News

VP COMMUNITY SECONDARY SCHOOL OKO EXTOLS SOLUDO ON FREE EDUCATION

By Chioma Ezeiru/ Charity Okechukwu :

The Vice Principal(Administration) Community Secondary School, Oko in Orumba North Local Government Area, Mrs. Joy Okafor, has lauded Anambra Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo on the recent inclusion of Senior Secondary classes in his Free Education initiative in the state.

The Vice Principal made the commendation during an interactive session with information officers in her office at CSS Oko.

According to her, Gov. Soludo is doing wonders in the education sector. He is really the Solution to what parents need now considering the harsh economic situation of the country.

“I no longer see children who should be in school learning hawking or loitering about the streets anymore due to the Solution government’s free education program from kindergarten to the Senior Secondary Schools in the state.

“It is a great encouragement to us and parents. His Free Education Policy has tremendously helped many parents who are not only indigenes of Anambra State. Every Nigerian and even Non-Nigerian resident in the state is benefiting from his magnanimity.

“Parents are now happily bringing their wards and children to school. It has helped students to return back to school. Those that ran away because of school fees and burden of fees are now coming back to school and going off the streets,” she noted.

She said that the state government’s free education initiative has caused an upsurge of students coming into the school.

“Prior to the introduction of Free Education, we had only three classes(A to C) in our JSS3 and SS1 classes. But now, we are heading to five classes (A to E) due to the increase of students and high response of parents to the Free Education by Gov. Soludo.”

Mrs. Okafor further noted that the state government has done well in terms of equipping and revitalizing public schools in the state.

“The Solution governor through his efforts, is building and repositioning public schools in the state to global standard. About two weeks ago, all the heads of public schools in the state were invited to Awka by the state government and given Physics, Chemistry, Biology and other science equipment for their schools.

“Another great achievement of Gov. Soludo in the educational sector is the employment and deployment of qualified teachers to all the public schools in the state.

“By so doing, he has effectively solved the problem of lack of qualified teachers in our school. Before, we had less than 20 teachers but now, we have about 41 qualified and capable teachers. No more PTA and Auxillary teachers,” she emphasized.

However, the Vice Principal called on the state government and well meaning individuals of Oko community to help them in constructing a proper perimeter fencing round the school as this has posed a huge challenge and insecurity to the school.

“We need perimeter fencing in the school. This is our major challenge. It has affected us so much in the area of controlling our students and security of school properties.

“Many school properties have been stolen and vandalized by intruders who come into the school anyhow because every corner of the school is open and accessible. We, therefore, call on the state government and well to do individuals in the community to help us in combating the insecurity in our school.”

Also, the Senior Prefect of the school, Akpan Chidiebere Israel, expressed gratitude to Gov. Soludo for the Free Education implementation in the state, describing it as a great opportunity provided mostly for intelligent students who hitherto could not afford their school fees.

“Gov. Soludo is really the Solution. He brought solution to the problem of students and even to those children in the village who have not seen the four walls of a school, but can now access Free Education even to their syenior Secondary School classes. All thanks to Prof. Soludo who made their dreams come through,” he said.

*Chioma and Charity are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

FLOOD: ANAMBRA WEST RESIDENTS APPEAL FOR IMMEDIATE GOVT ASSISTANCE

By Felix Igboanugo :

Residents of Anambra West Local Government Area, Anambra State are currently facing a dire situation as the area has been severely submerged by the ravaging flood.

The rising waters have caused widespread damage to homes, farmlands, and infrastructure, leaving many residents displaced and in need of urgent assistance.

In light of this crisis, the residents have made a passionate appeal to federal government, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and Anambra State Government for immediate assistance.

Speaking to information officer, one of the resident, Mr. Okonkwo Odili stressed the urgent need for relief supplies such as food, shelter, and medical assistance.

“Our people are facing extreme hardships, with no shelter, food, or clean water, and the health risks are escalating as waterborne diseases spread unchecked. This situation demands swift and decisive intervention to save lives and provide relief to those affected,” he said.

Mr. Odili explained that the flood was as a result of heavy rainfall and overflowing rivers, resulting in the displacement of hundreds of families, adding that some were forced to seek shelter in makeshift camps or with relatives, as their homes have been inundated with water.

He said that the situation is critical and required prompt action from the state government to provide relief to those affected, appealing to the government to swiftly respond to their appeal and provide the necessary assistance to alleviate the suffering of the flood victims.

As the residents of Anambra West LGA struggle to cope with the aftermath of the flooding, it is crucial that the state government steps in to provide support and assistance to those in need. The plight of the flood victims must not be overlooked, and immediate action is required to address this humanitarian crisis.

