Anambra Govt Bans Hosting of Private Events at Alex Ekemezie Square, Awka

By Praise Chinecherem

Anambra state government has announced restrictions of Dr Alex Ekwueme Square from private events, saying it is strictly for government functions.

Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor who disclosed this in a statement said the decision was part of resolutions by Anambra State Executive Council’s (ANSEC) second meeting of 2026 held at Light House, Awka.

He said the Council decided that the facility, which is now considered an extension of Light House, will no longer be available for private events and declared it exclusive for government use.

According to him, the Multipurpose Arena of the Awka Township Stadium can now host private events previously held at Ekwueme Square.

Mefor further disclosed Council’s approval of three primary events for the swearing-in of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo and Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim as governor and deputy for a second term and established several subcommittees to ensure smooth execution.

“The three events are an interdenominational service on Sunday, March 15; a swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, March 17; and a thanksgiving service on Sunday, March 22.

“The Council evaluated and welcomed the sentence of the Anambra native doctor Chidozie Nwangwu, also known as Akwa Ọkụkụ Tiwara Akị, and the destruction of his shrine and Oke Ite pots as part of the fight for the state’s moral and social rebirth.

“The Council saw the fight as a significant step toward re-establishing Anambra’s social and moral order, reiterating that the Igbo philosophy, Aka aja aja na-ebute ọnụ mmanụ mmanụ, i.e., hard work leads to happiness, is the foundation of the state’s efforts at social and moral rebirth.

The Commissioner also disclosed Council’s awarded and approval of funds for the release of the sum of N164,396,750.11 as cost overrun on the construction of an IAAF standard 5-lane spray system track and natural grass pitch in Ekwulobia Stadium Complex, including all its appurtenances, awarded to Phimax Global Enterprises Ltd.

“Release of the sum of N72,628,864.59 for road marking and installation of thermoplastic speed bumps along the 10.043 km newly constructed Afor Nkpor-Eke Obosi Road.

“Release of the sum of N121,948,995.00 for the supply and installation of formatted 10 NR 40 ft containers in multiple locations across the state as a temporary accommodation for security personnel, awarded to Achufusi Ventures.

“Release of the sum of N172,192,325.77 for Lot 1: Building an asphalt surface on the internal dual carriage driveway at the ICC Awka, and release of the sum of N175,388,731.57 for Lot 2: Building an asphalt surface on the service lane to the State House of Assembly and the High Court Complex Awka.

“Release of the sum of N72,628,864.59 for road-marking and installation of thermoplastic speed bumps along the 10.043 km newly constructed Afor Nkpor-Eke Obosi Road, awarded to S.N.U. Ventures.”