Rt. Hon. Uche Victor Okafor

Today, I joined my colleagues at the meeting of the Conference of Former Speakers of the State Houses of Assembly of Nigeria.

The event, aimed at discussions on "State of the Nation", was held at the Banquet Hall, Government House Yola, Adamawa State, and was hosted by the former Speaker and Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.

I was at the Umuokpu-Awka residence of my deceased senior colleague and former Speaker, the late Rt. Hon. Anayo Nnebe, to condole the family he left behind.

Signing the condolence register, I had memories of his endearing personality as well as his infectious smile and the assistance he provided to me while I served as the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly.

May Ichele Awka's soul continue to rest in peace!

I MOURN WITH A HEAVY HEART, THE DEMISE OF ANAMBRA SPEAKER, ANAYO NNEBE AT 61

The shocking news of the passing of one of Anambra's finest lawmakers was devastating. The late Rt. Hon. Anayo Nnebe dedicated his expertise, served as a Speaker in the State Assembly, and also served as a federal lawmaker who represented Awka North and South Federal Constituencies in the House of Representatives.

During my tenure as Speaker of the 7th Assembly of Anambra State, the late Nnebe was appointed a special adviser to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo on House of Assembly and National Assembly matters, an office he held till his demise. That opportunity afforded us ample time to work closely. He played key roles as a former Speaker with his wealth of experience, which contributed to the successes of the 7th Assembly of the State. The late Nnebe was readily available, even at odd hours, to be consulted or to assist in affairs, contributing to maintaining the cordial relationship that existed between the Executive and the Legislature and ensuring that our legislation was stable and equitable for Ndị Anambra. During tensed periods, he would humorously spike Honourable Members to laughter, which would ease tensions and usher in keen interest for resolutions.

Indeed, the exit of the late Anayo Nnebe has left a vacuum that will be greatly felt.

It is impossible to state in full the former Speaker's altruistic contributions and sacrifices. His effects were both commendable and obvious. He was a humanitarian, a shrewd politician, and a polished individual who personified legislative attitudes.

I console the family of the deceased lawmaker, the good people of Awka North and South, the state government, Ndị Anambra, and the entire legislative institutions. I implore us to grieve as devoted Christians who acknowledge the passing of the late Anayo Nnebe as a transition into being with our Lord.

May the soul of Ichele Awka and the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.

Rt. Hon. Uche Victor Okafor, Ph.D.

With love, I wish you and yours a Merry Christmas🎄.

"Let the words of our mouths and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable in the sight of God Almighty."

May the month of December be favourable to us!

I sympathize with the governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, and the entire family of Soludo of Isuofia community, Aguata local government area, over the demise of their father, late Chief Simeon Nwankwo Soludo, at the age of 92.

I implore the family of Soludo and the entire Isuofia and Aguata people to find comfort in the knowledge that their late father was a distinguished gentleman who rendered exceptional community and pious contributions to humanity.

May the soul of late Chief Simeon Nwankwo Soludo rest in peace. Amen!

It was a celebration of life in my hometown, Ifite-Ogwari, today as we buried our departed father, the late Chief John Okonkwo Nweke, who left the world at 101 years old. The late Pa John, who lived an exceptional life, was blessed with children, good health, and longevity.

He was more than a father to me and many other people, but particularly the father of my paddy-paddy and childhood friend, Mr. Nweke Celestine Oyibo, who was christened my Chief of Staff.

I thank God that we made it through the first ten months of the year without ugly incident and are now in the second-to-last month.

November is upon us; seize the chance it presents!

Today, I remember my special friend, my great Ally who left us exactly a year today. Akajiugo Awka, the Majority Leader of the Anambra State 7th Assembly. How time flies......your memory will ever be fresh in my mind, your unflinching support can never be forgotten.....

Rest on great Comrade.....🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

A HEARTY CHEERS TO D**EUDO AT AGE 63

I join the good people of Anambra and the rest of the world in congratulating Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, the Governor of Anambra State, on his 63rd birthday.

Mr. Governor, you've set the pace, and I have faith in your ability to succeed.

