News
My Community Development Efforts Motivated by Governor Soludo’s PPCP Model of development, says Metchie
… Stands Out in Grassroots Leadership in Anambra East & West Federal Constituency
Anambra State, Nigeria — An impeccable, comprehensive, and independent investigation conducted among grassroots people by the African Writers Centre (AWC) across communities in Anambra East and West Federal Constituency of Anambra State has identified Amb. Dr. John Metchie as a patriot who has what it takes to represent the people of the Constituency at any level of government in Nigeria.
Metchie was generally described as a silent and transformative community development enthusiast, passionate, impactful, and visible in grassroots leadership in Anambra East and West Federal Constituency, with a track record that residents describe as “practical, consistent, and people-driven.”
The AWC careful assessment that lasted several weeks, which included on-site visits, stakeholder interviews, and verification of project evidence, reveals a pattern of sustained humanitarian interventions and selfless community development efforts carried out by Metchie.
It is notable to observe that these interventions were selflessly done by him without holding any government appointment or elective governmental position.
Documented Impact Across Key Sectors
AWC findings show that Amb. Dr. Metchie’s activities span critical areas affecting everyday life among the people living in various communities in the Constituency. They include:
Healthcare Access
Residents across multiple communities confirmed benefiting from free medical outreach programmes, including:
• Eye screenings and treatments
• Basic healthcare services
• Support for individuals unable to afford medical care
• Maternity care for indigent mothers & babies.
Many beneficiaries described the interventions as “hand of God, timely and life-saving,” particularly in underserved rural areas, as a way to support the huge efforts and progress of the State government in the healthcare sector.
Support for the Vulnerable
The investigation highlights consistent support for:
• Persons with disabilities (PWDs)
• Elderly citizens
• The orphans
• Low-income families
Respondents in the communities commonly noted that assistance ranged from financial aid to direct material support, often delivered quietly without media attention.
Education & Capacity Building:
AWC documented targeted initiatives in schools and among students, including:
• Scholarship schemes
• Building blocks of classrooms for schools
• Distribution of learning materials to students.
According to beneficiaries, these interventions have greatly encouraged learning and motivated students in the beneficiary schools in these communities.
Women & Economic Empowerment:
AWC documented targeted initiatives supporting:
• Widows
• Subsistence farmers
• Petty traders.
These efforts, according to beneficiaries, have helped improve household incomes and economic stability, particularly among rural women.
Youth Development Through Sports:
A standout initiative identified during the investigation is Metchie’s annual football tournament, which has become a major youth engagement platform in the constituency.
The tournament features:
• Participation from multiple communities
• Productive and positive engagements
• Cash prizes and trophies
• Opportunities for youth interaction and talent discovery.
Community leaders credit the initiative with reducing youth restiveness and promoting unity and productivity.
Business Support:
Many youths and women have received seed money and startups to help them commence self-reliant entrepreneurship drives like trading, manufacturing, and transportation businesses. Others have been sponsored on skill acquisition schemes to equip them for improved livelihood.
Community Infrastructure & Security:-
AWC findings confirm the implementation of:
• Solar-powered street lighting systems, improving night-time safety and economic activity
• CCTV surveillance networks and central command and monitoring systems, contributing to enhanced community security
• Donation of vehicles for security patrol, and other necessary facilities to support community policing.
Residents in areas where these facilities exist reported improved security confidence and interventions, as well as reduced incidents of crime. His light up community project using solar has given many people sources of affordable power using simple gadgets.
Disaster Relief & Emergency Support:-
The report also documents Metchie’s response to flood incidents and other emergencies, where affected families received:
• Relief materials
• Financial assistance
• Immediate humanitarian support and succour.
National and Community Service:
Beyond humanitarian work and his chain of local and international businesses, AWC’s investigation highlights Metchie’s leadership roles within community and national structures:
• President General of the town union of the Umueri Ancient Kingdom, the Umueri General Assembly (UGA)
• Onowu of the Association of Anambra State Town Unions (ASATU)
• Deputy Commander General (Intelligence), Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS).
These roles, according to analysts, demonstrate a combination of grassroots legitimacy, broadbased administrative experience, and security expertise.
Growing Public Support:-
Across interviews conducted in markets, community gatherings, and among youth and women groups, AWC observed a recurring sentiment of trust and community acceptance associated with Metchie.
