Xander85:
Interesting Google shots of Onitsha and other parts of Anambra! Though i didn't get the point being made with the comparisons between Onitsha and Ibadan.

I noticed the older parts of Onitsha are so well-planned and laid out in a nice grid system. Pity subsequent developments by the black Africans that took over after independence didn't continue with such a tradition!

I also noticed there's a serious lack, if not total absence, of parks in our cities; dedicated open green spaces with wooded areas and well-tended sweeping lawns. This can not only serve as a place where individuals and families can go to relax, but can also help the city to breath and mop up the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere!

That old well planned inner city centre (down town)should be government priority and cash cow but they are busy wasting money in the village

lconised:
Shut up this Nsukka illiterate. That area was mapped out by Anambra people. Subsequent area were mapped out by Anambra administrators because in the old Anambra, the people that dominated Anambra civil service were people from the present Anambra.

Anambra people planned independence layout Enugu, after they left, every other part of the state were developed haphazardly with no planning and building up disorderly all over Enugu. I think to get Enugu state right, they should demolish the entire state and start afresh.


[s][/s]

Individuals and common men can never bring meaningful development. It creates disorder. Immediately you people left, onitsha degenerated into anarchy

Anambralstson:
Nnewi map

Nnewi is too disorganized. This is what happens when government leave development in the hands of ordinary people

Anambralstson:
Guys check Google distance measurement for those that claimed Ibadan is bigger than southeast put together Check the distantance Onitsha metro from Onitsha to Umunya, excluding Awka and Nnewi

Onitsha urban metro is long but not wide. Overall length strech from nsugbe to Nnewi and the overall area may be larger than ibadan

lconised:
Yes and i think that is why Enugu state is in shambles. Businesses are closing. Presidential hotel has been turned into a grazing field, Nike lake is dead, all these happened because Enugu state failed to develop a proper state where the economy and businesses can thrive.

Enugu state should adopt Anambra model of building a state.

Nike lake is one of enugu's numerous cash cows, one of the secrets of their high revenues. All powerful political gathering take place there. It's a pity agulu lake will generate money for golden tulip while anambra graple with low revenue

lconised:
Nnewi started developing in the eighties but today it has surpassed Nsukka. Nnewi has more economic activities than Nsukka. Nnewi has more banks than Nsukka. Nnewi has more corporate society than Nsukka. Nnewi has more hospitality than Nsukka.

But Nsukka despite hosting UNN more than 50yrs ago is still disjointed disorganised dilapidated village

Nnewi has no dualised road. No sidewalk and no planned area. Government should step and stop leaving the common people to create urban jungle.

Rwanda The Emerging Economy To Watch

Published 1 week ago
on December 5, 2018
By Forbes Africa

SHARE TWEET
The tiny East African nation has proven to be a role model for the continent.

During her November 2018 visit to Rwanda, World Bank CEO Kristalina Georgieva described the country as one that has enjoyed impressive growth and often has bold ambitions.

In recent years, at business summits across the world, it’s not uncommon to hear such praise about Rwanda. Various speakers have singled it out as one of the emerging economies to look out for in terms of investment opportunities, value for money and economic growth.

The statistics explain why Rwanda has become Africa’s poster child for progress. The country has reduced reliance on donations and currently, domestically funds about 84% of the budget up from about 36% two decades ago.

In the last fiscal year (2017-2018), the economy grew by 8.9%.

Barely 24 years after the horrific genocide against the Tutsi, when the East African nation lost over a million lives and the devastation left a trail of trauma and economic ruin, its achievements have often been described as miraculous.

At the center of the tiny country’s recovery is President Paul Kagame, who led the revolt that ended the genocide.

Kagame has led his country from penury to prosperity. His government has co-invested alongside private capital to reduce risk and create a more appealing proposition.

For instance, when one of Africa’s leading telecoms groups, MTN, was keen on entering the Rwandan market in 1998, the government boosted their confidence by purchasing a 20% stake in the company.

This was driven by an ambition to not only attract the firm to the country but to ensure citizens have access to affordable telecom services. Years later, the government offloaded its stake in the firm through an initial public offering, allowing citizens to be part of a meaningful income-generating firm.

MTN is just one example of the strategic approaches taken by the Kagame-led government. The same has been replicated in multiple sectors, including finance and agriculture.

The last two decades on the Rwandan economic front have also been characterized by improving the investment ecosystem to create interest from the international and local business community.

While most would concentrate on the odds against the country, such as its small size, and its landlocked location, amidst a volatile region, Kagame sought to give investors every reason to put their money in Rwanda.