Thankful to God 🙏❤️❤️❤️

VALEDICTORY SPEECH BY THE SPEAKER OF THE 7TH ANAMBRA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, RT. HON. UCHE OKAFOR, Ph.D.

Distinguished Colleagues, it is with a heart full of appreciation and gratitude to God that I address you today as the 7th Anambra State House of Assembly winds up. We have all been privileged and honoured to be trusted with the task of representing our different constituencies over the last four years.

Let me, in all modesty, say that the 7th Anambra State House of Assembly achieved some measures of success in the areas of the number of bills that were passed, motions moved, our oversight functions, and our legislative duties.

We passed over fifty people-oriented bills. Some landmark bills passed include, but are not limited to, the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Establishment Bill, the Anambra State Youth Development and Empowerment Commission Bill, the Awka Capital Development Authority Bill, the Anambra State Mission Schools of Nursing and Midwifery Bill, the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Amendment Bill, the Anambra State Public Procurement Bill, the Anambra State Agency for Erosion, Watershed, and Climate Change Bill, the Anambra State Clear Drainage and Forest Preservation Agency Establishment Bill, as well as the Public Finance Bill.

Other Bills passed by the 7th Assembly include, Anambra State Legislative Fund Management Bill, Anambra State House of Assembly Service Commission Bill, Anambra State Judiciary Fund Management Bill, Open Grazing of Cattle and other Livestock Prohibition And Ranches Establishment Bills, Anambra State Hydraform and Concrete Agency Establishment Bill, Anambra State Leisure Parks and Street Beautification Agency Bill, Covid 19 and other Dangerous Diseases Prevention and Eradication Bill, Riverine Areas Development Commission Establishment Bills, Magistrates Court Bill, Administration of Criminal Justice Bill, Anambra State Information and Communication Technology Bill, as well as Four Years Appropriation Bills, among others.

Distinguished Colleagues, I acknowledge with humility and gratitude the work of all members of the 7th Assembly, especially my colleagues who gave their utmost to the work of the legislature. Ndi Anambra are proud of you in view of the wonderful constituency projects you did in your various constituencies as well as empowerment programmes.

At this point, I wish to pay a special tribute to two of our departed colleagues, Hon. Okechukwu Okoye (Aguata Two) and Hon. Nnamdi Okafor (Awka South One). These were outstanding public servants and respected legislators who died in active service. May their souls rest in peace. Amen.

I must acknowledge the support of the principal officers of the house, my distinguished colleagues, the former clerk of the house, Mr. Pius Udoh, and the present acting clerk, Mrs. Esther Anieto, the staff of the legislature, my personal aides, the media, and the entire citizenry for ensuring a formidable legislature.

Distinguished colleagues, I must say that the 7th Assembly has laid a solid foundation on which the 8th Assembly can build. We have shown character, commitment, and leadership, which I urge the incoming 8th Assembly to emulate.

The 7th Assembly could be adjudged the most peaceful. This could be explained by the fact that throughout my four-year tenure, there was neither an impeachment threat nor any thought of impeachment of the Speaker or any principal officer. From my heart, I can say "Dalunu," my wonderful colleagues.

As the Speaker of the 7th Anambra State House of Assembly, I thank all of you for supporting me, I lack adequate words to express my appreciation to my constituents, the good people of Ayamelum Local Government Area, who voted me twice to represent them. Special appreciation is due and is hereby given to His Excellency, Chief Willie Obiano, former Governor of Anambra State, as well as the incumbent Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, for their unflinching support of me throughout my tenure.

Above all, I thank the Almighty God, who gave me good health and wisdom to pilot the affairs of the 7th State House of Assembly. To my wonderful wife, pharmacist Amaka, and lovely children, your support and constant prayers sustained me in the last four years, and I am happy that I did not disappoint my family or the state in any way but rather, I served wholeheartedly to the best of my knowledge and ability.

Distinguished Colleagues, it is a great pleasure and honour for me to have served you in the 7th Assembly as the Speaker. May God help us to continue to serve humanity in other fields in which we may find ourselves. I wish you all well in your future endeavours.
Thank you all, and God bless us.