*Felix is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

INDUSTRY COMMISSIONER RATES ANAMBRA INDIGENES HIGH IN BUSINESS PROWESS

By Amaka Isikala :

Anambra State Commissioner for Industry, Mr. Christian Udechukwu has rated the people of the state as the most resilient individuals in the Southern states of Nigeria.

He said that the people’s indefatigable prowess and ease in doing business at home and in The Diaspora ranks highest and unbeatable.

Mr. Udechukwu made these assertion while commending the infrastructural and developmental abilities of the people of the state in while giving his open remarks in a sensitization programme in Awka themed, ”Accelerating Made-in Anambra By Developing and Promoting Non-Oil Export In the State“.

The commissioner expressed happiness over the state’s consistence and championship abilities in infrastructural acquisitions and development in the Nigeria business space.

“We recently won an award at SMEDAN event with international partners at the Presidential Villa where we emerged the best and the most friendly SME state in the Southeast.”

Mr. Udechukwu noted that staging the programme remained a significant step in the right direction as it is geared towards enhancing and fine-tunning the living standards of the people and moving their businesses to greater heights.

“We are working very hard to invest for today and investing for tomorrow and all the investments the state has been making as regards non-export products and development are to ensure that our people are healthy.

“The state is offering free ante-natal medical care to pregnant women and we have also introduced free education from primary to secondary school which is an investment in knowledge to ensure that whatever we are doing today continues through the unforeseeable future.

“We are working towards ensuring that by the end of this year, we would have completed at least a minimum of 400 kilometer roads in and around the state.”

He assured that the state government is focused on building a smart mega city implying that any business cited in the state would be able to be easily moved from one point to another point within the shortest possible time considering the road networks of the state.

“We are also working on power because government has recognized the challenges power is possing on SMEs.”

Mr Udechukwu noted that the government is doing all it could to support families and sustain a healthy living standard for ndi Anambra and making the state livable too.

The Regional Coordinator Nigeria Export Promotion Council(NEPC) SouthEast Enugu office, Mr. Macpherson Ileogben in his presentation tagged, “Developing and Promoting Non-oil Exports in Anambra state”, highlighted the agro resources in Anambra state which include availability of fertile land, cassava, vegetables, palm oil, yam and rice.

Others are mineral resources ranging from natural gas, crude oil, ceramics, lead and zinc while investment opportunities consists of trading, manufacturing, healthcare, tourism and Informstion Communication Technology.

Mr. Ileogben pointed out that the reason for export is to earn foreign exchange, increase sales and profit volumes, enhance domestic competitiveness, gain global market share and reduce dependence on existing markets.

He noted that growing non-oil export is a way to address the foreign exchange liquidity challenge and adding value to what we are exporting.

He, then, emphasized that there was need to comply with government’s export regulations, carry out all necessary analysis on products, package and label products approximately as these formed the keys to developing products and also ensuring a viable export strategy.

The Publicity officer Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), Engr. Wariboko Fidelis also a resource person in his presentation, ”Developing the capacity of Exporters to double export in Anambra state through accelerated sensitization of non-oil sector to satisfy standard requirements for International Trade”, expressed that Anambra state has a total land area of 4,865km that is rich in both natural and Human Resources.

“Anambra is the second most densely populated state in Nigeria and their main traditional agro products are vegetables,Palm oil, rice , cassava, maize , citrus fruits while the main solid minerals include kaolin, limestone lead, iron and lignite.”

According to him export promotion offers numerous benefits for developing from accessing global markets to diversifying revenue streams, creating employment opportunities, foastering technological advancements and enhancing productivity.

The President Awka Chamber of commerce Pharm. Uchenna Apakama solicited for adequate sensitization and awareness to enable people have better value for their products and services.

He noted that there was need to organize people in groups, clusters and cooperatives in order to champion export deal and also link industries with them to boost and facilitate trade.

The Desk Officer Export, Ministry of Industry, Dr.Tonia Anyamele in her vote of thanks commended the commissioner for his efforts in keeping the ministry in forefront and in helping to accelerate snd enhance the productivity of ndi Anambra.

She also thanked the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Barr. Samuel Ike for moving the ministry forward and enjoined the participants to make utmost use of the knowledge acquired to enrich their horizon.

Some processed food items by some Anambra producers ranging from palm oil, dry pap, tumeric, beans flour, yam flour, dried oyster, kuli kuli and other spices were on display at the event.

