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.
Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha has continued to distinguish himself not only as a grassroots politician but as a sound parliamentarian who clearly understands the true essence of legislative representation and public service.
Since emerging as the Member representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Umeha has consistently demonstrated capacity, vision, and commitment both on the floor of the National Assembly and within his constituency.
Unlike many politicians whose promises disappear after elections, Rt. Hon. Umeha has steadily transformed his campaign mantra, “Go and Verify,” into practical realities visible across communities in Ezeagu and Udi Federal Constituency.
From road construction to solar-powered streetlights, classroom projects, healthcare interventions, agricultural empowerment, scholarships, boreholes, and youth development programmes, his stewardship has remained rooted in service delivery and measurable impact.
Observers say one of the strongest qualities that separates Umeha from many lawmakers is his deep understanding of parliamentary responsibilities. Through strategic bills and motions, he has continued to show that representation goes beyond rhetoric and political appearances.
Among several notable legislative efforts, he sponsored bills seeking the establishment of a Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition in Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency, reforms in the education sector through the abolition of levies in public basic schools, mandatory insurance protection for NYSC members, and the establishment of a National Football Academy.
He also sponsored motions addressing critical national concerns, including the investigation into the gruesome killing of Nigerians by soldiers in Enugu State and the urgent completion of the Karshi/Apo Road project in Abuja to ease traffic congestion.
Political analysts note that these interventions reflect a lawmaker who understands that effective representation must combine constituency development with strong legislative advocacy.
Many constituents equally commend him for remaining faithful to the promises he made during his campaigns. Across the constituency, residents point to completed and ongoing projects as evidence that the lawmaker has not reneged on his commitments to the people.
Beyond governance and legislative duties, Rt. Hon. Umeha also played significant roles in efforts aimed at restoring sanity, stability, and internal cohesion within the Labour Party before his eventual defection to the APC.
Sources within the political space in Enugu State revealed that Umeha consistently pushed for peace, unity, and institutional order within the party during periods of internal crisis and leadership disagreements. His interventions were said to be driven by the desire to protect the interests of party members and preserve the integrity of the platform.
However, following prolonged internal challenges and unresolved structural issues within the Labour Party, the federal lawmaker eventually moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a decision many political observers described as strategic and inevitable.
Despite the political transition, supporters insist that his focus has remained unchanged — delivering quality representation, empowering constituents, and sustaining developmental projects across Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency.
For many residents, Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha represents a rare blend of grassroots leadership, legislative competence, humility, and political responsibility.
And across the constituency, the verdict from many communities remains simple:
“He promised, and he delivered.”
Today, Friday 8 May 2026, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma (Onwa Umueri) laid his beloved sister, Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke to rest in a solemn but dignified ceremony.
A large number of family and friends gathered in Ogboji in Orumba South Local Government Area for her burial.
It was a solemn yet beautiful celebration of a life well lived, one marked by grace, resilience, and strong family values. The Funeral Mass was officiated by His Emience, Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpalaeke, The Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese.
In a heartfelt family tribute, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma shared that her sister “it is indeed well with your soul and has gone to rest with the Lord,” expressing profound grief over the irreplaceable loss of a beloved sibling who played a significant role in their family. He prayed for God to grant her His mercy and reward her with Beatic Vision. He opined that they as a family will continue from where she stopped. Our Hope in God and Believe in the resurrection of the dead and communion of the saints will spur them on as they continue to place all their hopes in God who made Heaven and Earth.
The Funeral and Burial Ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries including Her Excellency Senator Dr Iyom Uche Ekwunife, APC State Chairman, Most Distinguished Senator Emma Anosike, Chief Uzoma Igbonwa (Okeife Alor), YPP Deputy Governorship Candidate 2025 Governorship Election, His Excellency, Chief Uzu Okagbue, Former Nigeria Ambassador to Burundi, His Excellency, Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba (Ozonkpu Ike Enuguwu-Ukwu N’Umunri, Dr Oby Orah, Executive Director FAAN, Prof Charles Esimone, Former Vice Chancellor Unizik, Chief Hon Raph Okeke, Barr CJ Chinwuba, Hon Chizo Obidigwe, Hon JC Okeke (Deputy Chairman ,APC Anambra State, chief Anthony Obiazie (Ichie Ide), Onwa Lento Aluminium.
Others are The Vice Chancellor of Benue State University and Members of the Governing Council, the Rector Anambra State Polytechnic,Dr Njideka Rita Chiekezie, Hon Obi Henry APC State secretary, Hon Ify Nwachukwu (Ada Onowu), Prof Jaja Nwanegbo, and several other respected leaders from the political, traditional, and religious communities.
Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke died after Major Brain Tumour Surgery in Germany, aged 44 years. May the soul of Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke rest in perfect peace, and may God grant the entire Chukwuma of Umueri and Okeke family of Ogboji, the strength and comfort to bear this irreparable loss.
*Videos and Photos Speak:*
*(C) Paschal Candle.*
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Gubernatorial candidate Mr John Nwosu and running mate of the African Democratic Congress ADC in Anambra state Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu have stated that despite the deoature of Mr Peter Obi, and Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,the party is still intact and would run it’s full course in the 2027 general election.
The duo however lamented that the deoature of Obi is indeed painful but was quick to add that the party must forge ahead .
He said as leaders, Obi and Kwankwaso and other key chieftains of the ADC who suddenly left to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) would have waited to resolve the problems the ADC is facing when it mattered most rather than taking a swift to another fold.
Chief Nwobu bared his mind and feelings of other stakeholders of the ADC while briefing newsmen shortly after the ADC Anambra Leadership Consultative Meeting held on Friday in Awka the state capital.
He noted with nostalgia that the candidate of the Labour Party (LP) during the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi could have shown restraint and commitment in the ADC even in face of the party’s plethora of litigations pending before different courts than leaving it unceremoniously with others.
He vowed that despite the development, leaders and members of the State chapter of the ADC are resolute to take the full circle of the electoral battle ahead of next year’s general elections and would get to it to successfully.
Accorisng to him, the National leadership of the party was not given the opportunity to settle down even less than 24 hours before the supreme Court judgment on Thursday last week when news about the detection of those who left the party rented the air waves up till Friday and Saturday same week and finally on Sunday when the news was finally blown to the entire world.
Nwobu disclosed that the opposition ADC in the state at the moment parades about nine House of Representatives and six State House of Assembly aspirants who have bought nomination forms to contest the 2027 elections while more have indicated interest to join the epical race.
The ADC stalwart further maintained that all those who indicated interest to contest the various positions are greatly prepared to run the race with high morals.
“We feel pains that these people left the party (ADC); definitely it’s going to affect the gains of the party. There’s no point saying every other thing. That having been said I am telling you that those who remain in the party are resolute and prepared to run the course.
He said the ADC Anambra Leadership Consultative Meeting reaffirm loyalty and support to the National leadership under David Mark as national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as the National Secretary.
Nwobu who was flanked by Hon. Christian Okeke, Ven. Chris Orajekwe and Arch. Afam Moma, Samuel Ikefuna, and Reginald Akunekwe and Ben Chuks Nwosu said “the state leaders reaffirm loyalty and support of the ADC Anambra state to the National leadership headed by Senator David Mark and His Excellency Rauf Aregbesola.”
“The meeting resolved to commend the founding chairman of the ADC Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu for the exemplary show of representing the ADC platform as an umbrella body for the coalition and his selfless role In navigating the coalition to it’s fruition.”
“And we wish to affirm that the ADC’s best is from Anambra state and Anambra state will not be found wanting in the efforts of the party to achieve success during the 2027 general elections,” he said.
“For our brothers who has moved on tp other platform, we wish them well. I look forward to a day we will all join hands together to salvage this country,” Nwobu stated.
He explained further that no new leadership has been Inaugurated in Anambra,adding that that it’s unnecessary for somebody to say he or she has resigned as the party is still contending on issues of offices, conduct of Congresses at the Federal High court.
Chief Nwobu stated that the Inauguration of officials elected at Congresses across the states would be made on the 11th of this month.
By Chinedu Sabastine
The Enugu State Government, in partnership with the South Sahara Social Development Organisation (SSDO), has intensified efforts to strengthen domestic resource mobilisation (DRM) as part of broader strategies to boost climate finance and promote responsive budgeting.
The initiative aligns with the administration’s climate policy framework, which emphasises sustainable development, a green economic transition, and improved fiscal planning.
This was disclosed during a two-day stakeholders’ dialogue on domestic resource mobilisation for climate-responsive budgeting held at Sylvia Hotel, Independence Layout, Enugu and funded by ActionAid Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Director of Climate Change in the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Nnamdi Arum, said the state has integrated climate considerations across its projects and programmes.
According to him, while Enugu continues to benefit from international funding support, deliberate steps are being taken to strengthen internally generated resources for climate initiatives.
“Climate change has been prioritised across ministries in Enugu State. Most projects are now designed with green considerations in mind,” Arum said.
He commended Governor Peter Mbah for appointing Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke as Special Adviser on Climate Change, noting that his leadership has helped translate climate policies into actionable programmes.
Arum added that the government is actively engaging diverse groups, including youths and persons with disabilities, to ensure inclusive climate policy development.
On funding gaps, he acknowledged that despite progress, external support remains crucial particularly in the agricultural sector to enhance food security and affordability.
In his remarks, Research Policy Officer with SSDO, Okechukwu Ajah, said the dialogue aimed to bridge the gap between policy formulation and implementation.
He noted that although Enugu has domesticated its climate policy and action plan, challenges such as weak inter-ministerial coordination and the absence of clear climate budget tagging persist.
“Many agencies still operate in silos, and there is no distinct climate imprint in budgeting across ministries. This affects ownership and effective implementation of climate policies,” Ajah said.
He expressed optimism that the engagement would yield practical, implementable recommendations, stressing the need to move from theory to action.
Ajah also highlighted the importance of youth inclusion in climate discussions, describing young people as critical stakeholders in shaping sustainable futures.
One of the participants, Chidera Ekoh, described the dialogue as insightful, noting that it provided practical knowledge on addressing climate challenges.
“Climate change is already impacting our economy. This programme has equipped us with the knowledge to prioritise challenges and mobilise resources effectively,” Ekoh said
The Enugu State Government has disowned a group allegedly defrauding traditional medicine practitioners under the guise of acting on its behalf.
In a disclaimer issued on April 28, 2026, the government warned against the activities of individuals operating under the name Association of Traditional Medicine Practitioners of Enugu State (AMTIPES), describing the body as illegal and unrecognized.
According to the statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Hon. Onyekwere Nwobodo, the group has been harassing practitioners and collecting unauthorized levies despite having no accreditation from the state.
The government clarified that the registration and certification of traditional medicine practitioners in Enugu State fall strictly under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in line with existing laws. It stressed that no other body has the authority to act on its behalf in this regard.
Authorities disclosed that reports of AMTIPES’ activities have been forwarded to law enforcement agencies. Some individuals linked to the group have already been apprehended and are currently facing prosecution in court.
The government urged members of the public, particularly traditional medicine practitioners, to remain vigilant and avoid any dealings with the impostors.
It further emphasized that compliance with only officially recognized channels would protect practitioners from exploitation, reiterating the warning that “to be forewarned is to be forearmed.”
-
News2 days ago
“Go and Verify”: How Sunday Umeha Is Redefining Representation in Ezeagu/Udi
-
News2 days ago
Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma Lays His Beloved Sister to Rest
-
Politics3 days agoAnambra Communities Boil As Group Carpets Traditional Rulers Over Zoning
-
News4 days ago
Enugu, SSDO advance domestic resource mobilisation for climate responsive budgeting
-
Crime4 days agoAnambra Police Burst Gunmen Armoury in Orumba
-
News3 days ago
2027: Anambra ADC Intact Despite Obi, Kwankwaso Departure – Guber Candidate
-
Tech1 day agoHow Chatgpt Detector Tools Are Changing Content Verification
-
Crime5 hours agoFake Pastors Arrested in Anambra as Soludo Begins Crackdown