In a continent that has always been associated with corruption, the Rwandan government adopted a zero-tolerance stance on graft.

This was paired with the improvement of service delivery across all sectors, eliminating the need for bribes to access public services.

The most recent Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International placed Rwanda as third least corrupt country in Africa.

The reforms have for the last two decades addressed challenges that have often kept investors up at night. Steps that are cumbersome in countries across the world, such as business registration, were eased to a six-hour activity, while tax declaration and registration were simplified to online processes.

The World Bank ranked Rwanda 29th globally in its 2018 Ease Of Doing Business Report and put it second in Africa. The index tracks business efficiency across the world.

Many African economies are known for distinct exports or income streams that have remained unchanged for years. Rwanda chose a different path by embarking on a concerted effort to diversify exports and revenue streams.

This approach has seen services become the leading driver of gross domestic product growth in the last three years, taking over from agriculture.

Diversification has been achieved, in part, through an increased focus on tourism, driven by initiatives such as the Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) strategy which in less than five years placed Rwanda among the top conference destinations in Africa.

In May 2018, the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) ranked the capital Kigali as the third most popular conference and event destination on the continent, after Cape Town in South Africa, and Casablanca of Morocco.

The ranking considered as the country’s capacity to accommodate international meetings and events, together with landmark infrastructure such as a modern airport and a state-of-the-art conference center.

The country has projected doubling revenues from conference tourism.

According to Clare Akamanzi, the Chief Executive of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the country collected a total of $42 million from 192 conferences in 2017 and was projecting $74 million in 2018.

The diversification strategy has opened up investment opportunities for local and international investors (Marriott, Radisson Blu, Park Inn, Serena among others) and created thousands of jobs in the hospitality industry.

The Rwandan media was in November abuzz with news that all hotels in the country’s capital were fully booked for conferences during the month. Conference organizers and tour operators were also said to be stretched to capacity.

Statistics from the RDB indicate there were about 10,488 hotel rooms in the country in 2017, while aviation traffic is expected to grow to about 1,151,300 in 2018, from 926,571 in 2017.

The trend is expected to persist going forward. Rwanda will by the end of 2020 have a new modern airport located in the Bugesera District, a 25-minute drive from the capital.

While pursuing externally-driven growth, Kagame has not forgotten about the home front. This led his government to adopt a ‘Made in Rwanda’ strategy in 2016, which has reduced the trade deficit by about 36% and increased the value of total exports by about 69% from about $558 million to $943 million. Local producers have fast become empowered to produce for the local and export market.

The Rwandan leader has turned his attention to regional integration in the six-member East African Community to counter complaints about Africa’s small, fragmented markets.

The consolidated market of over 200 million citizens is more reassuring to investors and makes a business case for joint infrastructure projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway, which will connect the major Kenyan centers of Mombasa and Nairobi.

Lisa Kaestner, a practice manager for finance competitiveness and innovation at the International Finance Corporation, says: “I see Rwanda is keen on this and trying to support through the East African Community. This is one way to reduce the cost of doing business. If you look at it through the doing business lenses, all countries are trying to improve.”

Kagame’s continental mission has been evident in his various roles at the African Union (AU).

As the chairperson of the AU Reforms team, Kagame has advocated for less donor dependency and more sustainable funding by African states.

He has often challenged African countries who contribute less than 30% of the AU’s budget and turn to external donors with a begging bowl, which has been blamed for influencing the body’s decisions and priorities.

As AU chair, Kagame has sought an adjustment of terms between Africa and the rest of the world for mutual benefit. This, he has argued, is more sustainable in the long run and presents an avenue for growth among all parties, as opposed to aid, which maintains dependence.

Months after assuming the chairmanship of the AU, in March 2018, Kagame hosted over 50 African heads of state and government in Kigali for the signing of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

As a trade bloc, the trade agreement envisions a continental market of 1.2 billion people, with a combined gross domestic product of more than $3.4 trillion.

So far, 49 countries have signed the agreement, with nine ratifications. The development is a huge step towards encouraging industrialization and job creation across Africa.

Peter Mathuki, Executive Director of the East African Business Council, says: “The country’s leadership is on grip to lift the EAC country to middle income level faster than most African countries. The fast economic growth is premised on pillars of good governance, easy-to-do business climate and zero tolerance to corruption… Rwanda is indeed Africa’s rising star and driver for economic transformation.”

– Collins Mwai

mktinsight:
Rwanda The Emerging Economy To Watch

Published 1 week ago
on December 5, 2018
By Forbes Africa

SHARE TWEET
The tiny East African nation has proven to be a role model for the continent.