INDUSTRIALISED ANAMBRA: SOLUDO LAYING SOLID FOUNDATION FOR TAKEOFF, STATE RANKING FIRST IN EASE OF DOING BUSINESS AND MOST SME-FRIENDLY – MEFOR

By Rose Oranye :

Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, on Friday, October 18, received the organisers of the South East Business and Investment Summit (SEBIS 2024) at his office in Awka, where he stated that Governor Soludo had laid a solid foundation for the industrialisation of Anambra State.

Addressing the visitors, Mefor, who said he participated in the Investment Summit before he was appointed commissioner, assured the group that Anambra is a worthy partner in their project since the state is setting out to become an industrial hub.

He said the preoccupation of the summit had always been to make the South East the developed haven that its forebears like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Dr. Michael Okpala dreamt of, adding that Governor Soludo has similar visions and is already laying a solid foundation for the industrial transformation of the state through the construction of durable stone base roads and other enablers such as water, power, among others.

“It is self-evident that Anambra is geared towards industrialisation. Go to Nnewi, for example, and you will be convinced that we are inclined not only toward commerce, we are also inclined toward industrialisation, technology, etc. You are in the right place. You will find Anambra a worthy partner in this journey, and I do know your plan matches Mr Governor’s industrialisation agenda.

“Based on a peer review, Anambra state ranks first in ease of doing business in all of southern Nigeria. More importantly, Prof. Soludo has devoted a section of Anambra State as the Anambra Mixed-Use Industrial City (AMIC), stretching from Ogboji, Akpu, and Ufuma to Ekwulobia, as a hub for SMEs and large industries. So, whatever business and investment you want to propose, there’s a space for that already. Whether you are bringing in investors from outside or you want to stimulate local interest in industrialisation and development, the foundation is already laid. So, you are not coming to tell Soludo to start. He is already working in that direction,” Mefor said.

Earlier, the leader of the group and former Commissioner for Environment, Anambra State, Dr Ifedi Okwenna, explained that the summit is an annual reunion meeting of government/policy leaders, investors, and businesses from diverse sectors to promote business and investment and stimulate the South East economy, among others.

He expressed happiness that the Anambra State Government is recognised as an SME-friendly state and urged the commissioner to help facilitate the group’s meeting with Mr Governor.

* Oranye is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAMBRA ASSEMBLY CLERK UGHENU EMPHASIZES IMPORTANCE OF TEAMWORK, COMMITMENT

By Chizoba Okeke :

The new Clerk of Anambra State House of Assembly, Mr. Anthony Ughenu has urged staff of the institution to put in their best in order to achieve the aims and objectives.

Mr. Ughenu while addressing the House of Assembly staff, called for synergy, dedication and unity of purpose.

According to the Clerk, “this meeting is for us to introduce ourselves and to be mindful of protocols and the traditions because responsibilities are all intertwined to make our job better.

“There are things we must do to make this institution function optimally, and efficiency of service delivering is key.

“We are here to be a support staff to the lawmakers and we have been dispensing this responsibility credibly.

“I urge us to make it easier by doing our beat, no matter how inconsequential you think it is. When you do your beat, the House of Assembly will be better for us.

”We need to work together, build a synergy to achieve our goal and also abide by the principles

”Our attitude to work is very important, coming to work and on time too is a requirement for success. We have to show presence, commitment to move the State House forward.

”We will keep on meeting, synergizing and keep on recording success’. Ughenu stated.

In there separate remarks, the acting deputy clerk, Mrs Cynthia Idemobi, and the head of admin, Mrs Uzoh urged the staff to dress decent and modest to work.

* Okeke is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

2024 OFALA FESTIVAL: ONITSHA MONARCH BEMOANS DEVASTATING IMPACT OF NIGERIA’S ECONOMY, INSECURITY

By Juliana Nwachukwu/Ngozi Okoli/Anakor Nkiru :

The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe last Friday, expressed deep concern over the devastating impact of the nation’s economy and insecurity.

Achebe, in his 2024 Ofala message tagged: “Courage Perseverance, Self-reliance” which he translated into Igbo language as , “Onye kwe, Chi’e ekwe”, said the combined effects of the duo of poor economy and insecurity are the spiraling ride in the cost of living, business closures, loss of employment, a general feeling of hopelessness and lack of trust in the government.

According to the monarch, “At last year Ofala, I stated that the previous 12 months were marked by uncertainties occasioned by the aftermath of the general elections, further exacerbated by the continuing insecurity and the effects of the sudden removal of the fuel price subsidy.

” Unfortunately, the well-being of the polity has declined even more steeply in the last 12 months, leading to a 10-day national protest in August 2024 tagged: “End bad governance”, said Obi Achebe.

