Nigeria
Hon. Somto Udeze Empowers Constituents with Business Capital Among Other Support
The member representing Ogbaru 11 constituency in Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Somto Udeze has empowered no fewer than one hundred and sixty constituents with business capital and work tools, to assist businessmen and women.
Of the one hundred and sixty beneficiaries, no less than one hundred and forty are petty businesswomen in Ogbaru. About one hundred and thirty-seven of them were given the sum of twenty thousand Naira, to support their businesses. Ten people were similarly given the sum of fifty thousand Naira each, to support their small businesses. Three people were given freezers, while ten others were given generators to help their business.
Hon. Somto Udeze explained that those given freezers and generators were to help them in their specific line of business that requires freezers and or generators. About five persons were equally empowered with shuttle buses to start transportation business. Three of Hon. Udeze’s aides were also gifted with private cars to assist with their work. The cash, vehicles, freezers, and generators were all handed over to the beneficiaries today, at Ogbaru.
Hon. Somto Udeze, a second-term member of the House of Assembly, has clearly distinguished himself according to members of his constituency. “He has always been helpful to people, he is reachable. Ogbaru people are happy with him”, said one of his constituents, in Ogbaru. But for Prince Lazarus Uzo from Umunankwo, who is also the immediate past chairman of Presidents General of Ogbaru local government area, Hon. Somto has surpassed his utmost expectation.
According to him, though he never gave Hon. Udeze a chance but from what he has seen over the years, Ogbaru has never had it this good. “What Hon. Somto is doing in terms of the quality of his representation is unprecedented. I am short of words. Nobody gave him this chance, for one, never did. But the things he has been doing, honestly, I am marveled at. We can see things for ourselves. If this is how it feels to be a legislator, then, why wouldn’t he just stay there?! I mean, there is no space. He is simply doing well. His party is not in power in the state, but look at what he is doing. I am yet to hear of any state legislator that will come close to what we are experiencing with Hon. Somto,” Mr. Uzo said.
For yet another constituent, Hon. Somto is an all-around leader. “He is a man with a heart of gold; a leader that listens to his people. His gate is always open. For me, what he is doing is beyond politics, said Anthony Onwuegbunam, from Mputu in Ogbaru.
The occasion which became a sort of scorecard presentation by the legislator, and also a town hall meeting joined together, was well attended by hundreds of Ogbaru people and Hon. Somto took the chance to give stewardship of his representation in the last legislative year. “I want to thank you again for the confidence you reposed in me. You voted for me in 2019 to return to House of Assembly to continue with the work you sent me”, Hon. Udeze said in his address. He also observed that a first-term legislator is grossly limited in the things he can do and attract his constituents. “If you are a first-timer in the legislature, you are a learner. But once you are able to return, then, you can be able to do a whole lot for your people”, he said.
Speaking on some of his achievements during the legislative year, Hon. Somto mentioned the motions he has moved in the floor of Anambra State House of Assembly calling on the executive governor’s attention to the conditions of various Ogbaru roads.
“Basically, as a legislator, what we do is lawmaking, and then using the instrumentality of lawmaking to engage the government to work for the people. So many roads in Ogbaru which Ogbaru people are demanding for their construction, I have championed through motions.”
Hon. Somto’s empowerment. Freezers and generators_WAP Photo
A good road is critical for farmers to be able to move their produce from interiors to townships where buyers converge for business. Ogbaru is reputed for farming and because of the peculiarity of the area; farmers often plant twice in a year which before now was not recognized for necessary government attention. However, efforts by Hon. Somto helped to formalize two planting seasons of May-June, and November-December, in Anambra’s planting season.
On education, aside from the numerous motions among others, Hon. Somto reminded his constituents that he has tens of people in his scholarship scheme which has been running for years now. He also informed them that he has built teachers’ quarters at Ogwuanocha, in Ogbaru, to encourage teaching and learning. Speaking on his motivation, Hon. Somto remarked that “life is too fleeting and so I believe in sharing. I don’t do these things so that I will be praised, No”.
As for the fast-approaching Anambra gubernatorial contest, Hon. Somto Udeze elected in 2019 on the platform of the PDP has maintained his stand that he is in support of PDP’s candidate, Valentine Ozigbo whom he spoke so glowingly about and encouraged his constituents to support for a greater Anambra state. He also expressed confidence that Val Ozigbo would win the November 6 governorship election in Anambra state.
