Anambra Bans Private Events at Alex Ekwueme Square, Approves N164m for Ekwulobia Stadium Complex
News
By Our Correspondent
The Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) has resolved that the Ekwueme Square in Awka will no longer be available for private events, declaring the facility strictly for government functions, as it also approved the release of N164,396,750.11 as cost overrun for the Ekwulobia Stadium Complex project.
The decisions were reached at the Council’s second meeting of 2026 held on March 2 at the Light House, Awka.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, said the Council had decided that Ekwueme Square, now considered an extension of the Light House, would henceforth be reserved exclusively for official government activities.
He added that private ceremonies and social events previously hosted at the square would now be accommodated at the Multipurpose Arena of the Awka Township Stadium.
Council also approved the release of N164,396,750.11 as additional funding for the construction of an IAAF-standard five-lane spray system track and natural grass pitch at the Ekwulobia Stadium Complex.
The project, awarded to Phimax Global Enterprises Ltd, covers the athletics track, natural grass pitch and other appurtenances within the complex, with the cost overrun aimed at ensuring completion in line with international standards.
In the same meeting, ANSEC approved three major activities for the second-term swearing-in of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo and his deputy, Onyekachukwu Ibezim.
The events include an interdenominational service on March 15, the official swearing-in ceremony on March 17 and a thanksgiving service on March 22, with subcommittees constituted to ensure seamless coordination.
The Council further reviewed and welcomed the sentencing of Anambra-based native doctor, Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Ọkụkụ Tiwara Akị, as well as the demolition of his shrine and Oke Ite pots, describing the development as a significant step in the state’s campaign for social and moral rebirth.
It reiterated that the Igbo philosophy, “Aka aja aja na-ebute ọnụ mmanụ mmanụ,” meaning hard work leads to happiness, remains central to its reform agenda.
Other approvals granted by the Council include N72,628,864.59 for road marking and installation of thermoplastic speed bumps along the 10.043km Afor Nkpor–Eke Obosi Road, N121,948,995.00 for the supply and installation of 10 NR 40ft containers across multiple locations as temporary accommodation for security personnel awarded to Achufusi Ventures, N172,192,325.77 for asphalt surfacing of the internal dual carriage driveway at the ICC, Awka, and N175,388,731.57 for asphalt surfacing of the service lane to the State House of Assembly and the High Court Complex, Awka.
The Council said the approvals reflect its continued commitment to infrastructure development, improved security and institutional strengthening across the state.