He expressed disappointment that the federal government had rejected proposals aimed at restoring Nigeria’s former glory. These proposals included devolution of power, downsizing the government, addressing the interconnected issues of insecurity, agriculture, and high cost of living, mitigating the impact of fuel price hikes on the cost of living, and tackling bad governance fueled by corruption and the lavish lifestyles of political leaders.

He therefore called on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to consider alternative views and urgently convene a non-partisan national economic and security summit to forge a collective way forward for the country.

He also decried the enormous economic and social impact on Ndigbo who continue to suffer at the hands of unknown gunmen who have been terrorizing the community, killing, maiming, and kidnapping their own people for ransom, causing widespread fear and disruption. The situation has forced schools, markets, and public facilities to shut down every Monday in compliance with the sit-at-home order.

* Nwachukwu, Okoli and Anakor are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

YOUTHS HAIL 1YOUTH 2 SKILLS AS TOP HUMAN CAPITAL PROJECT…CONFER AWARD OF EXCELLENCE ON ONITSHA SOUTH MAYOR

By Obianuju Azukaego/Juliana Nwachukwu :

The 1 Youth 2 Skills programme initiated by Governor Charles Soludo through Anambra State Ministry of Youths and Empowerment has been hailed as Nigeria’s top Human Capital Development Project.

Mr. Franklin Oyeke, Head of the 1 Youth 2 Skills program in Onitsha South Local Government Area, announced this after presenting an Award of Excellence to Mr Emeka Orji, Mayor of Onitsha South LGA, at his office in the Secretariat.

He described the youth empowerment programme as the best because it has a long term training period of 4 – 6 months unlike the three days training commonly practiced in the society.

Mr. Oyeke who is the councilor Elect, Odakpu ward 1 Onitsha South said that Prof. Soludo at the pilot phase of the programme trained 5000 youths in various skills and vocations and established them to be financially independent.

He stated that many youths in the state through the 1 youth 2 skills have acquired various skills and vocations in the pilot phase while 10,000 youths are still learning skills in different skill acquisition centres in the state.

“The 5000 youths who graduated from the pilot phase of the programme are doing well in their various fields of endeavors.

“The second phase which gave room for 10,000 youths to be trained in various skills is on-going”, he noted.

He also commended the Mayor of Onitsha South LGA, Chief Emeka Orji for impressive developmental strides he has achieved in the area when he was the transition chairman.

He added that youths decided to bestow him an award of excellence to appreciate his innovative quality and as well to encourage him to do more.

Also speaking, the Coordinator, Solution Youths Prenuer Support Group (SYPSG), Onitsha South LG, Mr. Dubem Okonkwo praised the 1 youth 2 skills initiative of the governor while describing it as a solution to unemployment in Nigeria. He said that Prof. Soludo’s innovations are equal to none.

He also commended the visionary quality of Chief Emeka Orji, while congratulating him for winning the just concluded LGA election.

Reacting, Chief Orji appreciated the youths for the award conferred on him and promised to work harder to achieve more success.

He also lauded the governor for the initiative which he confirmed that it is yielding positive results.

The high point of the event was the presentation of a portrait to the Mayor of Onitsha South LGA, Chief Emeka Orji.

* Azukaego and Nwachukwu are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

ANAMBRA YOUTHS TO BENEFIT FROM UNDP, MASTERCARD EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME

BY: Nwokedi Nwanneka A. and Maureen Agbala :

In a bid to drive socio economic development in Nigeria, MasterCard Foundation in partnership with United Nations Development Programmes (UNDP) organized a four-day in-house training tagged “Young Africa Innovates” for young Anambra youths between the ages of 18-35 years in the state.

The training which started on Monday 14th October, 2024 at ASSU Hall, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka was aimed to strengthen the capacity of innovation hubs and local institutions as well as support young innovators from all works of life.

Speaking during the training, the Focal Person United Nations Development Programmes (UNDP), South East, Chiwetalu Okosi stated that Young Africa Innovates ethos is rooted in inclusivity and to ensure that innovators from all works of life are empowered to bring their vision to life.

She also said that at the core of the programme, innovators will be provided with technical support to test, validate and scale up their solutions.

According to her, Anambra is the pilot state for South East and the focus is on Commerce because of the state’s peculiarity on entrepreneurship, so there is need for innovative ideas under the value chain for commerce to find out how we can find new ways of doing commerce to improve. Once we have something new and innovative, the idea will be refined.