Houston was thrown into mourning on September 19, 2025, following the sudden passing of businessman and community advocate Lawrence Mike Obinna Anozie, who peacefully joined his ancestors. Immediate family member in Houston, Nick Anozie, confirmed his untimely death and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and condolences from both the Houston and Owerri communities.
Lawrence was born to Chief Alexander and Lolo Ether Anozie of Owerri in Imo State, Nigeria, and will be dearly remembered by family members, friends, and the entire Houston community.
An accomplished accountant, the late Lawrence incorporated and successfully managed three major companies: Universal Insurance Company, LLC, Universal Mortgage LLC, and Universal Financial Services. Through these enterprises, he not only built a thriving business career but also created opportunities for countless individuals to achieve financial stability. His contributions to entrepreneurship and community development will remain a lasting legacy.
According to the family, arrangements for his final funeral rites are in progress and will be announced in due course.
Lawrence will forever be remembered as a loving and compassionate man who dedicated much of his life to uplifting others. He helped countless young Nigerians and African Americans overcome economic challenges by providing mentorship, financial guidance, and career opportunities. His generosity touched the lives of many who otherwise might not have found their footing. A devout Catholic, he was unwavering in his faith and never missed Mass, drawing strength and inspiration from his church community. To those who knew him, Lawrence was not only a successful businessman but also a pillar of kindness, humility, and faith whose legacy of service and compassion will continue to inspire generations.
For more information, please contact Nick Anozie – 832-891-2213
In a bid to address rising public concerns and social media speculations about taxation in Enugu State, the Executive Chairman of the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS), Emmanuel Nnamani, has provided clarifications on the government’s tax policies. During a press briefing in Enugu, Nnamani dismissed what he described as “false and misleading claims” and reassured residents that the government’s fiscal operations are firmly rooted in law, transparency, and public good.
Clarifying Misinformation and Affirming Legality
Nnamani opened the session by stressing that no taxes or levies in Enugu State are imposed outside the provisions of the law. “Taxes and revenues in Enugu State remain within the limits of the law. We do not impose any levies outside what the law permits,” he stated, pointing to the Personal Income Tax Act (as amended) as the guiding legal framework.
He explained that the ESIRS collects personal income tax through two lawful means: Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) for those in formal employment, and Direct Assessment for informal sector workers. While compliance among salaried workers has been largely smooth, the agency sometimes employs legal enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance among self-employed individuals.
Formalising the Informal Sector
A key challenge, he noted, has been bringing the informal sector—especially market traders and transport operators—into the formal tax net. Upon assuming office, his administration discovered that an overwhelming 99% of informal sector actors were not remitting taxes to the state, largely due to the disruptive influence of non-state actors engaged in illegal collections.
In response, the government introduced a consolidated ₦36,000 annual levy for market traders. This amount, payable between January and March, covers all relevant state-level charges, including those by the Enugu State Waste Management Agency (ESWAMA), Enugu State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency (ENSSAA), storage fees, and business premises levies. “Once this amount is paid between January and March, the trader owes nothing else for that year,” Nnamani clarified. Traders who fail to pay by March 31 are subject to enforcement.
For street vendors operating outside structured markets, an annual levy of ₦30,000 applies, with ESWAMA charges handled separately. Transport operators such as Okada riders, Keke drivers, minibuses, tankers, and trucks pay via a daily ticketing system.
A Human-Faced Approach to Enforcement
Although the law allows for a 10% penalty on unpaid tax and an interest charge tied to the Central Bank’s Monetary Policy Rate of 27.5%, Nnamani disclosed that the state has adopted a softer, pro-business approach. Instead of the full punitive charges, a flat ₦3,000 penalty is applied in most informal sector cases to promote ease of doing business and encourage voluntary compliance.
Taxation and the Cost of Rent
Addressing growing concerns over rising rent, Nnamani rejected claims linking the trend to state tax policies. He described the issue as a national challenge influenced by supply and demand, rather than fiscal policy.
Citing personal experiences dating back to 2015, he observed that a shift in private development preference – from rental apartments to gated residential estates – has contributed to the housing squeeze. “If we had more high-rise buildings, rent would drop,” he noted. The state government, he added, is taking proactive steps through the Ministry of Housing and Housing Development Corporation to build mass housing and student hostels near institutions like ESUT and IMT, freeing up central city housing and helping moderate rents.