During her November 2018 visit to Rwanda, World Bank CEO Kristalina Georgieva described the country as one that has enjoyed impressive growth and often has bold ambitions.

In recent years, at business summits across the world, it’s not uncommon to hear such praise about Rwanda. Various speakers have singled it out as one of the emerging economies to look out for in terms of investment opportunities, value for money and economic growth.

The statistics explain why Rwanda has become Africa’s poster child for progress. The country has reduced reliance on donations and currently, domestically funds about 84% of the budget up from about 36% two decades ago.

In the last fiscal year (2017-2018), the economy grew by 8.9%.

Barely 24 years after the horrific genocide against the Tutsi, when the East African nation lost over a million lives and the devastation left a trail of trauma and economic ruin, its achievements have often been described as miraculous.

At the center of the tiny country’s recovery is President Paul Kagame, who led the revolt that ended the genocide.

Kagame has led his country from penury to prosperity. His government has co-invested alongside private capital to reduce risk and create a more appealing proposition.

For instance, when one of Africa’s leading telecoms groups, MTN, was keen on entering the Rwandan market in 1998, the government boosted their confidence by purchasing a 20% stake in the company.

This was driven by an ambition to not only attract the firm to the country but to ensure citizens have access to affordable telecom services. Years later, the government offloaded its stake in the firm through an initial public offering, allowing citizens to be part of a meaningful income-generating firm.

MTN is just one example of the strategic approaches taken by the Kagame-led government. The same has been replicated in multiple sectors, including finance and agriculture.

The last two decades on the Rwandan economic front have also been characterized by improving the investment ecosystem to create interest from the international and local business community.

While most would concentrate on the odds against the country, such as its small size, and its landlocked location, amidst a volatile region, Kagame sought to give investors every reason to put their money in Rwanda.

In a continent that has always been associated with corruption, the Rwandan government adopted a zero-tolerance stance on graft.

This was paired with the improvement of service delivery across all sectors, eliminating the need for bribes to access public services.

The most recent Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International placed Rwanda as third least corrupt country in Africa.

The reforms have for the last two decades addressed challenges that have often kept investors up at night. Steps that are cumbersome in countries across the world, such as business registration, were eased to a six-hour activity, while tax declaration and registration were simplified to online processes.

The World Bank ranked Rwanda 29th globally in its 2018 Ease Of Doing Business Report and put it second in Africa. The index tracks business efficiency across the world.

Many African economies are known for distinct exports or income streams that have remained unchanged for years. Rwanda chose a different path by embarking on a concerted effort to diversify exports and revenue streams.

This approach has seen services become the leading driver of gross domestic product growth in the last three years, taking over from agriculture.

Diversification has been achieved, in part, through an increased focus on tourism, driven by initiatives such as the Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) strategy which in less than five years placed Rwanda among the top conference destinations in Africa.

In May 2018, the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) ranked the capital Kigali as the third most popular conference and event destination on the continent, after Cape Town in South Africa, and Casablanca of Morocco.

The ranking considered as the country’s capacity to accommodate international meetings and events, together with landmark infrastructure such as a modern airport and a state-of-the-art conference center.

The country has projected doubling revenues from conference tourism.

According to Clare Akamanzi, the Chief Executive of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the country collected a total of $42 million from 192 conferences in 2017 and was projecting $74 million in 2018.

The diversification strategy has opened up investment opportunities for local and international investors (Marriott, Radisson Blu, Park Inn, Serena among others) and created thousands of jobs in the hospitality industry.

The Rwandan media was in November abuzz with news that all hotels in the country’s capital were fully booked for conferences during the month. Conference organizers and tour operators were also said to be stretched to capacity.

Statistics from the RDB indicate there were about 10,488 hotel rooms in the country in 2017, while aviation traffic is expected to grow to about 1,151,300 in 2018, from 926,571 in 2017.

The trend is expected to persist going forward. Rwanda will by the end of 2020 have a new modern airport located in the Bugesera District, a 25-minute drive from the capital.

While pursuing externally-driven growth, Kagame has not forgotten about the home front. This led his government to adopt a ‘Made in Rwanda’ strategy in 2016, which has reduced the trade deficit by about 36% and increased the value of total exports by about 69% from about $558 million to $943 million. Local producers have fast become empowered to produce for the local and export market.

The Rwandan leader has turned his attention to regional integration in the six-member East African Community to counter complaints about Africa’s small, fragmented markets.

