Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has granted clemency to popular native doctor Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, and appointed him as an Ambassador for Youth Reformation in the state.

Nwangwu was among eight native doctors arrested last year over alleged involvement in the promotion of money rituals, quick-wealth schemes and the use of human parts for ritual purposes.

He subsequently entered into a plea bargain with the Anambra State Government earlier this year and was sentenced to 11 months in custody at the Nigeria Correctional Facility in Amawbia.

As part of the conditions attached to the plea bargain, Nwangwu was required to renounce his fetish practices and commit himself to promoting youth reformation.

He accepted the conditions and had been serving his sentence until Governor Soludo granted him a pardon under the prerogative of mercy.

The governor also appointed Nwangwu as an Ambassador for Youth Reformation, tasking him with contributing to efforts aimed at redirecting young people towards positive and productive paths.

The development was disclosed by the governor’s Special Adviser on Youth Reformation, Dr Nelson Omenugha, following Soludo’s visit to the correctional facility.

Omenugha described the governor’s intervention as an example of the administration’s approach to youth reformation, which he said goes beyond punishment to include rehabilitation, restoration and giving individuals a new sense of purpose.

He said: “Thank you, Mr Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, for graciously extending your hand of mercy to Chidozie Nwangwu (Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki) and giving him a new responsibility as Ambassador for Youth Reformation.

“This is the heart of Youth Reformation: not just punishment, but correction, restoration, a new purpose and A New Onye Anambra.”