatazz that brought the glamorous side of Awka and marked the beginning of a proper entertainment scene in Anambra State. 

We bring you the story in pictures….   

…Time to Heal Nigeria with Love

A Christmas Message from the Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Chief Willie Obiano   

 

NdiAnambra, we are once again in that special period of the year when Christians from all over the world come to a momentary break to mark the greatest act of love known to mankind – the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

All over the world, Christmas is seen as a season of love and profound affection as well as a season of remembrance and nostalgia. It is a time when love and kindness rule the hearts of many Christians.

 

PICTURES: The Historic Christmas Eve at Upper Iweka

 

 It's Xmas Season with a special feeling as Ndi Anambra have never had it so good.

Experiencing the first Secure, Friendly and Wealthy Yuletide Season. Thanks to governor Willie Obiano and his team.

Here are some pictures capturing great moments from the historic Christmas Eve celebrated yesterday night at Upper Iweka, Onitsha in Anambra State.

I repeat... It has never been so good! Merry Xmas...

Knighthood: Obiano Charges Obi, Ilozumba to Fight for the Poor, Voiceless

The governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has charged his predecessor in office, Sir Peter Obi and the Hon Commissioner for Works in the state, Sir CallistusIlozumba to use their new position as Knights of St Sylvester to wage a fierce war that will liberate the poor and the voiceless in the society.

 

Speaking at the special mass held at St Patrick Catholic Church, Awka to mark the investiture of the duo as Knights of St Sylvester, Governor Obiano observed that Knighthood was not an end to the journey but a call to service to mankind.

 

Brilliantly recalling the historic Siege of Malta when the Ottoman Empire invaded the little island of Malta in 1565 and the heroic exploits of the knightsin the eventual rescue of Malta, Governor Obiano declared that the knighthood demands a high level of social responsiveness from the recipients.

Obiano’s Wife Leads ASA-Women USA on Walk to End Cancer

 

A bid to create awareness on the need to check the rising cases of cancer in Nigeria   received a big boost Friday, when the wife of Anambra State governor, Chief (Mrs.) Ebelechukwun Obiano led a road campaign march tagged “Walk for Hope to End Cancer Now” to create awareness on the cancer scourge and raise fund for the establishment of an Ultra-modern Cancer Treatment Centre in Awka, Anambra State.

The awareness march which was organized by the Anambra State Association (ASA) Women USA in collaboration with the Office of the Wife of Governor of Anambra State, Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Anambra State Women Association Lagos, Breast without Spot and Saint Charles Borromeo Hospital, Onitsha has as its theme: “Every Life Deserves World Class Care.” The march preceded a seminar at the field of the ABS, Awka, witnessed the campaigners comprising of young and old men and women trek more than two and half kilometres from ABS complex through Aroma Junction en route Enugu-Onitsha Expressway to the Office of the Governor, before terminating at the Office of the Wife of the Governor.

PHOTOS: Bishop Ezeokafor Thanks Obiano for Continuity says "Willie Is Indeed Working"

 One is greatly moved by the Homily of His Lordship, Most Rev Paulinus C. Ezeokafor on the occasion of the Investiture as Papal Knights of St Sylvester, of Chief Peter Obi and Hon Callistus Ilozumba happening today at St Patrick’s Catheral, Awka, which suggests that continuity is working in Anambra State.

Part of the homily reads:

“We know no one has really succeeded till he or she gets a worthy successor… Following the prayers of our people for a worthy successor to Chief Peter Obi, Anambra has been blessed with Chief Willie Obiano who since assuming office has left no one in doubt about his commitment to the welfare of Anambrarians.

He has worked hard not only to consolidate on his predecessor’s developmental strides in governance, but also to open up new frontiers of development.

… He has kept faith with his avowals to turn around the economy of the state through his 4 point economic agenda which has multiple enablers as ancillary facilitators.

In less than 10 months in office, Chief Obiano, has made remarkable impact in Agricultural, Oil & Gas, Trade & Commerce and Industrial Sectors.

The flyovers springing up in Awka and the ongoing work in different construction sites in the state show that there is no deceleration in the pace of infrastructural development and in commitment to the good people of the State.

To the glory of God and thanks to Chief Obiano’s initiative, there is almost zero crime rate in the State…

Let me plead with all and sundry to assist our energetic and visionary Governor to succeed… Willie is indeed working”

Here are some early pictures…

Obiano Charges Candidates to go for Victory as APGA Flags off 2015 Campaign

Candidates flying the flag of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the coming general elections were handed a “battle cry” at the formal presentation of flags at the Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, Anambra State capital Saturday where the new BoT Chairman and National Leader of the party, Chief Willie Obiano charged them to “go and win” all the positions that are up for grabs in the coming elections.

Presenting the flags to the candidates, Obiano who is also the governor of the State stressed that the resounding accomplishments of his government had justified the confidence of the electorate in APGA and therefore provide the candidates the leverage to canvass for votes among the people in the state reasoning that, “our performance should be one of the reasons the electorate should vote for the party.”

APGA Holds Colourful Special Convention, Lays Foundation for Anambra Headquarters

Aside the much applauded APGA Special National Convention held at Awka yesterday during which the party ratified Gov Willie Obiano as the BoT Chairman and adopted President Goodluck Jonathan as the party's candidate for the 2015 presidential election, history was made as the party laid the foundation stone for its State Headquarters.

Present at the occasion were the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano and his Deputy, Dr Nkem Okeke, the National Chairman of APGA, Sir Victor Umeh, Amb Bianca Ojukwu, the Secretary to the Government of Anambra State, Hon. Oseloka Obaze and the Chief of Staff, Prof Joe Asike, 

Also present were Capt Iheanacho (Imo State APGA Guber Candidate), Chief Okey Ezibe, Chief Dubem Obaze, Chief Law Chinwuba and many others.

Here are some pictures...

APGA ratifies Obiano’s Appointment as Leader, BOT Chairman

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has  ratified the appointment of the  governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano as the Leader and Board of Trustees Chairman of the Party at a Special National Convention of the Party, held Wednesday, at the Women Development Center, Awka.

The ratification of Obiano’s appointment followed a motion moved by the Oyo State Chairman of APGA, Deacon Samson Olaleye and seconded by his Anambra State counterpart, Chief Akunwata  Mike Kwentoh.

Article 25 of APGA Constitution which was amended and adopted at the Special National Convention approved that a person can hold two positions at the same time, thus paving the way for Obiano to assume the dual role of the governor and Leader/BOT Chairman.

Full Text of Obiano's Speech at the APGA Special National Convention

AN ADDRESS BY THE BoT, CHAIMAN OF APGA, GOVERNOR OF ANAMBRA STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY CHIEF WILLIE OBIANO AT THE SPECIAL CONVENTION HELD BY THE ALL PROGRESSIVE GRAND ALLIANCE (APGA) AT THE WOMEN DEVELOPMENT CENTER, AWKA ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2014.

PROTOCOL

With great humility, I thank you for the challenge you have handed to me to serve this great party as your National Leader and Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Most men live out their lives without ever knowing what it takes to provide leadership beyond the narrow confines of the family. I count myself lucky for all the opportunities you have given to me in the past 12 months. I have made rapid progress on the ladder of leadership and climbed several steps through ordinary membership of this great party to become a gubernatorial candidate, a governor and finally a Leader and BOT Chairman. 

I am eternally grateful to you all for this and I say thank you for giving me this moment.

PICTURES: Happening Now... APGA Holds Special National Convention

The All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA is currently holding its Special National Convention at the Women Development Centre, Awka.

All statutory delegates from the 6 geo-political zones of Nigeria started arriving Awka for the event. This is a great development as APGA positions itself to take over more states in the South East with Chief Willie Obiano, the governor of Anambra State as the new Chairman, Board of Trustees.

Here are some early pictures...

PICTURES: It Is Christmas... Obiano Spends Time with the Physically Challenged as CAFE Gives Out Prosthetic Limbs

In the spirit of Christmas, Gov Willie Obiano of Anambra State spent sometime with persons living with disabilities today at the Women Development Centre, Awka during the flag-off of the distribution of prosthetic limbs fittings.

The event was organized by Caring Family Empowerment Initiative, the pet project of the wife of the  Governor, Chief (Mrs) Ebelechukwu Obiano (Osodieme) in partnership with Tolaram Foundation and Rotary International.

Here are some pictures capturing every moment...

Obiano Lays the Foundation Stone for West Africa Inter-Continental Trade Centre

In a strategic move to implement his Four Pillars of Development, Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State has laid the foundational cornerstone for the proposed multi-million dollar West Africa Inter-Continental Trade Centre to be built in Ogbunike, Oyi Local Government of the state.

The proposed Trade Center is a major component of the Trade and Commerce category of Governor Obiano’s Four Pillars of Development. The other pillars are Agriculture, Industrialization and Oil and Gas. Already, Obiano has made remarkable efforts in exploiting the pillar of Agriculture; attracting over $500m investments to the sector.

On completion, the Intercontinental Trade Centre is expected to be the largest and most comprehensive commercial and entertainment complex in Africa, accommodating a large number of wholesale plazas and retail clusters, state-of-the-art residential blocks, eateries, convention centers, a boutique hotel and a motel that will all be operated by leading brands across the globe.

PRESS STATEMENT: Uzochukwu Ezenwanne does not Speak for Governor Obiano

Our attention has been drawn to a Facebook comment, purportedly authored by a certain Uzochukwu Ezenwanne, castigating President Goodluck Jonathan for failing the South East Region.

Following this ill-conceived comment, some mischievous online publications and social media commentators have made several malicious efforts to link Mr. Ezenwanne to the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano. In pursuit of an inglorious agenda, this segment of the social media have spuriously identified him as a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Obiano and proceeded to attribute Ezenwanne’s tragic comments to him.

We wish to inform the general public that Uzochukwu Ezenwanne is neither an employee of the Anambra State government nor an aide in whatever capacity, to Governor Willie Obiano. Mr. Ezenwanne is not in any way connected to Governor Obiano or any of his close aides.