“Out of 3000 youths that applied, 300 was selected, there was no academic restriction and the programme was conducted in two batches. After the training they will pitch their ideas and best 30 will be selected and scaled up into incubators stage after which they will be given all they will need to refine these ideas like; seed money, mentorship etc and the refined ideas will further be developed and established,’’ she said.

One of the participants, Mrs Okonkwo Patience Onyinyechi, a fashion designer expressed joy to be selected for the programme, stating that she has learned a lot of new ways to help boost her business.

‘’This is a life changing opportunity, I have learnt so many new things that will help improve my business and also in other fields of works, even if am not selected at the end of the day, my life has richly been impacted positively’’.

Idika Chidimma, one of the resource persons commended the organisers of the programme as it will empower the young innovators and help them address the challenges in the commerce sector.

‘’These young innovators are local talents, they are residents in the state so they know the challenges in the commerce sector, they have been equipped with new ways to address these challenges and also to improve their skills,’’ she said.

* Nwokedi and Agbala are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

GOVERNMENT BEGINS DISTRIBUTION OF RELIEF MATERIALS TO FLOOD VICTIMS IN ANAMBRA

By Chinyere Nwoye :

Anambra State Emergency Management Agency has begun distribution of relief materials to 2024 flood affected Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Anambra State.

Flag off of the distribution which took place at the SEMA warehouse, Awka had some affected LGAs present for immediate collection of their own relief materials.

They are, Ogbaru LGA, Anambra East and Anambra west LGAs.

The items included non food items such as mattresses, buckets, blankets, clothing materials, plates, cups, mosquito nets, soaps and disinfectants.

Executive Secretary, SEMA, Chief Paul Odenigbo noted that four LGAs out of ten have been flooded and Ogbaru is the most effected followed by Anambra East, Anambra west and Ayamelum.

He said, “people are already in Holding Centres so we decided to share these relief items to the displaced persons; all these basic items that we have given them will assist them in the camps”.

Chief Odenigbo noted that Anambra State Government would provide more goodies to the displaced persons as according to him, “this is an immediate relief materials given to them to make them comfortable”.

He said that the Holding Centres have conveniences and other facilities for them too while noting that the water level is rising consistently and that the State Government has started to evacuate people to a higher ground.

“While some people are coming out themselves; getting a boat for evacuation is expensive but we have no other choice as human lives is more Important”.

The Chairman of Ogbaru LGA, Mr. Franklin Nwadialu represented by his liaison officer, Mr. Kezito Onunokwu commended the State Government for the immediate response with the relief materials. He added that a lot of people have been displaced and are in the camps.

“These relief items the people received today from SEMA will lessen their sufferings and we need more food and medical attention,” he said.

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), on Thursday October 17 issued fresh alert warning communities along coastal lines to relocate without further delay.

SEMA, therefore, urged the people to heed the latest warning by relevant Agencies and pick essential items they will be needing while in camp.

ONITSHA AREA COMMAND GETS FACELIFT, NEW COMMANDER ISSUES WARNING TO CRIMINALS

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

The Onitsha Police Area Command in Anambra State has undergone significant transformations since Mr. Nzota Chidi, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), took office two weeks ago as the Area Commander, issuing a stern warning to criminals in the commercial hub of the Southeast, advising them to vacate the area or face severe consequences

The Area Commander with the support of Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Tina Okeke, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), the Inland Town Police Station has achieved notable successes. Within just 10 days of assuming command, Mr. Chidi’s team neutralized two kidnappers, apprehended one, and injured another.

Mr. Chidi reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining law and order in Onitsha and its surroundings, vowing not to tolerate criminal activities. His resolute stance and prompt actions have sent a strong message to criminals, ensuring a safer environment for the community.

“I am in Onitsha to protect lives and property of the residents, there must be nightlife, people should have their freedom of movement and association and can’t be caged by criminals,” he vowed.

The new Area Commander reiterated the need for environmental cleanliness, adding that cleanliness is next to Godliness.

“Everywhere should be kept clean, including our homes to avoid epidemics that can be caused by unhealthy environment. You have to keep your work place clean like your home and that is what I am doing, painting, putting some structures in order.

“Sand procured for some of the structures that looked abandoned now look beautiful and livable. I want to live a legacy of cleanliness and be known as fighter of crimes and criminality in Onitsha even if as a crime burster, I have achieved the feat in other places I worked.

“Any criminal that does not want to leave Onitsha must meet his waterloo and if he doubts me let him wait and see,” he vowed.

He pleaded to residents to always come up with information that will lead to arresting criminals, assuring of the protection of the identity of such informants.

* Nwachukwu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *