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.
OSOGBO — The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected the outcome of the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), insisting that it is not convinced that Governor Ademola Adeleke secured the highest number of valid votes.
INEC on Sunday declared Adeleke the winner after the Returning Officer, Prof. Joshua Olalekan Ogunwale, announced the final results at the commission’s headquarters in Osogbo.
Adeleke, who contested on the platform of the Accord Party, polled 511,067 votes to defeat the APC candidate, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, who scored 444,815 votes. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Dr Najeem Salaam, came third with 17,180 votes.
However, the APC said it would not accept the declaration without conducting a comprehensive review of the electoral process.
Speaking on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme on Monday, the Director-General of the APC campaign for the Osun governorship election, Hon. Oluwole Oke, said the party had commenced an audit of the results and electoral materials from the poll.
Oke said the party had directed its agents across the state to submit relevant result sheets for scrutiny as it investigates alleged infractions.
“We need to do the needful which is to evaluate the process, review the process and then form an opinion. We’ve embarked on an audit process; we’ve asked all our party agents to submit copies of Form EC8A, B, C to our secretariat for review. We need to inspect all the materials because we do not agree with the declaration of INEC, and that’s our position for now,” he said.
The APC campaign chief also dismissed suggestions that the party was under pressure to immediately accept the outcome following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s congratulatory message to Adeleke.
Tinubu had congratulated Adeleke after the declaration, describing the outcome as a reflection of the will of the people.
Reacting to the President’s position, Oke said Tinubu spoke in his capacity as President and a democrat following INEC’s declaration.
“Mr. President spoke as the Father of the nation and a democrat following the declaration by INEC,” he said.
Oke, however, maintained that the APC would rely on its own assessment of the election after completing its review.
“We’re on ground and politics is local and, like I’ve told you, what we’re doing is to conduct a thorough review of the entire process and form an opinion,” he said.
He added that the party would not be rushed into congratulating Adeleke, insisting that its preliminary position was that the governor did not secure the highest number of valid votes.
“We won’t be under any subtle pressure to easily reach out to congratulate Senator Ademola Adeleke because we believe he didn’t score the highest valid votes,” Oke said.
The APC is expected to determine its next course of action after completing its audit and reviewing the electoral materials and results submitted by its agents.
ABAKALIKI — The 2027 governorship race in Ebonyi State is gathering momentum, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Chief Ifeanyi Odii, unveiling a package of reforms aimed at improving the welfare of workers, teachers and retirees.
Odii made the commitments during a meeting with representatives of Ebonyi civil servants and members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) at his Lagos residence, where he outlined his plans for a comprehensive reform of the state’s public service.
A major component of his agenda is a workers’ housing scheme designed to provide 1,000 housing units within his first year in office and up to 5,000 units over four years if elected governor.
Odii said the housing programme would be structured to minimise dependence on direct government funding, with workers’ contributions and existing pension assets forming part of the financing framework.
He said the initiative would address the housing difficulties faced by workers and retirees, particularly retirees who often struggle to sustain rented accommodation after leaving government service.
The PDP candidate also proposed a paperless digital loan platform that would allow workers to access loans against their contributory pension savings without the bureaucratic delays associated with the existing system.
On retirement benefits, Odii pledged that workers would have access to their entitlements immediately upon retirement, arguing that retirees should not endure prolonged delays in receiving benefits accrued during their years of service.
He further promised to reform the promotion process through computer-based promotion examinations capable of producing results instantly.
According to him, the digital system would reduce delays, curb opportunities for manipulation and promote greater transparency and fairness in the career progression of civil servants.
Odii said the proposed reforms were aimed at creating a public service where workers would have improved access to housing, credit facilities and timely retirement benefits, while ensuring a more transparent promotion system.
He presented the proposals as part of his broader agenda to improve workers’ welfare and reposition the Ebonyi State civil service for greater efficiency if elected governor in 2027.
The MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited (MEDL) has confirmed the death of one of its operations staff in an electrical accident.
The Head of Communications, MEDL, Mr Emeka Ezeh, who confirmed the incident in Enugu on Monday, said that the incident occured on Aug. 13 at Eke in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Ezeh said that the incident, which occurred at about 1p.m., involved Mr. Samson Okechi, the Team Lead, Abor, attached to the company’s 9th Mile District.
He said, “Okechi was carrying out maintenance work on a 50kVA/11kV pole-mounted distribution substation at Eke when he sustained an electric shock.
“Okechi was immediately evacuated to Our Saviour Hospital, Ngwo, for medical attention but was pronounced dead by the doctor on duty. His remains were subsequently deposited at a mortuary.”
He said that the incident was formally reported at the Ngwo Police Station for documentation and other necessary statutory actions.
Ezeh also debunked claims circulating on some social media platforms that Okechi was murdered or that the incident was the result of sabotage.
“I wonder why some people take pleasure in conjuring unfounded narratives and circulating them, thereby creating unnecessary tension and bad blood. This is so unfair,” he said.
He urged members of the public to disregard the claims, describing them as baseless.
According to him, Okechi had requested a Station Guarantee (SG) for the Okwe 11kV Feeder, which was granted at about 11:06 a.m. at the 9th Mile Injection Substation. The feeder was subsequently opened and tagged.
“This is a very unfortunate development and a big shock to all of us, his colleagues. Our hearts go out to his immediate family as they grieve,” Ezeh said.
The MEDL spokesman disclosed that MainPower management had commenced a comprehensive investigation to establish the immediate, underlying and root causes of the accident.
He said, “We are committed to ensuring that the investigation is thorough and evidence-based.
“The findings will be used to identify any gaps, determine appropriate corrective measures, and strengthen safety procedures and operational controls where necessary.”
Ezeh MEDL assured its customers and stakeholders that safety remained a paramount priority in its operations, adding that appropriate measures would be taken based on the outcome of the investigation.
Idiaye, a third-term lawmaker, takes over from Blessing Agbebaku, who resigned as Speaker on Monday amid moves by lawmakers to impeach him.
The emergence of Idiaye was said to have been influenced by the gentleman’s zoning arrangement in the Assembly, which provides that when the governor is from the Edo Central Senatorial District, the Speaker should come from Edo North.
Idiaye, being the oldest member from the Edo North Senatorial District, was subsequently elected Speaker.
Without the zoning arrangement, the Deputy Speaker would have automatically succeeded Agbebaku, according to the new Speaker.
Members of the Assembly were at the Government House to inform Governor Monday Okpebholo of the change in leadership.
Agbebaku was said to have resigned early on Monday following alleged moves by lawmakers to impeach him.
Reports gathered that 17 of the 24 lawmakers had signed a notice of impeachment on Sunday night, a development that may have prompted his resignation.
Agbebaku’s resignation was confirmed by Ebojele, who said details of the development would be made public later.
She said, “I can confirm the Speaker’s resignation but details will be made public later.”
The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, has resigned from his position.
Agbebaku stepped down on Monday amid moves by some lawmakers to impeach him.
His resignation was confirmed on Facebook by his media aide, Ivy Adodo-Ebojele, who said further details on the circumstances surrounding his exit would be made public later.
“EDO ASSEMBLY SPEAKER RT HON CHIEF BLESSING AGBEBAKU RESIGNS,” she wrote.
The development has thrown the Edo State House of Assembly into a fresh leadership crisis, with lawmakers expected to determine a new Speaker.
Details shortly…
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