Consequently,

Obiano Moves to Modernize Anambra, Launches Intercity Taxi to link Onitsha, Nnewi, Awka

 In a bold move to give the three leading cities of Anambra State an outlook of modernity and shore up their social index, the governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has launched three landmark initiatives that will change the face of the State.

  

The initiatives are the Anambra State City Cab Scheme, Operation Clean & Healthy Anambra (OCHA Brigade) and the Anambra State Traffic Management Agency (ATMA). Although Anambra State with its three major cities and pockets of urbanizing towns is the most developed state in the South East, residents have always complained of the absence of organized intra and inter-city taxis that will facilitate the movement of commuters inside and between the cities.

 

Speech by His Excellency, the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano on the occasion of the Launch of OCHA Brigade, ATMA and the Anambra State City Cab Scheme

 

A Speech by His Excellency, the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano on the occasion of the Launch of OCHA Brigade, ATMA and the Anambra State City Cab Scheme on Friday, December 5, 2014.

 

Your Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Nkem Okeke

Your Honour, Secretary to the State Government, Oseloka Obaze

Your Lordship, the Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Peter Umeadi

The Chief of Staff, Prof Joe Asike

The Head of Service, Mr. Chidi Ezeoke

Principal Officers and other Executives of the Anambra State Government here present

Service Chiefs

Traditional Rulers

Gentlemen of the Press

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen

Ndi Anambra ekenem unu

Nke onye chili ya zelu oo!

 

Eight months into the life of my administration, I am delighted to stand before you today to flag off three landmark initiatives that will expand the frontiers of excellence in Anambra State.  These initiatives are:

 

Operation Clean & Healthy Anambra (called OCHA Brigade)

 

Anambra State Traffic Management Agency (called ATMA) and

 

The Anambra State City Cab Scheme

 

The first of the three initiatives is Operation Clean & Healthy Anambra “called OCHA” Brigade. It is an Enforcement Unitwith a mandate to facilitate improvement in our quality of life by enforcing environmental cleanliness, healthy living habits, good hygiene and general orderliness in the state.

 

The Vision

Obiano Turns Attention to Trade and Commerce, Lays Foundation for $350m Inter-continental Trade Centre in Ogbunike

In a strategic move to implement his Four Pillars of Development, Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State has laid the foundational cornerstone for the proposed multi-million dollar West Africa Inter-Continental Trade Centre to be built in Ogbunike, Oyi Local Government of the state.

 

The proposed Trade Center is a major component of the Trade and Commerce category of Governor Obiano’s Four Pillars of Development. The other pillars are Agriculture, Industrialization and Oil and Gas. Already, Obiano has made remarkable efforts in exploiting the pillar of Agriculture; attracting over $500m investments to the sector.

 

On completion, the Intercontinental Trade Centre is expected to be the largest and most comprehensive commercial and entertainment complex in Africa, accommodating a large number of wholesale plazas and retail clusters, state-of-the-art residential blocks, eateries, convention centers, a boutique hotel and a motel that will all be operated by leading brands across the globe.

Obiano Wins Nigeria’s Governor of the Year

 

The international multimedia networks and public policy organization, USAfrica, has adjudged the Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, as the Nigerian Governor of the Year, ending 2014, “based on the USAfrica Governance Index  for combining effective management, practical results and grassroots social responsibility since the blast of his Anambra Governorship whistle on March 17, 2014.” 

USAfrica — with almost 23 years of professional journalism and multimedia publishing business from its headquarters in Houston, Texas — has been acclaimed by the CNN, The New York Times, international scholars and public policy leaders as the largest and arguably the most influential African-owned, U.S-based multimedia networks.

A statement issued from Houston, Texas, by the Founder & Publisher of USAfrica and the  first African-owned, U.S.-based professional newspaper published  on the internet, USAfricaonline.com, Dr. Chido Nwangwu, articulated why Obiano bagged the prestigious recognition, noting that “in less than ten months of taking over the mantle of leadership of Anambra State, the banker turned politician has, with purposeful zeal attracted investments and with the courageous heart of a bull, confronted the criminals and miscreants who had unleashed mayhem and gripped the peace loving people of the state in the throes of trepidation, fear and death…. Obiano is proving to the people of Anambra and Nigerians, at home and in the Diaspora, that here cometh a man of proven technocratic competence out to put Anambra State on its rightful place on the map of economic development of Nigeria.” 

Obiano Dazzles Onitsha Residents with Amazing Christmas Lights, Upper Iweka Glitters

Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State has continued to blaze the trail in the pursuit of excellence in governance, weaving aesthetics into the tapestry of his administrative exploits as could be seen with the sudden transformation of the once notorious Upper Iweka axis of Onitsha into a breathtaking kaleidoscope colours in readiness for Christmas.

 

Travellers into the Eastern heartland are forced to gasp in wonder as the long stately highway that connects the Niger Bridge to Upper Iweka now explodes into a carnival of colour at night in subtle demonstration of the positive change that Governor Obiano and his team have ushered into Anambra State. On the surface of the amazing transformation of Onitsha at night is the message of Christmas. However, underneath that is the subliminal message of transformation and hope for a once troubled city that used to be the dread of benighted road travellers.