Several members of the communities emphasized that his approach differs from traditional political engagement, which they described as often limited to short-term material distribution, rather than long-term development.
A youth, Arinze Okafor stated that most of the people who had represented the Anambra East and West Federal Constituency did very little or nothing, “always sharing rice and short-lived consumables.”
Another community stakeholder noted, “What stands out is that these things were done before any political ambition became public. That gives people confidence.”
Equity and Representation Discourse:-
The investigation also uncovered ongoing discussions around equity and zoning within the constituency. AWC was told that there is an existing gentleman’s agreement on zoning of political offices among the communities in the Constituency and that it is the rightful turn of Umueri, Amb. Metchie’s community to produce the Honourable Member to represent the Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives in the 11th National Assembly in Nigeria.
With many stakeholders suggesting that it is time for leadership to emerge from areas that have not recently held the position, the coast seems clear for the people, who have become excited that at last, the Constituency would have a grassroots man, a community-spirited person, one of their own, Amb. John Metchie to represent them.
Within this context, Metchie is increasingly being referenced as a viable, prepared, tested and trusted option, given both his community roots and track records.
It is not surprising that, apart from the various local and international professional trainings and qualifications Metchie has earned in security, business and other disciplines, he has also been decorated with many awards and honours in Nigeria and internationally. These include recognitions by foreign countries and the United Nations.
Assessment Summary:
Based on the pulse of the communities and the general outlook of the Anambra East and West Federal Constituency, it is concluded that:
• Amb. Dr. John Metchie has built a verifiable record of community service
• His interventions reflect a structured approach to development, not isolated gestures
• His influence cuts across healthcare, education, and capacity building, community empowerment, women, youth support and engagement, security, and business support
• There is a growing base of grassroots acceptance and recognition.
The bottom line is that Amb. John Metchie has, without planning it or knowing it, built an unprecedented organic followership borne out of robust social capital, a huge value that comes from long relationships, trust, and social networks with his people.
These natural connections between him and the grassroots individuals and groups have become a rare asset of immense value to cooperate, share concerns with sincerity, and achieve community goals for the common good of his people.
In simple terms, Amb. Metchie is the one the community people know, they wholly trust and they are free and prepared to work with.
This is based on the trust, the networks they have collectively built within, as well as shared values and expectations that motivate them for greater achievements.
Conclusion
As political activities gradually build toward the 2027 general elections, AWC’s independent findings suggest that Amb. Dr. John Metchie has already established a strong foundation of credibility and visibility within the Anambra East and West Federal Constituency.
It is certain that this dynamic and potent momentum would translate into electoral success, as the community people are gearing up to go the whole hog to harness these potentials for political victory.
In any case, one conclusion from the field is clear: Metchie is a known grassroots figure, a towering institution of many parts, a potent community rallying point, and a formidable political force in Anambra East and West Federal Constituency.
He has become a central voice in the constituency’s evolving leadership conversation, an acceptable community voice.
To Metchie, his community development efforts and selfless support for his people was motivated by the innovative and resourceful injection of the PPCP model of development by Mr. Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, Odenigbo, Olu-Atu Egwu Ndi Anambra.
According to Dr. Metchie, “I fell in love with Prof. Soludo’s people-centric Public – Private – Community Partnership model of development, which has amplified development in Anambra State beyond what IGR and Federal allocations available to the State could achieve.
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has removed the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam, from office with immediate effect.
The governor’s directive was contained in a statement issued on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor.
According to the statement, Mbam was directed to immediately hand over all government property in his possession, including his official vehicle, to the Secretary to the State Government.
He was also ordered to transfer the responsibilities of the Ministry of Works to the Permanent Secretary pending further directives from the state government.
The statement read in part: “The Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has directed the immediate removal from office of the Honourable Commissioner for Works, Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam.
“He is to hand over all government property in his possession, including his official vehicle, to the Secretary to the State Government and transfer responsibilities to the Permanent Secretary in the ministry.”
The governor, according to the statement, assured residents that his administration remained committed to effective governance and improving public infrastructure across the state.
No reason was given for Mbam’s removal.
The development comes months after Nwifuru suspended Mbam and the Commissioner for Infrastructure Development and Concession, Engr. Ogbonnaya Obasi-Abara, in February 2026 over alleged dereliction of duty.
The earlier suspension was also announced by Uzor, who directed the affected commissioners to surrender government property and official vehicles to the SSG.