Rt. Hon. Uche Okafor, Ph.D.
Speaker, 7th Anambra State House of Assembly.
June 8, 2023

HAPPY CHILDREN'S DAY!

In line with the theme for this year's children's day; “Investing in our future means investing in our children”. I implore parents to properly home-school and educate their kids to get the most out of them.

Children are the pride of the family, and parents should treat them equally and without prejudice in all aspects of life. I urge kids to do their best in school and to refrain from behaviour that can damage their reputation.

I applaud Chukwuma Soludo, the state's governor, for his sincere efforts to improve education in the state, particularly the widespread involvement of more than 5,000 teachers.

Affluent people are urged to do their part to ensure that the children of Anambra State have a better future.

To help students acquire both academic excellence and strong morals, schools in the state should accelerate and strengthen their moral-instruction studies in the education curriculum. This will help the state's social control system.

I am wishing our kids a wonderful Children's Day in 2023 on behalf of myself, my family, my Constituency, and the State Legislature.

Rt. Hon. Uche Victor Okafor, Ph.D
Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly.

Blissful Easter celebration to us all.

I am grateful to God Almighty for guarding, protecting and leading me aright these 46 years. My life is a testimony of God's awesomeness, and I am eternally appreciative of His blessings.

It is my 46th birthday!

FELICITATION TO MY CONSTITUENT, NDIDI NWUNELI, DIRECTOR, STANBIC IBTC

Dear, Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, It is with joy that I received the cheerful news of your new office as the Director of Stanbic IBTC.

The global recognition of your founding and sustainability of LEAP Africa, coupled with your over twenty-five years of international development experience as a globally recognized serial entrepreneur, author, public speaker, and consultant cannot be overemphasized. You are simply exceptional.

Your distinguished work in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, where you led the design and ex*****on of high-impact initiatives with a major on policy, strategy, organizational design, ecosystem solutions, and growth speak well of your excellent disposition.

I am pround of your contribution to the boards of the Boards of over seven organizations which earned you major continental and global awards including the Alumni Achievement Award from Harvard Business School (2021), Forbes 20 Youngest Power Women In Africa (2011), and Forbes: 20 Youngest Power Women In Africa (2011).

On behalf of myself, my family, and the entire Ayamelum Constituents, I congratulate you, with strong trust in your ability to deliver at all times, we hope that you would flourish and advance the course of the Stanbic IBTC where you pilot its affairs as a Director.

Congratulations, Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli (Ada Ayamelum).

Signed:

Rt. Hon. Uche Victor Okafor, Ph.D
Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, and Member Representing Ayamelum Constituency in the State Assembly.

Spread love, live love, be the love and let love characterize your personality and actions.

Here is wishing you and yours a blissful Valentine's Day Commemoration ♥️♥️♥️

I enjoin us all to embrace the virtue of patriotism, selflessness, and productivity even as we have been ushered into a brand new year, hale and hearty.

I am optimistic that we shall accomplish bountifully this year and beyond. Here is wishing you and yours a Prosperous New Year - 2023.

The birth of Jesus Christ granted us redemption and reconciled us with God Almighty; giving us everlasting hope of glory.

May the commemoration of the birth of our Lord and Saviour - Jesus Christ usher us into newness of life coupled with resounding achievements.

I urge us to spread love to everyone in this season, with the assurance of abundance of God's replenishment.

Merry Christmas, to you all!

The Executive Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo has earlier today, 10th of November, 2022 presented the Appropriation Bill of Draft Budget Estimates of the State for the year ending, 31st of December 2023 to the State House of Assembly.

The draft budget, tagged, Budget of Acceleration has about N259.0 billion with a capital budget of N163.5 billion accounting for 63.1% while the recurrent expenditure of N95.5 billion accounts for 36.9%, and has a deficit of N13.0 billion.

The budget, with my assurance, would receive an accelerated legislative surgery and scrutiny to ensure its swift passage into law for the services of the Anambra State Government, related matters and the overall interest of Ndi Anambra.

Rt. Hon. Uche Victor Okafor, Ph.D
Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly.