The consolidated market of over 200 million citizens is more reassuring to investors and makes a business case for joint infrastructure projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway, which will connect the major Kenyan centers of Mombasa and Nairobi.

Lisa Kaestner, a practice manager for finance competitiveness and innovation at the International Finance Corporation, says: “I see Rwanda is keen on this and trying to support through the East African Community. This is one way to reduce the cost of doing business. If you look at it through the doing business lenses, all countries are trying to improve.”

Kagame’s continental mission has been evident in his various roles at the African Union (AU).

As the chairperson of the AU Reforms team, Kagame has advocated for less donor dependency and more sustainable funding by African states.

He has often challenged African countries who contribute less than 30% of the AU’s budget and turn to external donors with a begging bowl, which has been blamed for influencing the body’s decisions and priorities.

As AU chair, Kagame has sought an adjustment of terms between Africa and the rest of the world for mutual benefit. This, he has argued, is more sustainable in the long run and presents an avenue for growth among all parties, as opposed to aid, which maintains dependence.

Months after assuming the chairmanship of the AU, in March 2018, Kagame hosted over 50 African heads of state and government in Kigali for the signing of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

As a trade bloc, the trade agreement envisions a continental market of 1.2 billion people, with a combined gross domestic product of more than $3.4 trillion.

So far, 49 countries have signed the agreement, with nine ratifications. The development is a huge step towards encouraging industrialization and job creation across Africa.

Peter Mathuki, Executive Director of the East African Business Council, says: “The country’s leadership is on grip to lift the EAC country to middle income level faster than most African countries. The fast economic growth is premised on pillars of good governance, easy-to-do business climate and zero tolerance to corruption… Rwanda is indeed Africa’s rising star and driver for economic transformation.”

– Collins Mwai

Rwanda has a clear strarely unlike Anambra state government which is not sure what to do. Look at the Awka Conference Center being built out of stupidity on a swamp when there are far better locations such as the ABS grounds. Then ANSG has made the state inhospitable for foreign investment by encouraging a street trading and chaotic parking.

lconised:
You are always yapping rubbish all the time as if you are the only wise man remaining in Africa meanwhile you couldn't manage your miserable life. Are you more educated or more exposed more than the builders of Awka ICC? The ICC is being developed by a worldclass Chinese company and it will be the best in the SE and beyond. Where it is being built is part of the Millennium city in Awka.


[s][/s]





State government says the International Conference Center, Awka will be ready by next year December.

The Governor stated this when he performed the official flag off of the construction.

The building has a ten thousand sitting capacity.

The building project projected to be a ten storey building with a roof of about eighteen meters long that can be visible from any part of Awka City.

On completion, it will house a five star restaurant and multiple halls, among others.

Flagging off the event, Governor Obiano stressed that the project is one of his landmark projects, expressing optimism that the contractors handling the work will deliver in record time.

He appreciated the State House of Assembly for the speedy passage of the 2019 budget, stressing that it will aid fast track development in the State, including the Conference Center project.

The Commissioner for Housing, Engineer Emeka Ezenwanne, explained that the project will improve the State Internally Generated Revenue.

The Commissioner pointed out that the project on completion will be the first of its kind in the South East, stressing that it will hopefully serve as a tourist site.

Earlier, the Construction Manager of the firm handling the Project, Engineer Mark Tu described the project as a legacy project.

While promising to ensure that the project will be world class on completion, assured of delivery on schedule.

The Managing Director, Awka Capital Development Authority, Venerable Amaechi Okwuosa and a stakeholder, Chief Dan Ogbuefi commended the Governor’s vision of erecting the edifice, pledging support to his administration.

Ten storey? Una don start again oo. Ten storey conference center?

mktinsight:



Rwanda has a clear strarely unlike Anambra state government which is not sure what to do. Look at the Awka Conference Center being built out of stupidity on a swamp when there are far better locations such as the ABS grounds. Then ANSG has made the state inhospitable for foreign investment by encouraging a street trading and chaotic parking.

Obiano is just looking for cheap praises. He has no long term economic blueprint. Look at SABMiller Obi attracted where Obiano goed everyday to snap. Today abia and enugu lead in FDI while Obiano is looking for who to blackmail with akuluouno

lconised:
We are developing Dubai here in Awka. Go back to your backward Enugu state and ask yo fat farting mumu incompetent gov to start developing yo state

Here we go again. Awka village that is yet to achieve abakaliki standard is mentioning dubai

Walk in cultural exihibition

Nenge road

see how u guys are disgracing yourselves. Y won't the north and the west make mockery of our disunity. Later some fools will be shouting Biafra Biafra.Very shameful

marshman293:
see how u guys are disgracing yourselves. Y won't the north and the west make mockery of our disunity. Later some fools will be shouting Biafra Biafra.Very shameful

mtcheeeew.
its like u are new to this thread for u not to have known the person behind those comments.

Obiano Lauds Anambra Traditional Institution For Promoting Igbo Language And Culture
By EJIKE ABANA - December 16, 2018 42 0




Governor Willie Obiano has commended Traditional Institutions in the State for the right conduct and entrenching of culture and tradition of Ndigbo in the state.

Governor Obiano stated this while felicitating with the Traditional Ruler of Ukwulu, Igwe Peter Uyanwa, during his first Ofala at his Palace.

Governor Obiano asked Traditional Rulers to be mindful of the kind of people they give titles in order to uphold the sanctity of the institution.



He said that respect for the Traditional institution has greatly improved, and urged them to continue to support his administration and the Party, APGA.

In his speech, Igwe Uyanwa applauded the various initiatives of the present government which he said, have engendered transformation in all sectors of the State’s economy.

He prayed for the Governor and expressed his unalloyed support to him noting that dividends of good governance have reached Ukwulu Town under his watch, including the first and second phases of the Community Choose your project initiative, asking for approval for the third phase.

The State Traditional Rulers Council, led by its Chairman, Igwe Alfred Achebe, were in their numbers to felicitate with one of their own.

Media Practitioners Rate Obiano High On Security
By Reporter - December 16, 2018 46 0




Media Practitioners in Anambra State have scored Governor Willie Obiano high on security of lives and property.

This was made known during the Correspondents’ Chapel Week of the
Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council’s held at the Godwin Ezemo Press Centre, Awka.

They commended Governor Obiano for providing the enabling environment for effective security in the state.

In a keynote address, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. C Don Adinuba, noted that government mobilized all the security agencies to fortify the existing security during and after yuletide.



He stressed that State Government would continue to support and maintain the good relationship already established with the state
chapter of NUJ.

Mr. Adinuba added that Anambra was indeed the light of the nation having produced some notable men and women who had contributed and still contributing toward the well being of the nation.

In a speech, Chairman of the Correspondents Chapel, Mr. Emma Ndukuba, commended the government for working out strategies to ensure peaceful and harmonious relationship among indigenes and herdsmen.

Mr. Ndukuba described the theme of the event, “Anambra Exceptionalism; A Case Study of Security and Good Governance’’ as apt, saying it was articulated to x-ray the contributions of the government and security agencies toward ensuring peace and stability.

The occasion witnessed the presentation of awards of excellence to some important dignitaries, including Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. Adinuba, Chief of staff Anambra State, Mr.
Primus Odili.

Others are Commissioner of Police Anambra, Mr. Garba Umar and Director of State Security, Mr. Yusuf Linus Isyaku.

FACTS BEHIND THE NEDG/BON EXCLUSION OF APGA FROM THE 2019 PRESIDENTIAL/VICE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES

It is important to draw the attention of millions of our members and supporters across the country to the facts behind the exclusion of our presidential/vice-presidential candidates from the debates organised by the Nigeria Election Debate Group(NEDG) and Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) recently.

In the first place, it was purely a private sector initiative powered by both organizers. That not withstanding, APGA made a very strong representation to the organizers when it learned of the exclusion early on Monday. In response the organizers drew our attention to the fact that the choice of presidential and vice-presidential candidates to appear for the debate was done by voters on the social media platform, which it thoroughly supervised. The organisers also drew our attention to other laid down procedures as designed by them, which were meticulously followed.

It is our position that there was no reason for not including APGA candidates on the debates since the party is the third largest political party in the country, with a serving governor and numerous members in the state and national legislative assemblies.
Following our unyielding stance on the matter, the organisers have promised to look into the matter dispassionately with a view to accommodating it in the next round of debates holding on January 19, 2019.
We urge our members to remain calm as everything humanly possible is being done to correct the obvious anomaly.

We wish to reiterate the fact that APGA is in the 2019 presidential race to win and, therefore, will not tolerate any acts targeted at sabotaging its efforts as this would be stoutly resisted.

We assure our teeming members that General John Gbor and his running mate, Chief Jerry Chukwueke, form a formidable team with a clear-cut plan to take Nigeria to the next level of development based on equity, social justice and good governance.

It advised NEDG/BON not to do anything that could tarnish their reputation but ensure that justice is done to those that deserve it.

Ifeanacho Oguejiofor,
National Director of Publicity, APGA