Mbam’s latest removal has reportedly generated concern within the State Executive Council, particularly amid calls for improved performance by government officials.
Former Commissioner for Information and State Orientation under the administration of former Governor David Umahi, Senator Emmanuel Onwe, had recently called on Nwifuru to overhaul his State Executive Council and ensure that officials who were underperforming lived up to expectations.
The government has not indicated whether Mbam’s removal is connected to the earlier suspension or any specific issue concerning the Ministry of Works.
News
SEDC to Launch 50,000-Hectare Agro-Mechanisation Project in Enugu to Tackle Unemployment, Insecurity
The South-East Development Commission (SEDC) has concluded arrangement for the kick-off the zone-wide 50,000-hectare agro-mechanisation project in Enugu community meant to tackle insecurity, unemployment and food insecurity.
The SEDC zone-wide 50,000-hectare agro-mechanisation, which is meant to be established in each of the 15 senatorial zones of the five South-East states, would commence at a pilot scheme level on Sept. 22.
This is contained in a statement issued by the media aide to the Governor of Enugu State, Chief Uche Anichukwu, on Wednesday in Enugu.
The Managing Director of the Commission, Mr Mark Okoye, disclosed this during a community engagement at the pilot project site in Nomeh Unateze community in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State on Tuesday.
Okoye said the SEDC had, following its establishment in 2024, used the first year to do extensive studies and design a blueprint that cuts across different areas of the South-East economy.
He said the agro-mechanisation projects, remained a major part of the commission’s blueprint, explaining that it would address insecurity, unemployment, and food security.
According to him, so, what we are here for is one of our flagship initiatives, which is called the South-East Agro Mechanisation Programme or the South East Agro Development Programme.
Okoye said that the SEDC was committed to develop up to 50,000 hectares of land and that would be used for mechanised farming across the region.
“We are here for a pre-assessment, pre-flag-off visit to see the area, understand the level of work that needs to be done and ensure that contractors can start mobilising so that once we hit the site we start running.
“Because a big part of what we are looking at is how to address food insecurity and unemployment, ensuring that we are producing what we put on the table.
“We are starting with pilot programmes where we are taking 200 to 300 hectares of farmland across 15 senatorial zones and developing them to standard farms.
“Where you not only have cassava, maize, some of our staple crops, but also some cash crops. In some areas, there will be the centres for learning and centres for productivity,” he said.
Okoye said that Gov. Peter Mbah would flag off the project on Tuesday, adding the SEDC team came to assess the area, meet with the community and ensurr that all the plans are in place.
“And within the second we put this investment here, at least N4 billion or N5 billion of added investment will come in,” he said.
Okoye commended President Bola Tinubu for addressing the long yearning by the South-East for a commission to mobilise resources and coordinate development in the region.
He urged the people to reciprocate the numerous gestures by supporting the Tinubu to continue the development efforts post 2027.
He further revealed that the commission would soon roll ou an investment agency to help mobilise local and Diaspora investments for the region’s speedy development.
A community leader in the community, Chief Uche Anichukwu, described the agro-mechanisation project as one of the blessings of the APC, Tinubu and Mbah administrations to Enugu State in general and Nomeh Unateze in particularly.
Anichukwu, who is also media aide to the Governor of Enugu State, said that the Nenwe-Nomeh-Mburubu-Nara road, with a spur to Oduma, had created ready and multiple access to market for the proposed agricultural project.
Speaking, Chairman, Nomeh Unateze Town Union Caretaker Committee, Dr Chukwudi Anyianuka, and other community stakeholders, reiterated their support for the project.
They commended Tinubu and Mbah for siting the project in their community.
“We are very happy. We cannot wait to see it actualised and we promise that we are going to provide everything that is necessary to make sure that this is established.
“The Commission has taken a methodical approach to regional development.
“Rather than the pitfall of throwing money at development challenges, it undertook a study of the region and came up with a master plan, which includes this initiative, to reinvent the South-East,” Anyianuka added.
Also present at the interactive session were the members of the traditional council of Nomeh Unateze and community heads.
…As Onitsha South Mayor Empowers Workers
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
Maintenance and rehabilitation works at the recently closed First Niger Bridge are being hampered by poor lighting during night shifts and inadequate sanitary facilities at the site.
Recall that before the closure of the bridge, the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, had disclosed that efforts would be made to carry out some of the rehabilitation works at night.