Technology, Transparency, and Trust
In line with its commitment to transparency and digital innovation, the ESIRS has launched a tax calculator on its official portal – www.irs.en.gov.ng – allowing residents to compute their taxes with ease and clarity. “This is about transparency and giving our people confidence,” he said, inviting residents to compare Enugu’s tools with those in more advanced states like Lagos.
Understanding the Cost of Development
Responding to concerns that Enugu has become one of Nigeria’s most expensive states, Nnamani acknowledged the perception but clarified that the temporary inflation is largely demand-driven. With Enugu undertaking widespread infrastructural renewal – including smart schools, primary health centres, and hospitality infrastructure – the surge in construction activity has led to increased demand for building materials like granite and rods, which are sourced from other states.
“Once these projects are completed, demand will drop, and prices will stabilise,” he assured. He emphasised that the projects are visible testaments to what taxpayers’ money can achieve when properly managed.
A Call for Mutual Understanding and Civic Partnership
More than a tax clarification, Nnamani’s address served as a reminder of the symbiotic relationship between citizens and government. He appealed for public understanding, noting that when citizens fulfil their tax obligations, the government can, in turn, provide essential services and infrastructure that uplift everyone.
His message was clear: responsible taxation, managed transparently and invested wisely, is the bedrock of sustainable development. From roads to schools and healthcare to housing, Enugu State is demonstrating how taxpayers’ money, when efficiently deployed, can improve lives and build the future.
Leadership across nations is shaped not only by policies but by the quality of the individuals at the helm. History has shown that the most transformative leaders often draw from deep wells of ethical, philosophical, and strategic thought. Yet, in many African countries—and Nigeria in particular—there appears to be a crisis in the kind of men elevated to govern. This deficit is not merely political; it is intellectual, philosophical, and deeply structural.
There is a compelling correlation between the absence of foundational wisdom and the type of leaders Nigeria consistently produces. Compared to their counterparts in other parts of the world, Nigerian leaders often appear fundamentally unprepared to govern societies in ways that foster justice, progress, or stability.
Consider the Middle East—nations like the UAE and Qatar—where governance is often rooted in Islamic principles. While these societies are not without flaws, their leaders have harnessed religious teachings as frameworks for nation-building, modern infrastructure, and citizen welfare. Ironically, many of Nigeria’s military and political leaders also profess Islam, yet the application of its ethical standards in public governance is nearly non-existent. This raises a troubling question: is the practice of religion in African politics largely symbolic, devoid of actionable moral guidance?
Take China as another case study. In the last four decades, China’s leadership has lifted over 800 million people out of poverty—an unprecedented feat in human history. While authoritarian in structure, China’s model demonstrates a deep philosophical commitment to collective progress, discipline, and strategic long-term planning. In Western democracies, especially post-World War II, leaders often emerged with strong academic backgrounds in philosophy, economics, or history—disciplines that sharpen the mind and cultivate vision.
In stark contrast, African leaders—particularly in Nigeria—are more often preoccupied with short-term political survival than long-term national transformation. Their legacy is frequently one of mismanagement, unsustainable debt, and structural decay. Nigeria, for example, has accumulated foreign loans that could take generations to repay, yet there is little visible infrastructure or social development to justify such liabilities. Inflation erodes wages, and basic public services remain in collapse. This cycle repeats because those in power often lack not just technical competence, but the moral and intellectual depth to lead a modern nation.
At the heart of the crisis is a lack of philosophical inquiry. Philosophy teaches reasoning, ethics, and the nature of justice—skills that are essential for public leadership. Nigerian leaders, by and large, are disconnected from such traditions. Many have never seriously engaged with political theory, ethical discourse, or economic philosophy. Without this grounding, leadership becomes a matter of brute power, not enlightened governance.
The crisis of leadership in Africa is not solely one of corruption or bad policy—it is one of intellectual emptiness. Until African nations, especially Nigeria, begin to value and cultivate leaders who are intellectually rigorous and philosophically grounded, the continent will remain caught in cycles of poverty and poor governance. True leadership requires more than charisma or military rank—it demands the wisdom to govern a society with justice, vision, and moral clarity. Without this, the future remains perilously fragile.
♦ Dominic Ikeogu is a social and political commentator based in Minneapolis, USA.
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