EARLIER TODAY, THE ANAMBRA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY CONFIRMED TC CHAIRMEN OF VARIOUS LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS, AUDITOR GENERAL OF THE STATE, MD OF OCHA BRIGADE AND WARD COUNCILLORS.

ANAMBRA LEGISLATURE CONFIRMS TC CHAIRMEN, AUDITOR GENERAL, MD OF OCHA BRIGADE AND WARD COUNCILLORS ANAMBRA LEGISLATURE CONFIRMS AUDITOR GENERAL, MD OF OCHA BRIGADE, TC CHAIRMEN AND WARD COUNCILLORS ...

I am grateful to God who made it possible for us to witness the beginning of November 2022. May He continue to guide our steps throughout the remaining days of the month and year.

Happy New Month!

The contributions of Nigeria's foremost political leaders and those who fought for Nigeria's independence towards the corporate existence of the country were selfless and visionary.

As Nigeria marks her sixty-second independence anniversary this day, I am of the understanding that God is capable of restoring the image, unity, peace and economy of the country.

Here is wishing Ụmụ Ayamelum, Ndị Anambra, and Nigerians a happy independence celebration, I enjoined you all to uphold those features capable of uplifting the people and uniting the nation. the Nation's ruling political class should prioritise the enthronement of peace and progress of the country by formulating policies and programmes that will benefit the masses. I urge politicians in the state to appreciate Governor Chukwuma Soludo's developmental efforts so far by according him ample support.

The federal government should ensure equitable distribution of the nation's resources and opportunities among the six geopolitical zones of the country, this would help in giving everyone a sense of belonging in the affairs of the Nation.

Beloved Nigerians, let us keep praying that God takes absolute control of the affairs of the country and solves the sociopolitical, economic and other major challenges facing the masses.

Happy Independence Day!

Rt. Hon. Uche Victor Okafor, PhD.
Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly.

ANAMBRA SPEAKER CALLS FOR TRUE FEDERALISM IN NIGERIA

The Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon. Uchenna Okafor has called for a true Federalism in Nigeria where all the states and other Federating organs will be given the opportunity to develop optimally, using the country’s available resources.

Read more at:
https://tribuneonlineng.com/anambra-speaker-calls-for-true-federalism-in-nigeria/

THE DEATH OF THE MAJORITY LEADER, DR. OKAFOR, A RUDE SHOCK

May I, on behalf of the Anambra State House of Assembly notify the public and Ndị Anambra of the death of one of our Members and Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Pharm. Dr Nnamdi G. Okafor, who represented Awka South One Constituency.

The information available to me indicates that Hon. Okafor slumped and died in South Africa but the cause of his death is yet to be fully ascertained as we await the autopsy result.

The news of the death of Hon. Nnamdi Okafor came as a rude shock, and it is a great loss to the Legislative institution in the State, the Awka Community, and the State at large because the late Hon. Okafor was a knowledgeable and active legislator whose contributions both in the legislature and in his constituency distinguished him among his contemporaries.

In uncontrollable tears, I write that the State House of Assembly has lost a great, erudite and eloquent lawmaker in the person of Hon. Nnamdi G. Okafor. the deceased lawmaker's short but eventful life and times are worthy of emulation.

On behalf of the State Lawmakers and the entire legislature, I commiserate with the wife and entire family and I pray to God to grant the soul of Hon. Okafor eternal repose.

Rt. Hon. Uche Victor Okafor, PhD
Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly.

My beloved wife and mother of our children, you are not just an unpretentious person in my life and our family; you are more than that, you are our light, lover, mentor, prayer warrior and friend, and beyond that, you are the person for my life and having you by my side is an evergreen motivation.

Somto, Nneoma, Chidubem, Jidenna and myself wish you the best in the commemoration of your birth-day.

On behalf of family and constituents, I join ndị Anambra in celebrating mama Anambra, Mrs Nonye Soludo, Wife of the Governor of Anambra State on her birthday. May God grant her good health and enabling excellence as she continues to give maximum to her husband, Prof. C. C. Soludo.