However, some of the workers at the site said poor lighting was affecting effective monitoring of activities on the bridge, while the poor sanitary condition of the area was also posing a threat to their health.
The workers made the complaints during a working visit to the bridge by the Mayor of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Chief Emeka Orji.
Orji, who was accompanied by the Secretary of the Local Government, Barr. Paul Onuachalla, and executives of the Fegge Community Landlords/Tenants Welfare Association, led by its Chairman, Chief Nnamdi Onugha, provided cooked meals and packs of bottled water to the personnel and workers at the site.
Speaking after the visit, Orji said the gesture was aimed at supporting the workers and showing solidarity with the Federal Government’s rehabilitation efforts on the bridge.
He said, “To support the workers and give them a sense of belonging, that is why we came to appreciate them. We will continue doing so from time to time as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility.”
The Mayor also disclosed that the council had provided facilities, including mobile toilets and water tanks, while arrangements were being made for water tankers to supply water to the tanks.
Orji further stressed the importance of the military presence in Onitsha South, noting that the personnel would contribute to security, rapid response and protection of the bridge, Onitsha South and parts of Ogbaru Local Government Area.
He added that the council would continue to strengthen its collaboration with security agencies to ensure maximum security across Onitsha South Local Government Area.
Earlier, after inspecting the environment with the Mayor, the Officer in Charge, who pleaded anonymity, identified poor lighting at the bridge at night as one of the major challenges confronting the personnel.
According to him, the situation makes it difficult to effectively monitor activities around the bridge, particularly during night shifts.
He also complained about the poor sanitary condition of the under-bridge environment where the personnel camp, saying they had to clean up the area themselves upon arrival.
The officer further appealed for improved accommodation and food support for the personnel.
He, however, commended the Mayor for the visit and assistance, saying the gesture made the workers feel appreciated.
“We feel loved and appreciated. We are happy seeing you around,” he said.
Africa’s richest industrialist, Aliko Dangote, has revealed that he bought his first private jet at the age of 22 and a half.
Dangote made the disclosure on Monday in Lagos during the formal launch of the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals on the Nigerian Exchange.
Reflecting on his business journey, the billionaire said he had enjoyed travelling by private jet over the years but was now comfortable using commercial flights.
He also urged wealthy Nigerians to channel more of their resources into productive investments rather than luxury assets.
Dangote particularly appealed to affluent Nigerians who spend huge sums on private aircraft to consider investing such wealth in industries and businesses that could contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.
“I try as much as I can to encourage people who are riding $900 million aircraft to please go and put that into production. We are not going to be a great nation without doing something productive,” he said.
He stressed that directing private wealth towards productive ventures would help strengthen the economy, create jobs and provide greater opportunities for national development.
The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) has rejected claims that it appropriated or “stole” the idea of Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit from another organisation whose application was reportedly pending before the Federal Ministry of Trade.
NDCCITMA considers the allegation misleading and wishes to set the record straight.
The concept of Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit is a broad and widely recognised platform used globally to bring together government, the private sector, investors, businesses, development partners and other stakeholders to deliberate on economic growth and development. The use of the term “Economic Summit” does not, in itself, establish exclusive ownership of the concept by any individual or organisation.
More importantly, the chronology of events does not support the allegation being made against NDCCITMA.
While the said application was reportedly still pending before the Ministry of Trade as at September 2025, NDCCITMA had already gone through the appropriate processes and received approval from the Ministry of Trade in August 2025.
NDCCITMA did not rely on, copy, or appropriate the pending application of any other party in arriving at its name or identity
It is also important to distinguish between a concept and legally protected intellectual property, such as a registered trademark, proprietary material or other enforceable intellectual property right.
NDCCITMA remains committed to conducting its activities in accordance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.Most importantly, in Suit No: FHC/PHC/CS/57/2026 filed on same subject matter in Portharcourt by the petitioner, the learned Judge had restrained the plaintiff from further interfering with the Summit being planned by the NDCCITMA. NDCCITMA will continue respect the rule of law
We therefore urge the public, stakeholders, the media to disregard any narrative unless such claims are supported by verifiable facts and relevant legal documentation.
NDCCITMA firmly rejects the allegation and maintains that its activities and identity were developed and pursued independently and through the appropriate regulatory channels.
The organisation remains focused on its mandate of promoting commerce, industry, trade, agriculture, investment and sustainable economic development across the Niger Delta region.
Signed:
Management
Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA)
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